3 out of 5

Director: Harold Ramis

When movies are classic, you always have to wonder why. Caddyshack, on one hand, is deserving of its spot as a cult classic thanks simply to the stack of comedic luminaries present in the picture, as well as some of the random wayward elements that peg it as 80s schlock. On the other hand, if this came out now, people would probably consider it awful. So: plotwise things are a mess. Theres sort of something about a golf course being over taken by fuddy duddy millionaires, and maybe theres a caddy who needs money to go to college… Im not really sure. The plot seems like an excuse to string together various scenes, and indeed thats the case, as most of this film was improvised. And therein is the charm. Nowadays comedians are come and go – you simply dont get the kind of history and charisma that old Hollywood allowed in people like Chevy Chase and Bill Murray, and you certainly wouldnt find a Rodney Dangerfield in modern films. Their scenes are hilarious, if wandering (again, due to the improv). But again, is it a good movie? Not really. It is, for sure, early 80s cinema, and if you had no idea what the movie was or who these actors were/are (and youre watching it as an adult), youd probably be a little mystified by the Kenny Loggins score and random, senselessly wandering plot. And the gopher. But: taken as schlock, it is a great way to pass 99 minutes. Ive already taken flack from friends for not considering this comedic gold, but what can I say: its one of those movies that has to grow on you. (Generally as YOU are growing.) I do love that this was considered R back in the day.