STEALING HARVARD (2002)

Directed By: Bruce McCulloch
Written By: Peter Tolan
Story By: Peter Tolan & Martin Hynes
Cinematography By: Ueli Steiger
Editor: Malcolm Campbell

CAST: Jason Lee, Leslie Mann, Megan Mullally, Dennis Farina, Tom Green, John C. McGinely, Tammy Blanchard, Chris Penn, Richard Jenkins, Seymour Cassel, Martin Starr, Bruce McCulloch, Paul Feig, Nick Offerman, Don “The Dragon” Wilson

A man turns to a life of crime to pay for his niece's tuition for her first year at a prestigious university. His girlfriend also wants him to pay $30,000 for the down payment on a house; and his buddy is a bad influence on him.

Before release, the movie was variously known as: "Promises, Promises, Promises", "The Promise", "Stealing U", "Uncle", "Say Uncle", "Stealing Stanford" (Stanford refused to allow it), and "You Promised".

A high concept idea for a film that is rather simple and thin. That isn’t really approved upon by the script. Seems like just filler. The film is clearly aimed at a teenage audience though with an adult cast.

The film is disjointed. While trying to follow a fairly simple storyline. At times it just plain old doesn’t make sense. The comedy seems random silly and episodic. Like they are throwing things against the wall and see what sticks. None of the characters seem believable though they really aren’t meant to . It just seems too loose and not in a good way.

This is a film that seems like the type of film that would normally be saved by comedic actors improving in character to make up for the lack of humor in the script and hopefully saving the day by making it funny. It just seems like the cast here sticks to the script.

Owen Wilson was originally set to play Duff.

Even more shocking is that this was directed by Bruce McCulloch of KIDS IN THE HALL fame. I would expect better of him as an actual funny comedian. As well as Writer Peter Tolan who is a legendary television comedy writer. Watching the film it feels like a lot of respected actors selling their dignity for a fast check as they play their parts and seem proud, but you can’t help but feel sorry for them being in this film. Which is a shame, as I usually enjoy most of the cast in other, better films.

Tom green is actually amusing here as the best friend who comes up with the outlandish plans. It’s understandable that this film was coming out and using him around the small window of time that he was really big. Mainly for shock humor that appealed to juvenile boys. I will admit that I was a fan back in the day. Here he honestly puts up an effort and comes through the whole mess respectfully though this is the type of film that seems would fit naturally.

A few scenes approach being funny due to their more extreme nature and over the top nature.

It’s a shame Jason Lee never really found too many opportunities in Hollywood to broadcast his appeal and talents.

GRADE: F