Old School

Starring: Luke Wilson, Will Ferrell, Vince Vaughn, Ellen Pompeo, Sara Bryan

Directed by: Todd Phillips

RS: 2of 4 Stars

2003 Comedy

Back in February, this thirtysomething Animal House did better at the box office than it really deserved. The comic idea was far superior to its execution. Still, Vince Vaughn, Luke Wilson and especially Will Ferrell do wonders with their underwritten roles as former college buds -- two now married -- who use a rental house near campus to revert to their frat-boy days, including brewskis, topless wrestling contests and streaking (another indecent-exposure op for Ferrell -- what's with this guy?).

The extras are more fun than the movie, especially a goof on Bravo's pompous Inside the Actors Studio with Ferrell (as host James Lipton) interviewing his co-stars and himself. There are also deleted scenes, a funny blooper reel and some mildly obscene designs on the DVD menu. Don't get too excited that the Old School disc is also available in an unrated version. The added T&A is mostly Ferrell's.

PETER TRAVERS
(June 4, 2003)