With the spring term coming to a close and seniors gearing up to graduate and go out into the real world, it can be sad to reminisce on all the good times you had in your four years of college. If you’re looking to find something past the time before graduation or to get nostalgic about the good old days, here are five films to watch before you move on to the real world.
5. Legally Blonde
The 2001 romance comedy, “Legally Blonde,” follows the fish-out-of-water format by telling the story of a sorority girl Elle Woods who attempts to win back her ex-boyfriend by attending Harvard Law School to get her law degree. Throughout the film, Elle realizes that her potential is not restricted to her looks and stereotypes and proves her peers wrong. Starring Reese Witherspoon, Luke Wilson, Matthew Davis and Jennifer Coolidge, “Legally Blonde” has an ensemble of actors that scream the early 2000s perfectly for its time and genre. Witherspoon as Elle brings energy and inspiration to her character with vibrant fashion and style, making this a heartwarming and entertaining film for all with a glimpse into the law world.
4. The Social Network
If there is one movie that’s going to be on any movie buff’s “must-watch list,” it’s “The Social Network.” Starring Jesse Eisenberg as Mark Zuckerberg and Andrew Garfield as Eduardo Saverin, this David Fincher film portrays the creation of Facebook from when Zuckerberg was in college to when it eventually turned into a social network and the personal and legal issues he must face. In 2011, “The Social Network” won three Academy Awards for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Film Editing and Best Music. Fincher and Aaron Sorkin, screenwriter, then went on to win four Golden Globes as well. Although this film receives backlash for its accuracy in telling the creation of Facebook and the betrayal involved, Fincher showcases the complex relationship between two friends and the complications of business and social influence. The film also gives an insight into the connectivity of college students before society became so reliant on the Wide Web and social networks.
3. Old School
“Old School,” an underrated Will Ferrell comedy from 2003, is a hysterical college film with witty dialogue and exaggerated situations along with numerous iconic and memorable scenes. Along with Ferrell, Luke Wilson and Vince Vaughn play three best friends. When Mitch (Wilson) moves into a new house to get his life back on track, it happens to be near a college campus. The three friends see the advantages of embracing college life and eventually turn their house into a party house. Todd Phillips brings a sense of nostalgia to the screen with these three as they attempt to relive the fun they had in their youth. The film showcases how the value of friendship and camaraderie made in college can last past graduation. In this film, there is never a dull moment with the quotable dialogue and strong three leads.
2. Good Will Hunting
Good Will Hunting, an influential film from the 1990s written by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, won Academy Awards in 1998 for Best Original Screenplay. Damon and Affleck were family friends growing up in Boston, and once Damon finished college at Harvard University he met up with Affleck in Los Angeles to craft the script for their feature film “Good Will Hunting.” Even though they wrote it in their early 20s, the film didn’t start production until Affleck was 25 and Damon was 27. The film follows Damon’s character, Will Hunting, who is a mathematical genius and works as a janitor at MIT. Once his talents are discovered by a professor he makes a deal to work with him and attend therapy sessions with Sean Maguire (Robin Williams). This drama delves deep into the struggle of self-acceptance that many college students experience, but also the lasting impact that the relationships we build have on our personal development. Damon and Williams leave it on the table to show that compassion and love goes a long way in healing emotional scars.
1. Animal House
“Animal House” is in the number one spot on this list, which should not be a surprise for the majority of students at the University of Oregon. Released in 1978, this comedy has been a cornerstone to the culture and connection for everyone that bleeds green and yellow. From toga parties to “Shout,” “Animal House” was the film that started it all here. The film follows two freshmen, Larry (Thomas Hulce) and Kent (Stephen Furst), who look to join a fraternity and end up pledging the Delta Tau Chi House. With the school dean out to get the Delta’s, they battle to stop their chapter from being revoked while still living the college experience. With memorable quotes from “Bluto” and slapstick humor, this film set the standard for college comedies to come. It captures the essence of being in Greek Life in college. As it was filmed on the Oregon campus, you are sure to see a house or a building in the film that you recognize from your years of being a duck. If you haven’t seen this cult classic before graduating, it’s a must-watch.
