There is an undeniable void in Saturday night television. This infinite abyss is Will Ferrell’s absence. But the withdrawal pangs fans suffered after his departure from Saturday Night Live are soothed by the release of genius comedy “Old School.”
Todd Phillips’ “Old School” is the coming-of-age story of three average thirty-something males: Mitch (Luke Wilson), Beanie (Vince Vaughn) and Frank (Will Ferrell). After Mitch discovers his girlfriend’s secret sexual fetishes first hand and Frank’s life as a newlywed turns sour, Beanie decides the group needs to focus more on their “brotherhood.” By this, Beanie means unashamed regression into their early twenties.
The trio promptly forms an “egalitarian” fraternity unbiased to age or social status, where brothers don’t even need to be college students.
K.Y. Jelly wrestling, beer-bong hits and streaking ensue, and the middle-aged family men with corporate jobs are reliving their golden years.
But, true to traditional frat flicks, such as Animal House and Nerds, there is a rivaling force trying to spoil the fun. The dean of the adjourning campus, Mr. Prichard (Jeremy Piven), who was bullied by Mitch and his crew as a kid, has it out for the misfit fraternity.
Absurd twists of fate leave one 89-year-old person dead, Frank with third-degree burns and 11 college students facing expulsion. The destiny of the fraternity boils down to a cross-campus brawl between Frank and Prichard.
Simply put, “Old School” is hysterical. The dynamic among Vaughn, Wilson and Ferrell is balanced amazingly.
“There is something in their energies that mixes together to create something that’s delicious to watch,” said executive producer Ivan Reitman. “The cockiness of Vince Vaughn is a perfect foil to the kind of innocence of Will Ferrell. And then you have Luke Wilson, God bless him, who is right down the middle.”
The plot is basic, but each scene is beautifully timed mainly because of Ferrell’s talent. His physical comedy surpasses Jim Carrey, and his bursts of anxiety and madness challenge the best of Chris Farley.
Wilson’s charm and sensitivity help carry him through the primary role. Vaughn as a married man trying to satisfy his inner 20-year-old is reminiscent of his role in “Swingers.” His aggressive and selfish personality help push the plot forward. Both Vaughn and Wilson are established as impressive actors. Seeing them interact with the cartoon-like Ferrell is truly enjoyable.
“The opportunity to work with Vince Vaughn and Luke Wilson was the biggest thing for me. Then I met Todd Phillips and thought that the combination of the four of us … had the potential for a really fun comedy,” Ferrell said.
The supporting cast also is inviting. Leah Remini, Sean William Scott, Craig Kilborn, Juliette Lewis, Snoop Dog and Andy Dick contribute to the film’s hilarity.
“Old School” remakes our fathers’ Never-Never Land. Now, while they are stuck holding purses in Mervin’s or staring blankly at their cubicle walls the “Old School” fantasy loops in their balding, partially gray heads.