Andrew Bergman directs Matthew Broderick, Marlon Brando and Bruno Kirby in this crime comedy where a naive film student is dragged into a mafia scam involving extinct animals and a don who looks and sounds exactly like The Godfather.

One of those slick Hollywood comedies that gets by on an amusing tone and an amiable cast so effortlessly that you arrive at the end credits without realising the paucity of jokes and utter lack of laughs. Pleasant and enjoyable enough that you forgive The Freshman of the cardinal sin of being a comedy that isn’t very funny. It is a strong showcase of acting talent. Brando spoofs himself wittily, Kirby steals scenes and Penelope Anne Miller is aggressively effervescent as the daughter of Da Boss. There is also a cool Komodo Dragon.

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