Customer Reviews

Making the Grade

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I know what you're thinking. "Judd Nelson in a 80's teen movie. Pass" Such is your misfortune, because Making the Grade is a cut above most 80's teen movies, mainly because of an great supporting cast, led by screenwriter Dana Olsen in one of the great characters from 80's teen flicks, preppy slob Palmer Woodrow III. The plot is fairly simple. Palmer has to graduate from prep school, so, like all rich kids, he hires an impostor from the streets (Judd Nelson) to impersonate him at his new prep school, while he spends some quality slacking time. Unfortunately, he has picked a guy with a questionable pass, which will return to haunt them all. The two leads aren't very interesting and the fish out of water plot is hardly new, but once you get past that, you will be laughing at everyone else in the movie. Just remember Palmer's creed, "I'm rich, I don't have to be nice," and all will be well.

"'ha-ha-haa, ha-ha-haa, ha-ha-ha-ha-haa-haaaa' a manly laugh, for manly men such as we" These, and other infamous quotes will undoubtedly go down in history as misunderstood genius. Or, maybe, they will just go down in history. Regardless, Making the Grade chronicles the mishaps of that zany group, Palmer, Eddie, and the charasmatic Dice, as they trapse throughout Hoover prep in search of Love, money, and those last 11 minutes on the hour. In addition, the sound track by Shandi brings such incredible emotional swells that one can only be reduced to tears. Even if you aren't a fan of 80s B movie genre, you find a loveable cast carving out shards of humanity in a humanistic drama wrought by cunning deception and vengeful greed. A great movie depicting a classic era. Its also a great educational film. Quotes like "remember, its almost NEVER the letter E" got me through a prestigious medical school. Give this one time, its an acquired taste, like Brie. You will love it.

I was surprised to see this movie available on DVD. It was a long time since I had seen this movie, and viewing it again brought back some great memories from the '80s. Judd Nelson plays a street kid that switches places with a rich guy, and goes to Prep School for him. Lots of Preppies, and laughs are what this movie is all about! This classic was a Golan & Globus Production, which also gave us movies like "Breakin'", and "Invasion USA" If you like '80s teem comedies, this one is a "must have" for your collection.

Okay, I know this movie is twenty years old. I know in the 80's it was ignored. I know it's not the best film but I enjoyed it.I also know I should be glad it's even available on DVD in the first place but the DVD was pathetic. I am surprised they offered the trailer but no special features whatsoever? Even films from the 50's and 60's that are on DVD have commentary. I wanted to see old interviews and updates about the stars, especially Jonna Lee who I haven't heard of since the 80's. I used to love Judd Nelson and first saw this film when I was barely four. The DVD should have offered commentary from Judd Nelson ( it's not like he has anything better to do these days ) or at least Andrew Dice Clay. Something! I am sick of studios shoving out DVDs that cost fourteen dollars and sticking you with an unclear muffled trailer, no commentary, no special features...nothing! Judd Nelson made his film debut in this movie and he did a damn good job. Now why couldn't the DVD live up to that?

The four stars are for the film. I give one star for the DVD version.

This is a funny screwball prep-school comedy; most plot devices are pretty standard but it is amusing nonetheless. Of course it is one of Judd Nelson's first movies, and although there are no surprise endings here, it is a fun way to spend a couple of hours. Andrew Dice Clay shows up for a while, harkening back to an era when his film presence wasn't poison (pre MTv ban). Overall an enjoyable movie.

I had not seen this comedy for at least 20 years, before watching this last night. I was surprised how many little moments I remembered, but did not realize they were from this movie! The film starts out a little cheesy,but does pick up once the premise has been set up. The movie feature Andrew "Dice" Clay in a small,but important role. Dice pulls off a couple of funny impressions of Travola and Pacino and plays his "Dice Man" to the hilt. I like the movie because it has not been over played and it does have it's moments. The cast is good, there is a little twist on the same old story and you gotta love that generic 80's music! The DVD transfer looks good.

This is one of the best comedy movies from the 1980's!
I remmeber watching it when I was around 14 on cable with my friends and we were laughing like mad. I am older now, and I still can watch it over and over again (well over 3 times a year). It is hard to become tired of this movie if you like funny situations that take you back. And yes, it is a movie that shows preppies in vivid color, e.g., the dude w/ antique cars on his pants!

There are many jokes that you may not "notice" until having viewed it several times.

Yeah, some of the music and score is pure early 80's, but you can overlook it.

This is a classic 80's comedy -- one that not many people know anything about, but that only makes it better. Thus, it is a Classic worthy of a following.

"Yo Muffy!" "Yo?" Now that is not preppie . . .

Give this a try, and the one-liners will carry with you for a long time.

For the longest time the cinematic treasure was not available on DVD, and I had to scower the internet for copies of this film on VHS. It was worth the time, effort and money because the is a GREAT film.
If you remember the 80's then be prepared to laugh uncontrollably. The Preppies in the movie will seem over the top to many, and maybe they are slightly, but not as over the top as you would think. This is so funny to see the pink and green, the terrible nicknames, and the pomposity of wealth at it's highest.
The cast is terrific, the writing is excellent and the movie is hilarious. It stars Judd Nelson, in his very best role as the punk that a rich snob pays to go to an elite and very preppy boarding school. Andrew Dice Clay appears in the film, I think his very first on screen appereance, and he does the Dice character that he will repeat later on to much fame and fortune. Luckily for the viewer he also does in much funnier here then he did later on. Dana Olsen plays the rich kid who pays Judd Nelson, and after watching this film you will wonder why he never made it big. He was laugh out loud funny. The rest of the supporting cast is terrific too. BUY THIS NOW! You will not regret it. Especially if you remember the early 80's and you read The Preppy Handbook. Then this film is a must see!!!

I've been wanting to see this movie again after not seeing it in numerous years. This is so funny, I recommend it to anyone who needs lots of great laughs. Anyway - it brings me to tears!

This was one of my favorite least known '80s movies. Except for Nelson most of the actors were/are relatively unknowns. That doesn't stop this film from having a lot of the things that will remind you of how funny the '80s were.