PCU (1994)

A "pre-frosh" visits the campus of Port Chester University and soon becomes embroiled in the politics of college life between The Pit (the party house) and the politically correct factions, including the Cause-Heads, the Womynists, the Afrocentrists and other protest groups. It's an amusing premise for sure, but never quite reaches its satirical potential. Mainly, I find it a curiosity as to how much PC culture has changed in the intervening 30 years. This feels very, very tame compared to the madness that exists today. Weirdly, the most relatable character is played by David Spade, who is deemed the villain here. Ironically, the film lacks the conviction to lean into political incorrectness. Perhaps if it were R-rated, it would have more bite. Compared to classic college comedies like Animal House and Dead Man on Campus, it doesn't really hold up.

2 Caine-Hackman theories out of 5

High School High (1996)

If you're not in the right frame of mind for these types of comedies, they can get pretty exhausting after about five minutes. That might be part of the reason this movie never grew on me over the years. A professor is demoted from an esteemed college to an urban high school where he gets even less respect, and has to turn around and inspire the young minds. Jon Lovitz heads this spoof on Blackboard Jungle, Dangerous Minds, Stand and Deliver, Lean on Me and other "inner city" movies featuring disillusioned youth. I've always felt that Lovitz was an underrated actor and Tia Carrere has always been severely underutilized, so this has its charms, but it's not without its faults. Sadly, the satire factor is lacking, and it becomes the very thing it's trying to skewer.

2 nails on a chalkboard out of 5