Film school 101.

A27

Sandra Fitzpatrick

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So you've chosen your major, your minor, your trade or what have you. For some of you it may be 'inebriology' with Professor Jack Daniels, for others human anatomy may be the subject of choice...some of you may even have legitimate education and study on the brain. But regardless of the path you take to higher learning, one subject is guaranteed to get you through the hard times. Whether it's the morning after, or a break from the books, a good movie provides the escape you need. Here are a few post-secondary picks, some mainstream and some hidden gems, to prepare you for the year ahead.

1) American Pie 2 (2001) "" These films helped bring back the raunchy teen comedies that were so popular in the '80s. The original cast reunites for summer vacation after a first year of university. Sex, drinks and a piece of pie...what's not to like? American Pie was one of the best in the genre and it's rare to see a sequel as good, if not better than the original.

2) A Beautiful Mind (2001) "" For the more studious type, this drama was an Oscar winner for Best Picture. Russell Crowe plays real-life mathematician John Nash whose overactive brain puts him through a lifetime of struggles. Intriguing and thought provoking with great performances from Crowe, Ed Harris and Jennifer Connelly.

3) Threesome (1994) "" Yeah, it's exactly what it sounds like. Stephen Baldwin (best known as the slimy Baldwin) stars in this comedy about two guys and one girl who end up sharing a whole lot more than a dorm apartment. Despite the topic it's a surprisingly touching and insightful movie about relationships and how people can affect your life in unexpected ways.

4) Legally Blonde (2001) "" Get out the hair bleach and that pink blazer! This little comedy became a phenomenon and shot Reese Witherspoon to superstardom, not to mention spawning a sequel (although not a good one) and becoming a Broadway musical. Law school never looked so good.

5) Good Will Hunting (1997) "" Not a personal favourite, but I thought I'd include it here since it was definitely a launch pad for a lot of really big careers. You could say that Matt Damon and Ben Affleck got a working education by writing this film about a university janitor with a gift for math.

6) Wonder Boys (2000) "" One of my favourites starring Michael Douglas as an English professor struggling to finish the book he's been writing for seven years! Unfortunately his mid-life crisis is getting in the way. Robert Downey Jr., Tobey Maguire, Frances McDormand and Katie Holmes round out the incredible cast of this dark comedy.

7) School Ties (1992) "" Before Matt and Ben became superstars with Good Will Hunting they starred alongside Brendan Fraser in this historical drama set in the 1950s. Themes of jealousy, anti-Semitism and the meaning of friendship make this a pretty tense story.

8) Art School Confidential (2006) "" Jerome is used to being admired for his artistic talent, but when he goes away to art school in New York he realizes he might not be so unique after all. It seems the whole school is consumed by jealousy and ambition. Lots of interesting twists, and dark humour make this indie film one to watch.

9) Cruel Intentions (1999) "" Sexual exploits, manipulation and corruption rule the lives of a group of New York prep school students. I was skeptical about this teen remake of Dangerous Liasons (a personal favourite) but the performances squeezed out of the young cast were surprisingly good. Ryan Phillippe must have studied John Malkovich's every move since he oozes the same brooding, sexual menace.

10) Old School (2003) "" Will Ferrell, Vince Vaughn and Luke Wilson play a group of friends tired of adult responsibilities. They decide to start their own frat house and recapture their glory days. Raunchy and tasteless, but with enough memorable characters and funny moments to redeem itself.

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There's a lot to be learned from these films, and if you're sick of learning you can at least sit back with some cold pizza and stale beer for mind-numbing entertainment. Have a great year!

Check out previous reviews at PopcornPhilosophy.com