Animal House 1978

Janet Maslin, New York Times: National Lampoon's Animal House is by no means one long howl, but it's often very funny, with gags that are effective in a dependable, all-purpose way. Read more

Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader: While the low comedy is undeniably effective, the film leaves behind a bad taste of snobbery and petty meanness. Read more

Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times: The movie is vulgar, raunchy, ribald, and occasionally scatological. It is also the funniest comedy since Mel Brooks made The Producers. Read more

Frank Rich, TIME Magazine: The Lampoon people understand the darkest secret of an American college education: one of the noblest reasons to go is to spend four years studying sex. Read more

Chris Auty, Time Out: An unashamed sense of its own fantasy is coupled with classically mounted slapstick; nostalgia mixes with cynicism in seductive proportions; and John Belushi's central performance as brain-damaged slob-cum-Thief of Baghdad is wonderful. Read more

Variety Staff, Variety: There's enough bite and bawdiness to provide lots of smiles and several broad guffaws. Read more

Gary Arnold, Washington Post: You may not care to take up permanent spiritual residence at Animal House, but it's funny place to visit. Read more