Trolling #42: Animal House SUCKS!

When it came out way back in 1978, John Landis’ comedy film National Lampoon’s Animal House was instantly recognized as a game-changer. It was an enormous hit, and its dialogue creeped its way into the vernacular of all college students at the time. The notion of the toga party is still in effect today. Indeed, the release of Animal House was such a watershed moment, that almost all college comedies made since can be seen as a distant echo of it. Alongside Alien, Rocky, and Emmanuelle, Animal House is perhaps one of the single most imitated films of all time. One might even go one step further, and indicate that Animal House has influenced and altered the behavior of all college-bound teens for the past 36 years.

What’s more, Animal House has reached a definite classic status in the eyes of the film-going community. Critics often cite it as one of the funniest films of all time, and it regularly appears on Top 10 lists. The late John Belushi’s brief cinematic fulcrum seems to pivot directly on Bluto.

Who could possibly attack Animal House? As it turns out, CraveOnline‘s Trolling could. If we see something that is beloved, we are duty bound to take it down a peg or three. And, with something like Animal House, we will have an easy time of it because, well, Animal House SUCKS. It sucks deep and hard. It’s our job to fling mud at the squeaky clean, and our fists are full this week. Sit back, relax, and let us explain to you why this beloved comedy film is one of the most unpleasant movies of all time. Starting with the most obvious reason….



Many people connect with Animal House‘s cut-loose anarchy, and I have heard people often use the phrase “youthful energy” to describe it. Many of the film’s fans also see it as a whiff of nostalgia; an exaggerated version of the dirtier sides of college life in the 1960s. But I look at it, and see a caustic, mean, filthy pack of drunks. The kind you wish would leave the bar when you’re conversing peacefully with friends. It’s an unattractive movie.

Until next week, let the hate mail flow. 


Witney Seibold is the head film critic for Nerdist, and a contributor on the CraveOnline Film Channel, and co-host of The B-Movies Podcast. You can read his weekly articles Trolling here on Crave, and follow him on “Twitter” at @WitneySeibold, where he is slowly losing his mind. 

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