Big Man on Campus

Big Man on Campus is a comedic feature film from 1989. Directed by Jeremy Kagan and starring Allan Katz, Corey Parker, and Cindy Williams, this imaginative and entertaining film turns the Hunchback of Notre Dame plot on its head, placing it in the modern environment of a college campus and blending in a mix of screwball comedy and social satire.

Allan Katz shines in the lead role as Bob Maloogaloogaloogaloogalooga, or Bob for short, an secluded mysterious man resembling the Hunchback who lives within the confines of UCLA's bell tower. He is discovered one fateful night by a student ensemble who challenge the norm and question authority. Bob is a hitherto unknown denizen of the campus, having made the university buildings his personal haven and staying hidden from the eyes of the world.

After their surprising discovery, the students, under the leadership of Alex (played by Corey Parker), persuade the college administration to allow Bob to stay on campus. An ethically questionable professor sees an opportunity to exploit Bob for his own academic advancement and personal gain and convinces the dean to keep Bob on campus under the guise of doing research.

The storyline of Big Man on Campus changes the dynamic by having the protagonist be both the observer and perceived outcast. Bob is a captivating character, providing much of the movie's humor with his unusual lingo, quirky behaviors and kind-hearted naivety. Bob's understanding of the world is made up from his unique perspective from the top of the bell tower, and his candid observations of the social interactions below provide an ongoing commentary throughout the narrative.

His discoveries of the everyday norms of college life makes for a significant part of the humor and charm in this movie. From the drama of college dating, frat parties, and football games, to smaller moments, like discovering soda machines and television, Bob's joy and humor with the mundane bits of life are infectious.

At the heart of the movie is the tender and surprising friendship between Bob and Cathy, played by Cindy Williams. Cathy is a deaf student at the university who becomes fascinated by Bob, seeing past his outward appearance and odd mannerisms. Their relationship deepens and Bob starts to learn from Cathy about acceptance and friendships.

The supporting cast adds to the charm of the overall film through its diverse character ensemble. From the ambitious professor Dr. Webster, played by Tom Skerritt, to the skeptical police detective Sgt. James, played by John Pinette, each character adds their unique touch to the narrative.

Interestingly, the presence of Bob on the campus alters the social dynamics in unexpected ways. Through his presence, questions surface about abnormalities, humanity, and acceptance. The strange resident of the bell tower unwittingly delivers on-screen surprises in this witty, sensitive and memorable comedy.

The script of Big Man on Campus, written by Allan Katz, is filled with sharp dialogues and comedic scenarios. His portrayal of Bob is a standout, both hilarious and touching at the same time. The plot carefully balances comedy with deeper social commentary and sentimentality, making it more than just a college comedy. The students and faculty's relationship with Bob adds a unique layer to the plot, owing to their interactions and changing mentalities.

Big Man on Campus thrives on its unusual premise and a strong cast of characters that each add their own flair and charm. It's a film that lets spirit and wit shine above all else, setting it apart as an engaging and warm comedy. It's an entertaining watch with a sweet core and will likely appeal to viewers who enjoy thoughtful humor, charismatic characters, and quirky narratives with a touch of social commentary.

Overall, Big Man on Campus manages to strike a delightful balance of humor, warmth, and deeper musings on acceptance and personal growth, making it a notable and unforgettable movie from the late 1980s.