Rating: PG13
Genre:
Comedy Drama
Release Date: 05/18/1999
Dubbed: English/French
Sound: 5.1/2
Run Time: 101 Minutes
Distributor/Studio: Warner Home Video
Harvard University graduate
Alek Keshishian directed this tale about a homeless man who teaches some snotty Harvard students a thing or two about real life. Monty (
Brendan Fraser) is a self-absorbed graduate student who is obsessed with finishing his thesis on government so that he can satisfy his demanding teacher, Professor Pitkannan (
Gore Vidal). When Monty loses his precious thesis in the basement of the library's heating plant, it is found by a homeless man living there, Simon (
Joe Pesci). Simon agrees to return the thesis one page at a time in return for certain favors. The relationship with the bearded vagabond changes Monty's view of life, and it also affects his housemates, who include Everett (
Patrick Dempsey), a wisecracking radio host; Courtney (
Moira Kelly), who is immature and sex-obsessed; and the studious nerd Jeff (
Josh Hamilton). Simon becomes something of a father figure to Monty, argues history with Professor Pitkannan, and provides an earthy balance to the overly academic viewpoint of the students.
~ Michael Betzold, All Movie Guide
