WELCOME to ARCADIA!!!

HOW I GOT INTO COLLEGE (1989)

Reviewed by Jerry Saravia

Some movies catch you for nostalgic reasons. When "How I Got Into College" was released in 1989, it reminded me of the whole dilemma of good SAT scores and choosing-the-right-college scenarios I had been through the year prior. Ostensibly a comedy, Savage Steve Holland nails all the details right regarding the college application process but comes up somewhat short of satirizing enough of the craziness. From the man who brought us "Better Off Dead" and "One Crazy Summer," "How I Got Into College" is fairly mild and laid back.

A satire can either be laid back or high-pitched yet, regardless of the subject matter, it has to be outrageous, somewhat larger-than-life and full of biting, sharp humor. There is one scene that truly embellishes the onslaught of college applications that can drive you up the wall. It involves college fair day at the high school and Curtis Armstrong (a helluva presence in the annals of comedy, starting with "Revenge of the Nerds") hollers the privileges of attending Arcadia College, a Bible school. Armstrong is spirited and practically steals the movie from everyone. More often than not we are saddled with Corey Parker as Marlon, an underachiever who desperately wants to attend Ramsey College because perky overachiever, Jessica (Lara Flynn Boyle), plans to go there as well - you see, Marlon has a crush on her. Only problem is Corey Parker, who is animated enough, is no John Cusack - he just carries a goofy grin and we can't work up much enthusiasm for his exploits. Lara Flynn Boyle is stirring on screen when she isn't having a nervous breakdown - she is at her best when telling an urban legend to her classmates about a girl's college interview that resulted in suicide.

There are many bright moments in "How I Got Into College" and many bright, fresh actors who bring plenty of vigor to their roles. Tichina Arnold is an African-American student from Detroit who is just as aspiring as any of the rich, elitist students of the Ivy League variety. There is also the snappy duo of Phil Hartman and Nora Dunn as con artists masquerading as SAT teachers. I also liked Finn Carter as a Ramsey recruiter who truly believes, along with her boyfriend (Anthony Edwards), that the college should broaden their horizons in picking college students. Do not go for popcorn or you will miss Richard Jenkins and Diane Franklin as Marlon's parents who laugh at the prospect of this kid even applying for Ramsey (come to think of it, Diane should have played Lara Flynn Boyle's role). Duane Davis is fun to watch as an aspiring college football player who can't speak for himself - his girlfriend and his coach do all the talking.

"How I Got Into College" is a sweet, safe often upbeat comedy. It is not just not all I expect from the likes of Savage Steve Holland who could have brought more pungent wit to the proceedings - the satiric potential doesn't have enough bite. He passes this test, but not with flying colors.