With the start of the new semester upon us, what better way to escape the stress of back-to-school than kicking back and watching some movies? All these films deal with the dilemmas of life in college. From a silent film era comedy to an animated family classic and something scary for those looking for a thrill, there is something to fit any mood.
‘The Freshman’ – 1925
Although he may not be as often discussed as Charlie Chaplin or Buster Keaton, Harold Lloyd was one of the biggest stars of silent film era comedies. “The Freshman” follows Speedy, played by Lloyd, as he navigates college social life and his (often failed) attempts to earn the respect of his peers. The physical comedy in this still holds up really well and if you’ve ever been interested in silent film or the early days of comedy this is a great place to start. Be sure to watch out for one of my favorite scenes where Speedy attempts to rescue a stray kitten — because even almost 100 years ago, audiences just couldn’t resist a cute cat.
Streaming on Max
Available to rent from Apple TV and Amazon
‘An Extremely Goofy Movie’ – 2000
In this sequel to 1995’s “A Goofy Movie,” Goofy is struggling to cope with his son Max leaving for college. Max, on the other hand, is eager to have time away from his clingy father and focus on college life, more specifically the school’s X Games. After an unfortunate toy factory incident, Goofy finds himself unemployed and his only hope for a new job is to return to school and finish his degree. Now reunited on campus, father and son are thrown into many, dare I say … goofy, antics. With a corrupt frat house, plenty of 2000s nostalgia and even a love interest for Goofy, this movie has plenty to offer. And if you need one more push to watch, listen closely to Max, voiced by Jason Marsden. You might recognize him from another Disney classic, “Hocus Pocus,” in which he voices loveable cat Thackery Binx.
Streaming on Disney+
Available to rent from Apple TV, Amazon, and YouTube
‘Urban Legend’ – 1998
The amount of horror movies that take place at school are endless. Probably because nothing is scarier than having to get back into a routine of early mornings and homework. “Urban Legend,” however, sticks out as a perfect movie for this list simply because one of its main characters is a student journalist. When students around campus begin dying in ways that mimic classic urban legends, Natalie begins to wonder if her past is coming back to haunt her. She teams up with Paul, played by Jared Leto, a journalist eager to expose the truth behind these killings and learn more about the campus’s dark history. Horror fans will be happy to spot Robert Englund, who some might better recognize as Freddy Krueger, playing a college professor who conveniently teaches a class on urban legends. So grab some pop rocks and your favorite soda and check this one out.
Available to rent from Apple TV, Amazon, and YouTube
