Marlon Brando's Surprise Comedy Hit: A Look Back at The Freshman

In 1990, a comedy film titled "The Freshman" hit the screens, starring the legendary Marlon Brando.

Initial Skepticism

Before its release, Brando had some harsh words for the movie, calling it a "stinker" and predicting its failure. This didn't exactly set the stage for a successful launch.

The film was a comedy where Brando parodied his iconic role as Don Vito Corleone from "The Godfather." Despite the director's previous successes, the box office performance of his first directorial venture had been disappointing.

Brando later apologized for his comments, but the damage was already done. Critics approached the film with skepticism, but they were pleasantly surprised.

Critical Acclaim

Roger Ebert, a renowned film critic, gave it high praise. He admired Brando's performance, stating that it was not just a cheap imitation but a clever and funny take on his famous role. Ebert also appreciated the unique storytelling and the quirky humor throughout the film.

Plot and Highlights

"The Freshman" follows Matthew Broderick's character, a film student who gets entangled in a series of bizarre events involving a Komodo dragon. The film is filled with odd and amusing moments, like a scene featuring Bert Parks singing Bob Dylan's "Maggie's Farm."

Ebert noted that the supporting cast seemed in awe of Brando, which added to the film's charm. Despite its initial rocky start, "The Freshman" turned out to be a hidden gem in the comedy genre.