I cannot think of one single thing that I would change about this film. The acting is incomparable, the directing deft, and the writing poignantly brilliant.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.

NATIONAL LAMPOON'S ANIMAL HOUSE is a lively and likeable frat house comedy which may well be the best of its type; it's certainly the most entertaining I've seen, with John Landis' clever direction adding immeasurably to the fun of the proceedings. This is certainly a more enjoyable production than something like AMERICAN GRAFFITI, that's for sure; the kind of film to blow the cobwebs away. The film offers an ensemble cast of performers, all of whom put in energetic turns, none more so than John Belushi whose towering performance dominates the proceedings. Elsewhere, there's a mix of fresh talent (Tim Matheson, Karen Allen, Kevin Bacon) and more seasoned actors in support (the ever-dependable John Vernon and Donald Sutherland, for instance). The film is, like other NATIONAL LAMPOON features, essentially a series of sketches and set-pieces, but they feel fresh and funny, and there's never a dull moment.

It is funny. It is sarcastic. it is critical and boy will you laugh and laugh and laugh. Don't watch if you are a dean at a school.

Animal House is a great movie with a very well written plot and a stellar comedic cast. Being the first of its kind, the film is so iconic that it inspiree comedy films that are still being made today, the frat house, gross out type films that come out continuously now. It has a fun vibe to it throughout and never gets too tied down to its plot, tossing it aside in favour of long, hilarious sequemces. I did feel, however, that the majority of the characters were not established enough. There is really no lroper development given to anyone, which I know waa probably intentional, but it just made it difficult to route for them at times, cause we were not fully aware of who they are as people. The cast is all around terrific and have a great presence in their individual roles. The highlight is, without any doubt, John Belushi, who steals evety scene with his spontaneous, flamboyant energy. The man was clearly a brilliant comedian and it is always a pleasure to watch him onscreen. Great fun from beginning to end. Hilarious and easy to watch, I would certainly recommend Animal House to anyone looking for a good comedy. A college frat house toss aside work in favour of shenanigans. Best Performance: John Belushi

This is a very silly movie and it did make me laugh. But not a huge amount. John Belushi is a talented comedian and did a few things that were highly entertaining (perving through a window, smashing a guitar, sneaking around, imitating a zit). But overall, nothing in the movie is particularly sophisticated or brilliant. It's generally fun but little more.Stephen Fry once compared American to English comedy, referencing this movie. The American style involves loud characters who annoy people. The English approach involves people trying to be clever and successful but failing miserably, often being oblivious to various problems around them. I tend to prefer the latter kind of comedy. In general, I prefer it when I like the characters. In Animal House, many of them are likeable BUT they do a lot of stupid and rude things which makes it less enjoyable. That they annoy arrogant, unpleasant characters makes it more bearable.This may be one of the better movies in its genre - the teen sex comedy. But it's not that great a genre so it's really not saying a lot. There isn't much heart to the movie. The characters are empty and don't change. And the scenes don't really progress meaningfully with few if any consequences as the movie goes along. For me, it's dated and mildly entertaining with a few highlights.