The Godfather Parody That Gives Matthew Broderick His Best Role
The late Marlon Brando gave audiences a wide variety of characters over his storied career, but his portrayal of mafia boss Don Corleone is perhaps the one he will always be most regarded for. In 1990, theaters played Brando in a similar vein as his role in The Godfather in The Freshman, a quirky comedy co-starring 80s-star Matthew Broderick. For fans of Brando, there were no unexpected moments; but for those who cheered on Broderick as Ferris Bueller several years prior, it was a career changing move for the former teen actor.
Ferris Bueller Meets Don Corleone
The Freshman follows newly graduated Clark Kellogg (Matthew Broderick) as he moves from his mom and stepfather’s home in Vermont to pursue filmmaking at NYU in New York. After a man named Victor (Bruno Kirby) deceives the naive Clark and makes off with his luggage, the transplanted college student is stuck. But as fate would have it, Clark soon crosses paths with Victor again and demands his belongings back.
Unfortunately for Clark, Victor has already sold or tossed his things. But fortune seems to shine on Clark nonetheless as Victor offers him a job in Little Italy. Victor introduces Clark to his uncle, Carmine Sabatini (Marlon Brando), a man who Clark soon discovers is the head of an organized crime ring.
Not Exactly A Routine Lizard Delivery
The Freshman sees Clark and his roommate Steve (Frank Whaley) go on assignment for Sabatini, a mission that takes them to JFK Airport to retrieve a rare Komodo dragon. After a comical delivery of the live reptile, Clark meets Sabatini’s daughter Tina (Penelope Ann Miller) and some sparks begin to fly. But complicating Clark’s new love interest and his errand boy status with the mafia boss are two federal agents that confront him about his job.
Getting Caught Playing Hooky Is The Least of Broderick’s Worries
The agents inform Clark that Sabatini collects endangered species and has them served as dinner during his top-secret Fabulous Gourmet Club events. The college freshman finds himself trapped between his organized crime boss, his new crush, and a rival mob family as the threat of being arrested on federal charges looms over him.
A Promising Pivot From Teen Movies
The Freshman takes Matthew Broderick out of the familiar snarky and spoiled teenage characters and allows his talents to pivot into the role of a young adult. It marked the second time (after his dramatic performance in 1989’s Civil War epic Glory) that the actor was cast among veteran film greats. Sharing the screen with a legend like Brando certainly elevated his status and allowed him to follow a successful path in the transition from successful teen actor to one of the most sought-after stars of the 1990s.
Streaming The Freshman On Amazon Prime Video
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Broderick’s portrayal of Clark is a classic “fish out of water” story and checks all the marks for a great comedy. His timing, on screen chemistry with co-star Penelope Ann Miller, and hilarious banter with actors Frank Whaley and Bruno Kirby keep the film from hitting any stale parts and keep audiences laughing throughout. Additional performances from Kenneth Welsh, BD Wong, and Jon Polito give The Freshman another layer of laughs.
You can catch The Freshman streaming on Amazon.
