With Honors (1994)

Convinced his thesis will have him graduate with honors from Harvard University, a stuffy student finds himself at the mercy of a homeless man's demands when he holds the papers hostage.

Director:

Alek Keshishian

Writer:

William Mastrosimone

Stars:

Joe Pesci, Brendan Fraser, Moira Kelly

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Joe Pesci	...	Simon
Brendan Fraser	...	Monty
Moira Kelly	...	Courtney
Patrick Dempsey	...	Everett
Josh Hamilton	...	Jeff
Gore Vidal	...	Pitkannan
Deborah Lake Fortson	...	Homeless Woman
Marshall Hambro	...	Security Guard
Melinda Chilton	...	Helga
Harve Kolzow	...	Harvard Cop
James Deuter	...	Judge
Caroline Gibson	...	Donation Student
M. Lynda Robinson	...	Newspaper Purchaser #1
Richard Auguste	...	Newspaper Purchaser #2
Patricia B. Butcher	...	Librarian

Storyline

Monty is a student, and when his computer crashes, he's left with only a single paper copy of his thesis. Frightened of losing it, he immediately rushes out to photocopy it, only to stumble and drop it down a grate. Searching the basement of the building, he discovers that it has been found by Simon, a squatter. Simon makes a deal with Monty: for every day's accomodation and food that Monty gives him, he will give a page of the thesis in return.

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Plot Keywords:

harvard university | homeless man | college student | friendship | unlikely friendship | 

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Taglines:

If you want a degree go to Harvard. If you want an education go to Simon Wilder.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for language and brief sensuality

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

29 April 1994 (USA)

Also Known As:

With Honors

Filming Locations:

Illinois, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$4,328,543, 1 May 1994

Gross USA:

$20,016,254

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$20,016,254

Company Credits

Production Co:

Spring Creek Productions, Warner Bros.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

101 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Six big-name British actors were in the running for Prof. Pitkannan, but Joe Pesci vetoed all of them, wanting the role to go to a big-name American actor.

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Goofs

In the steam room Monty limps due to his fall outside of the library. At first it appears he is limping on his right leg, and then he switches over to his left leg.

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Quotes

Simon Wilder: Is this a lover's quarrel? Maybe I should leave.
Courtney: We're not lovers, we're roommates and we respect each others' space.
Simon Wilder: You respect each others' empty air? That's very profound for a couple of Harvard students.

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Connections

Featured in Madonna: I'll Remember (1994)

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Soundtracks

Tribe
Written by Alannah Currie (as Allanah Currie) and Tom Bailey
Performed by Babble
Courtesy of Reprise Records
By Arrangement with Warner Special Products

User Reviews

Delightful

I´m one of those people who knows what to expect from a movie and the best part of it is that you can be surprised.

"With Honors" is certainly one of my favorite little movies so far. There are times when one gets tired from blockbuster-movies and cars blowing up and heros and spies and guns and the all-so-great 'wipe out the world ploy' (yes, I am quoting The Mummy Returns). I stopped by Blockbuster and decided I´d watch old movies and simple ones, so I got what I wanted but it was more than satisfying.

I love Joe Pesci and as surreal and unreal as his bum version was, you can´t help loving the guy. There was something very ´common place´ (the poor but incredibly wise man that is) about it, but the movie has it´s merits.

I knew Brendan Fraser could kick ass and look hot but I was pleased to see him act. The guy´s good and his character was really captivating, which gets the movie going.

There is a lesson coming from the movie, but it´s not one that will make you want roll your eyes (although it´s perfectly acceptable).

I watched it twice, and I´d watch it again.