PCU (1994)

As far as homages to / imitations of "Animal House" go, this has to rank as a pretty good one. It's got good characters, some amusing dialogue, decent satire of special interest groups, and a cool soundtrack. Its pacing is acceptable, its running time brief (81 minutes in total), and its spirit irresistible.

Marking a rare directorial effort by actor Hart Bochner (who's best known as weaselly executive Ellis in the action classic "Die Hard"), "PCU" features Chris Young as Tom Lawrence, a clean cut, wide eyed "normal" sort of guy who is checking out Port Chester University to see if he'd like to go there in the fall. He gets caught up in the fervor of various "politically correct" activists, as well as the activities of the wacky guys and gals of The Pit, a student group known for their nonconformity.

As you may guess from that running time, there's really not that much story here, but there are enough laughs to keep the movie watchable. Jeremy Piven contributes a charismatic star turn as "Droz", leader of The Pit. Megan Ward and Sarah Trigger supply appealing love interests for Young and Piven. Jessica Walter does fine as an easier-on-the-eyes version of Dean Vernon Wormer. David Spade is extremely well cast as the snooty and smarmy preppie McPherson. There are also engaging performances by actor / director Jon Favreau and Alex Desert. George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic further spice things up with their appearance. The climactic party shows how sometimes people just need to lighten up and enjoy life a little more.

With its well defined protagonists and antagonists, the end is appropriately satisfying, and overall "PCU" provides solid entertainment to those just looking to have a good time.

Seven out of 10.

Fmovies: When they made this, it was a parody. All the groups were extremely exaggerated, for comedic effect. Now, in 2019, we know, too late, that it was a warning. And the groups are actually like that, now. Only it's not funny.

A MOVIE TO WATCH IF YOU WANT TO LAUGH

Gutter and Droz will make you laugh and it doesn't need raunchy scenes to do it. It is just in your face funny. There are a very good number of positive postings about this movie so I know the DVD release is because this is a cult classic, and it will become a much bigger one if more people actually knew about the movie. I only believe that there has been one college movie released before or after PCU that compares to it and that is Old School.

As far as Animal House goes don't get me wrong, awesome movie. But it is overrated because it was the trend setter in this kind of movie which in my opinion doesn't make a movie great.

I have little faith in the DVD having great behind the scenes or deleted scenes but if it has one cool thing on it i think it is worth it.

F- this 5.8 rank. I find it funny that according to the poll's description men over 45 give the movie an average of a 3.8 vote which is by far the worst. WTF, I don't watch movies in the 70's that i don't understand and give them a rank of 1/10. So, F- these people that bash what they don't and can't understand. So if you have seen it and love it vote and help up the rank so more people have more of an incentive to watch this great movie.

-ding ding ding, Gutter tell her what she's won :)

PCU fmovies. The movie features an incredible cast with Jeremy Piven anchoring the lead role, and featuring David Spade in a usual tie-wearing, brown nosing politician egocentric.

The movie from beginning to the end was fun and funny, yet doing their part to point out the vast political correctness and sensitivity society is in these days. The only thing was it felt like a ripoff of Animal House (only a PG13 version). The fraternity on campus that causes problems for the university...the dean trying to run them out of the school...the alcohol...the parties and the dean's personal student monkey.

But for those that could care less about originality...this movie is a must-see.

I'm sorry, maybe it's because I attend ultra-liberal UC Santa Cruz, but let me tell you I love this movie. I see people like this on a daily basis, and this movie hits it right on the head. I think Animal house is better overall, but I gave it a worse score because PCU just clicks with me. I can relate to it really well, and this is almost 10 years after it's release. The line where the school president is asking about the future of the academics programs is hilarious and is close to being true. It goes...

"I think bi-sexual Asian studies should have it's own building. But what goes? The math department or the hockey team, I say hockey."

That's not exact but VERY close and very funny. If you are going to college these days you MUST see this movie, I think you will laugh even more then you do at Animal House! Spade is brilliant as ever too.

Zoopansick

Hit Me!!!

Jeremy Piven really is impressive in this role, which frankly gained my attention. This really makes the film..... HE IS THE FILM, well almost.

Is It For U?

Hate over glossy hollywood productions? prefer smaller budgets and original acting?

So....

This is PCU, a college film unlike Road Trip or American Pie 1,2,3,126,5002, whatever... Some gloss, great acting(my god it really does make the film!), good setting, good script, no great script!!!

However...

Two points though... the plot is not the most complicated ever.... the characters are sometimes stereotypical and predictable... but thats college movies... how else can it be done..

Trust me.... this made my year! BB