REEL CRITIC:’Accepted’ is funny, but plot’s unoriginal

High school students and people who fancy comedies from the 1980s should accept an invitation to see the new film “Accepted.” For everyone else, this harmless film is unacceptable.

“Accepted” stars Justin Long as a high school senior named Bartleby Gaines. Most people recognize Long as the skinny guy from the Apple TV commercials that poke fun of PC’s.

In the film, every university that Bartleby applies to won’t accept him and he decides to create his own “fake” college to fool his parents. He should have applied to my alma mater, the great Stephen F. Austin State University. All I needed to get in was a picture ID and a high school diploma.

Everything is going smooth for Gaines and his friends but how long can his scam last? You’ll have to see the movie to find out. You know me. I won’t give away the ending.

Is “Accepted” funny? Yes. Is it a classic? No. I did, however, enjoy Long’s acting and he carries this movie with ease. He’s like a young Chevy Chase.

The reason the film is not a classic is because it’s probably the least original comedy I’ve seen in years. The entire plot is stolen from other movies, including “Animal House,” “Back to School” and “Real Genius.” I’m not smart enough to tell if the director is paying homage or simply ripping off vintage films from my youth.

Another problem is the film is way too clean for a comedy set in college. It’s rated PG-13 and there is no nudity or violence and the language is extremely clean. Universal Studios loses all street credibility with the target audience by making a children’s film about college kids. You could bring a 12-year-old to see the movie without worry. With all my complaints, I actually enjoyed the picture. The performances are humorous and the flow is smooth, and there is a wonderful little message hidden within the 90-minute running time.

“Accepted” will make a perfect DVD and should be available for rental within months of my review being published in the paper. If you can handle the suspense, just wait. That’s my tip of the week. You’re welcome.

What grade do I give “Accepted”? Since I’m generous, I give it a B minus — good enough to pass but not top of the class. With a little extra effort, it could have been an A. My college professor said the same thing about me.