Stealing Harvard

Stealing Harvard is a 2002 American crime comedy film directed by Bruce McCulloch, who was previously known for his skits on Kids in the Hall. This film stars three of the funniest actors from the early 2000s — Jason Lee, Tom Green, and Leslie Mann.

Stealing Harvard begins by introducing us to the lead character, John Plummer (Jason Lee). At first glance, John seems to be just your everyday hard-working man. He’s living a fairly simple life in a small town, working as a manager at a home improvement store and is engaged to his lovely long-term girlfriend, Elaine (Leslie Mann). John is eager to fulfill his and Elaine’s dream of buying a house to begin their life together. However, John’s dream looks to be derailed when he is presented with a substantial financial obligation he had previously committed to - funding his niece Noreen’s (Tammy Blanchard) college education at Harvard.

John had made a vow to Noreen when she was a little girl that he would help her go to college if she got in. Much to his surprise, she is not only accepted but gets into one of the most prestigious universities in the world, Harvard. Noreen is overjoyed by her acceptance and is completely reliant on her doting Uncle John for the funds to make her dream come true.

In a desperate attempt to live up to his promise without risking his future with Elaine, John turns to his best friend and dog-grooming business owner, Duff (Tom Green) for help. When Duff suggests turning towards illegitimate means to gather the necessary fund, the film dives into an uproarious journey leading the duo into a series of bizarre criminal acts that inevitably invites heaps of trouble.

Throughout the rest of the film, the hilarious duo of Jason Lee and Tom Green continuously cross paths with a host of wacky characters, including hard-nosed Detective Charles (John C. McGinley) and Elaine’s suspicious and judgmental father, Mr. Warner (Dennis Farina).

Elaine, blissfully unaware of John's woes, remains devoted to her dream home and future family, which paints a beautiful picture of domesticity that John is desperately struggling to protect. Leslie Mann, famous for her appearances in comedies, brings her trademark blend of charm, wit, and humor to the role of Elaine, providing many hilarious moments in the film.

Tom Green plays his signature eccentric character in the form of Duff, becoming an instigator for the duo's comedic adventures and bringing his unique brand of humor to the film. His outlandish comedic style provides a sharp contrast to Jason Lee's more stoic and grounded character, resulting in a memorable on-screen partnership.

Adding to this is a substantial supporting cast that includes well-known character actor Richard Jenkins as Elaine's lethally straight-laced father and multi-talented Megan Mullally playing the role of Patty, Noreen's mother. All these characters create a diverse and hilarious comedic ensemble, each contributing something unique to the story.

With its deft mix of crime and comedy, Stealing Harvard offers an intricate, entertaining storyline peppered with loads of slapstick humor and absurd situations that are sure to have audiences laughing. This film is further elevated by a talented lead cast and an array of comedic supporting characters who create an atmosphere of chaotic hilarity that pervades throughout the entire film.

The film presents a sweet moral about family responsibility, personal integrity, and the lengths one will go to protect the ones they love. Through hilarious hijinks and comedic misunderstandings, Stealing Harvard reminds us of the power of promises and the importance of fulfilling commitments made to loved ones, no matter how difficult the challenges posed may be.

Marking its place amongst the early 2000s comedies, Stealing Harvard remains a unique blend of head-spinning escapades and heartfelt moments of sincerity. Whether you're a fan of the lead actors, or simply a lover of comic capers, there's much to enjoy in this amusing crime comedy. Overflowing with lighthearted antics, misadventures, and a healthy dose of laughter, Stealing Harvard is a movie that certainly promises a fun ride.