Up the Academy
Up the Academy
R | 06 June 1980 (USA)
Up the Academy Trailers

Four boys are sent, for different reasons, to a Military Academy. The life of discipline asks a lot of the four geeks. Of course these boys know how to make a party out of the hard times. Will they be "real men" after one year.

Reviews
SnoReptilePlenty

Memorable, crazy movie

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Stevecorp

Don't listen to the negative reviews

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Humaira Grant

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

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Ezmae Chang

This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

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Jay Raskin

This is an early "gross-out" movie, where most of the comedy comes from kids going through puberty. It is kind of a teenager soft-core porno spoof without sex or nudity. It is a bit offensive and a bit gratuitous, but not that much to be upset or satisfied with it.I liked the irrelevance of it. It doesn't bother to attack the idea of a military academy, but just treats it as an absurdity from the beginning. I like the fact that it doesn't have any kind of sentimental development where the kids learn to appreciate their school at the end.Unfortunately, the plot is pretty mindless with four diverse students defending themselves against a rather bullying and vicious militaristic instructor (Ron Leibman). The best moments are just absurd, fast gags that are justpointless and silly. For example, Barbara Bach wears a loose fitting shirt that almost shows her nipples as she instructs students in handling military weapons. We never learn why she would want to turn on her male students in this way, but we do see the students panting and there is the suggestion that they are masturbating. Obviously, this is a male fantasy with little possibility of ever happening in reality.I think it is sad that the film was so poorly received that it effectively ended Robert Downey Senior's feature film-making career. He does direct with a carefree, fun style and makes the best out of a mediocre script. A film he did about a dozen years after this, "Hugo Pool" is much better and worth seeing.

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jimel98

Honestly, I don't recall a lot about this movie. I recall getting a few laughs and that Ron Leibman is in it (though he refuses to acknowledge it) and that Mad Magazine tried to compete with National Lampoon in the movie biz, but otherwise, eh, whatever.BUT! There is a scene in which the school hosts a dance with the girl's school nearby. The entertainment is a group called, "The Landmines" which not only reflects its military academy connection, but it's ability to blow up when least expected. This is the one thing I DO recall from this movie. When I saw this in the theatre the year it came out, I recall sitting and occasionally chuckling until that magic moment when "The Landmines" came on stage and began to swing. That group got some of the biggest howls of laughter from me. What a total lack of talent and yet, no followers like Bob Dylan! Go Figure! If you got a few extra bucks and want to rent a movie that you don't have to pay attention to, this is it, UNTIL "The Landmines" show up to perform. Then, you should pay close attention.

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Cam Holmes

Misfits at a military school? Hmmmm, sounds funny, maybe offensive to some. You have the characters there, the Arab thief, the sex crazy teen, the smart mouth, the pot smoker, and not to forget, the guy who burns things. Throw in a strict no nonsense Sergent, a homosexual Sergent and one sexy ammunition teacher and it makes one crazy film adventure.I have seen this film and it is funny, because the comedy is revolved around the fact that if you try to work together, things get done.These band of misfit students at Weinberg Military school have been placed in here because, as Sgt Liceman quotes "because you are outcasts, embarrassments to your families and communities, disgraces." One of Ralph Macchio's earlier performances before the Karate Kid and My Cousin Vinny, with appearances from Barbara Bach as well, this film appeals to teens and young adults.Great soundtrack keeps the film moving.

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lickstain

This is one of the greatest 80s movies!!! It sticks out like a "turd in a punchbowl"!! I can't believe Mad Magazine denounced it or whatever. And yet, they proudly put their name on a show with "Stuart", "I-speak-a-no-enlish Chinese lady" and "UPS guy on speed". What's up with that? And, I LOVE Ron Leibman-he's foxy!! Wonder why he had his name removed from the credits? It was his funniest role that I know of. Of course, he's not nearly as foxy as he was in Norma Rae. But, in my opinion, this movie is right up there with National Lampoon's Vacation. If you liked movies such as Porky's, Fast Times, Last American Virgin, or any of the other 80s teen-focused movies, you'll love this one!! Rent it and you'll see what I mean!!

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