Army recruits categorized as, shall we say, neither the best nor brightest, but they somehow get turned on when reluctant teacher DeVito reads Shakespeare's Hamlet to them and it hits a chord. The high point of the film is reached when one of those recites on command his "irrelevant" Shakespeare on a rainy night's drill to Sergeant Gregory Hines and finds in his memory from "Henry V" (with lead-in not at hand) "We few, we happy few, we band of brothers. For he today that sheds his blood with me, Shall be my brother." This is a truly nice movie, about heroes but not about touting war. At a later point, my usually stoic wife shed some tears. Danny De Vito is surprising to me. He generally leaps over my expectations, no matter how far I raise them up.
80 Reviews
Wherefore art thou Danny
terryconway-697042 April 2022
I've always liked Danny Devito and he is such a consummate professional that he makes this film look easy which of course it's not. It's friendly and engaging and a feel good movie. You know what you get with Danny, so just settle down and soak up the laughs.
VHS Marathon 2020
yusufpiskin14 August 2020
"The choices you make dictate the life you lead. "To thine own self be true."
I remember first time I had watched Renaissance Man. I was twelve years old, I knew somewhat about the military, Shakespeare, and illiteracy so even though I was a little to dumb to understand what the movie was about it did peak my interest enough to revisit it a numerous amount of times since. I have to say this is Penny Marshal's most underrated film.
Bill Rago (Danny Devito) is a recently fired and divorced advertising agent who is given a job at a nearby Army Base by an unemployment agency. Rago, with no teaching degree and not wanting to be there, must find a way to help eight underachieving army recruits pass basic training. When the students become interested in a play Rago is reading he soon begins to explain why Hamlet is the greatest thing every written.
As each of the eight students become interested in Hamlet, Mr. Rago becomes interested in them, helping the students become ideal candidates. Before the remaining students can graduate though they must pass Mr. Rago's test if they choose to take it. In the end Mr. Rago finds love and respect from his students, the drill instructors, his daughter and even a new woman.
Although Renaissance Man is not a popular film I guarantee you it is a better and more dramatic film then those that followed (Major Payne, Sgt. Bilko). Danny Devito can do no wrong, this isn't the best character he's played but he certainly outshines the rest of the cast which includes Gregory Hines, James Remar, Stacey Dash, Kadeem Hardison and Marky Mark (Mark Wahlberg). The movie is wonderfully written by Jim Burnstein who's only other notable writing credit includes D3: The Mighty Ducks.
If you're in the mood to revisit a classic do yourself a favor and make it RENAISSANCE MAN. Trust me you'll like it.
I remember first time I had watched Renaissance Man. I was twelve years old, I knew somewhat about the military, Shakespeare, and illiteracy so even though I was a little to dumb to understand what the movie was about it did peak my interest enough to revisit it a numerous amount of times since. I have to say this is Penny Marshal's most underrated film.
Bill Rago (Danny Devito) is a recently fired and divorced advertising agent who is given a job at a nearby Army Base by an unemployment agency. Rago, with no teaching degree and not wanting to be there, must find a way to help eight underachieving army recruits pass basic training. When the students become interested in a play Rago is reading he soon begins to explain why Hamlet is the greatest thing every written.
As each of the eight students become interested in Hamlet, Mr. Rago becomes interested in them, helping the students become ideal candidates. Before the remaining students can graduate though they must pass Mr. Rago's test if they choose to take it. In the end Mr. Rago finds love and respect from his students, the drill instructors, his daughter and even a new woman.
Although Renaissance Man is not a popular film I guarantee you it is a better and more dramatic film then those that followed (Major Payne, Sgt. Bilko). Danny Devito can do no wrong, this isn't the best character he's played but he certainly outshines the rest of the cast which includes Gregory Hines, James Remar, Stacey Dash, Kadeem Hardison and Marky Mark (Mark Wahlberg). The movie is wonderfully written by Jim Burnstein who's only other notable writing credit includes D3: The Mighty Ducks.
If you're in the mood to revisit a classic do yourself a favor and make it RENAISSANCE MAN. Trust me you'll like it.
I recommend it to all
SHAWFAN2 October 2002
What a polarity of opinions on this one! It's either love it or hate it time. Put me definitely in the camp of this movie's admirers and supporters. I noticed that many of this film's fans were from all over: Texas, Canada, Scotland, Brooklyn, Australia, and Paris! Many noticed the similarity to Dead Poets Society as did I. Other movies it could be compared to are Mr. Holland's Opus and Konrack, and the more recent French film, The Chorus, movies in which other teachers too are celebrated for enriching the lives and spirits of their students. I think your Parisian correspondent sums it up the best: to see fine art working its way into the psyches of those previously unaware of it and to see people growing in spirit as a result of their exposure to and interactivity with it: that's what makes this story such a treat and an inspiration. It's what makes being a teacher worthwhile and justified. It moved and touched me. I had a personal connection to this movie's plot line as well: I knew a teacher who used to go into inner city schools and also taught the kids Shakespeare, especially the old-fashioned swear words the author used in the plays! Quite successfully too. Also, I grew up in Detroit so I appreciated the opening of the film set on familiar streets of the Motor City. A beautiful and touching film. None of the film's critics or supporters commented on the plot line in which the teacher recovered the true history of his recruit's father's unrecognized heroism. That was beautiful too. Go see this film and be inspired.
"Gilligan's Island" wasn't the only way to teach initially uninterested audiences about "Hamlet".
mark.waltz25 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
While I thought it rather forced that the class of 8 loser recruits would become interested in "Hamlet" just because instructor Danny DeVito happened to be reading it, but in suspending my disbelief about that, I was able to enjoy this film, especially since initially I didn't even want to start watching it. The class of 8 are from all over (mostly the part of Detroit that white folks speed up when driving through), but as you get to know each of their personalities, they become very strong individuals with their own identities and sensitivities and souls you get to see every once in a while as their passion for learning is dug out of their tough facades.
DeVito changes too, going from cynical unemployed advertising man (fired because he was stuck in Atlanta traffic and missed a meeting) to teacher against his will at an army base nearby. He finds conflict with drill sergeant Gregory Hines who resents his presence even though DeVito didn't want to be there, and it's only the recruits in the class who are able to change his attitude. Hines' character suffers from some weak writing that makes his character arrogant from the start. One of the students is a young Mark Wahlberg, playing against type. Cliff Robertson, as the top officer, adds authority to his small part.
I have to single out Jenifer Lewis as the unemployment clerk DeVito deals with, filled with attitude at first over job frustration, but bringing her real personality out to get him in line and get him the benefits he's entitled to while following procedure. Her second scene ("I don't like you very much, but I'm going to miss you") is also great. She's sassy without being obnoxious and made the most of a small part which could have been stereotypical but stood out because of the sparkle in her eye. The film is greatly flawed, but I give director Penny Marshall credit for trying something unique.
DeVito changes too, going from cynical unemployed advertising man (fired because he was stuck in Atlanta traffic and missed a meeting) to teacher against his will at an army base nearby. He finds conflict with drill sergeant Gregory Hines who resents his presence even though DeVito didn't want to be there, and it's only the recruits in the class who are able to change his attitude. Hines' character suffers from some weak writing that makes his character arrogant from the start. One of the students is a young Mark Wahlberg, playing against type. Cliff Robertson, as the top officer, adds authority to his small part.
I have to single out Jenifer Lewis as the unemployment clerk DeVito deals with, filled with attitude at first over job frustration, but bringing her real personality out to get him in line and get him the benefits he's entitled to while following procedure. Her second scene ("I don't like you very much, but I'm going to miss you") is also great. She's sassy without being obnoxious and made the most of a small part which could have been stereotypical but stood out because of the sparkle in her eye. The film is greatly flawed, but I give director Penny Marshall credit for trying something unique.
Quite a feel good drama
Floated27 June 2020
Tells the take of a failing business man (Danny DeVito) being down on his luck then getting sent to an army as a new found job to team a bunch of underclass army types into passing a course.
Now it may seem relatively simple but there are a few interesting subplots along the way to keep interest.
Had little expectations but came away enjoying the film more than expected. The comedy side of the film isn't what's best, but more so the drama aspect. It is quite an inspirational tale and has several touching and feel good parts.
The aspects about Hamlet and Shakespeare made it more engaging as such. As well as the occasional army drill training scenes. It was a solid blend of both.
Although it may be predictable, we enjoy it for the characters as there are several and we see the development in these characters from start to finish. It is left with a satisfying ending.
Now it may seem relatively simple but there are a few interesting subplots along the way to keep interest.
Had little expectations but came away enjoying the film more than expected. The comedy side of the film isn't what's best, but more so the drama aspect. It is quite an inspirational tale and has several touching and feel good parts.
The aspects about Hamlet and Shakespeare made it more engaging as such. As well as the occasional army drill training scenes. It was a solid blend of both.
Although it may be predictable, we enjoy it for the characters as there are several and we see the development in these characters from start to finish. It is left with a satisfying ending.
Warms The Cockles Of Your Heart.
rmax30482318 May 2016
Warning: Spoilers
The director, Penny Marshall, belongs to a group that includes Ron Howard and Rob Reiner. They reliably produce family movies that are commercial in that they're emotionally satisfying, politically correct, show little or no smoking, and are without special challenge. Their products are to movies as Time Magazine is to news. That doesn't necessarily mean they're poor movies. You want basic news in a familiar format, you read Time Magazine.
In this case, poor Danny DeVito is an award-winning advertising man who loses his job and takes the only alternative -- teaching on an army base to a dozen soldiers who are marginal and need to be taught to think.
The diverse students are scornful, having been ordered to attend the class. DeVito feels hopeless. But, bit by bit, both DeVito and the class come around to mutually relish the bond they've formed. On top of that, DeVito, who marched against the Vietnam war, accommodates himself to the army, and the students learn the difference between a simile and a metaphor.
It has its funny moments -- DeVito stranded on top of a tall tower -- but the underlying theme is a serious one. That's how you make a commercial movie that the whole family will enjoy. It's not an insult to the intelligence, not an orgy of blood, not based on a comic strip or a cartoon character, and it has a happy ending. The ending is predictable because it's part of a friendly formula: mismatched teacher and class who learn from each other, as in "The Blackboard Jungle," "The Private War of Major Benson," or "To Sir, With Love." The reason it's part of a formula is that it's been proved to work.
On the whole, the students may be ignorant, in the sense of not knowing much about high culture or grammar. They may not be able to write twelve-tone music, but they're not stupid, in the sense of being unable to learn quickly. I taught night school at Camp Lejeune and the Marines were as bright as any, and a few were very quick on their mental feet indeed.
In this case, poor Danny DeVito is an award-winning advertising man who loses his job and takes the only alternative -- teaching on an army base to a dozen soldiers who are marginal and need to be taught to think.
The diverse students are scornful, having been ordered to attend the class. DeVito feels hopeless. But, bit by bit, both DeVito and the class come around to mutually relish the bond they've formed. On top of that, DeVito, who marched against the Vietnam war, accommodates himself to the army, and the students learn the difference between a simile and a metaphor.
It has its funny moments -- DeVito stranded on top of a tall tower -- but the underlying theme is a serious one. That's how you make a commercial movie that the whole family will enjoy. It's not an insult to the intelligence, not an orgy of blood, not based on a comic strip or a cartoon character, and it has a happy ending. The ending is predictable because it's part of a friendly formula: mismatched teacher and class who learn from each other, as in "The Blackboard Jungle," "The Private War of Major Benson," or "To Sir, With Love." The reason it's part of a formula is that it's been proved to work.
On the whole, the students may be ignorant, in the sense of not knowing much about high culture or grammar. They may not be able to write twelve-tone music, but they're not stupid, in the sense of being unable to learn quickly. I taught night school at Camp Lejeune and the Marines were as bright as any, and a few were very quick on their mental feet indeed.
** from *****
jimmy8128 June 2000
An uneasy, but very likeable mix of DEAD POETS SOCIETY (1989) and AN OFFICER AND GENTLEMAN (1982) from usually assured director Penny Marshall has fine-as-usual Danny De Vito playing a business man who gets fired and has to work on a U.S. military camp teaching some not-so-bright cadets about, well, Shakespeare. Aside from being the most respectful, positive, naive portrayal of the U.S. Army in decades, this predictable, formulaic comedy mixes drama and humor unwisely, despite some appealing performances by the young actors, especially from Lillo Brancato, Jr., who played Robert De Niro's son in A BRONX TALE (1993) and spoofs him here, much-talking Kadeem Hardison and Richard T. Jones as the strongest. Also with sexy Stacey Dash, stupid bloke Mark Wahlberg, James Remar as captain and Gregory Hines as a light variation of Louis Gossett, Jr., from AN OFFICER... In the end, neither boring, nor successful movie with a healthy enthusiasm for Shakespeare's works.
It just leaves me warm and shiny.
hitchcockthelegend9 March 2008
Renaissance Man is directed by Penny Marshall and stars Danny DeVito, Gregory Hines, James Remar, Mark Wahlberg, Stacey Dash and Kadeem Hardison. Hans Zimmer scores the film and it's written by Jim Burnstein. The story sees DeVito as Bill Rago, a divorced advertising executive who loses his job and finds himself unemployed. Not only that, but the relationship with his daughter has started to feel the financial strain. However, the unemployment agency find him a short time position at U.S. Army training base, Fort McClane. The position entails him to teach basic comprehension to a class of academic under achievers. Initially he's not enthused by the job, nor are the class particularly responsive to his civilian status. But just maybe this odd coupling may turn out to be good for both parties? That is if Drill Sergeant Cass (Hines) lets them that is?
A box office flop that was first marketed as a comedy, then as a drama {it's very much both}, Renaissance Man holds no surprises what so ever. The formula remains the same as every other piece featuring a teacher and an unruly/troubled/under educated class. So with that in mind, and considering the film has largely been kicked by the professional critics, I'm not here to sell this movie to anyone, because sometimes you have to acknowledge that a film can hit a spot of your own personal psyche, yet at the same time be a million miles away from someone else's.
The choices we make dictate the life we lead
For me personally, Renaissance Man is one such film. It was one dark rainy night back in the mid 90s and I had the blues, I popped over to the video store to see what was available, I couldn't find anything that remotely sounded like something to lift me out of the stupor I was in. I then spied a copy of Renaissance Man, a film I hadn't heard anything about, and although I took that as a bad sign, Danny DeVito's beaming smile on the cover of the box lured me in. I was thinking how much I had enjoyed him in Twins at the back end of 1988, so to me it didn't seem such a bad gamble to take. I was expecting a comedy and I got one, but the bonus was that what I also got was a very uplifting dramatic tale about the human condition, people learning from each other, a tale that shows the power of artistry and how it can unite and lift people. A tale that shows that maybe some folk aren't as clever as others, but if they can grasp a straw and be all that they can be, then their heads will be well and truly held up high.
Renaissance Man, I believe, is a sadly undervalued film on this, or any other film related site. But that's just me, because hey! We all got different psyche's right. Right? 8/10
A box office flop that was first marketed as a comedy, then as a drama {it's very much both}, Renaissance Man holds no surprises what so ever. The formula remains the same as every other piece featuring a teacher and an unruly/troubled/under educated class. So with that in mind, and considering the film has largely been kicked by the professional critics, I'm not here to sell this movie to anyone, because sometimes you have to acknowledge that a film can hit a spot of your own personal psyche, yet at the same time be a million miles away from someone else's.
The choices we make dictate the life we lead
For me personally, Renaissance Man is one such film. It was one dark rainy night back in the mid 90s and I had the blues, I popped over to the video store to see what was available, I couldn't find anything that remotely sounded like something to lift me out of the stupor I was in. I then spied a copy of Renaissance Man, a film I hadn't heard anything about, and although I took that as a bad sign, Danny DeVito's beaming smile on the cover of the box lured me in. I was thinking how much I had enjoyed him in Twins at the back end of 1988, so to me it didn't seem such a bad gamble to take. I was expecting a comedy and I got one, but the bonus was that what I also got was a very uplifting dramatic tale about the human condition, people learning from each other, a tale that shows the power of artistry and how it can unite and lift people. A tale that shows that maybe some folk aren't as clever as others, but if they can grasp a straw and be all that they can be, then their heads will be well and truly held up high.
Renaissance Man, I believe, is a sadly undervalued film on this, or any other film related site. But that's just me, because hey! We all got different psyche's right. Right? 8/10
Not great cinema, but hey...it doesn't have to be
wnterstar19 April 2006
Warning: Spoilers
This is a push button movie with a cookie cutter plot. There is only one thing in this movie that stands out and that is the actors I had grown used to seeing Danny Devito as a comedian in silly movies and I kinda put him in the category of actor who has one character he plays well and nothing else. I was so wrong. Devito proves he can act, giving life to what could have been a very lack luster role.
All the supporting actors that made up the DDs gave a dignity to their characters, giving each one their own talents and weaknesses.
This is the kind of feel good movie that you want to see when you've had a bad day and just want to feel better about the world.
All the supporting actors that made up the DDs gave a dignity to their characters, giving each one their own talents and weaknesses.
This is the kind of feel good movie that you want to see when you've had a bad day and just want to feel better about the world.
Horribly acted, and lacks any sort of laughs. Potential wasted miserably. *1/2 (out of four)
Movie-1214 April 2001
RENAISSANCE MAN / (1994) *1/2 (out of four)
By Blake French:
The more serious a subject is, the easier and more fun it is to spoof. The comedy from Penny Marshal, "Renaissance Man," has a great target: the army. But it fails to create funny material within its concepts. The film seems to have uncertainties within its structure; the scenes simply do not blend well together. It is possible to incorporate comedy with sentimental emotions, but this movie does not know how to do it. It goes from straight humor to straight solemnity, leaving out subtle changes in its pace, attitude, or character's actions. When a movie can include a scene that has Danny Devito climbing a "victory" tower at a military training facility, and another where Army students rap to a theme of Shakespeare's "Hamlet," without being funny in the least, you know there has been some major miscalculations.
Devito is the right actor for a divorced, bankrupt Detroit advertiser who applies for unemployment and gets a job as a civilian instructor for an Army training facility. He must counsel a class of eight difficult students. Of course, DeVito's character has no idea of how the Army works, and proves himself to be a misfit in the base. After some effort, he eventually finds the students express interest in Shakespeare. "He wrote plays. Plays...?" he explains. "You know, like TV without the box." The class becomes a course on the understanding of the complex tragedy of "Hamlet."
We keep waiting for the movie to take off and to be about something, but it never does. It simply juggles around various ideas that go absolutely nowhere. The movie feels obligatory as it follows the predictable, contrived path in which the students reject their authorities, then the students respect their authorities, then the authorities reject, then except. Except and reject what, you ask? It doesn't really matter since the entire plot is an exercise in recycling story nuggets of movies like "Dead Poets Society" and "Private Benjamin."
To make things even worse for this excuse for a comedy: many of the performances are horrible. Danny Devito is fine, as is the rest of the more experienced cast. But the Army student cast has scenes that are down right laughable. Mark Wahlberg sits in his desk and makes childish faces to his fellow classmates, reciting his dialogue as if rehearsing a part in a high school play for the first time. During one scene, as the students explain the reasons of why they joined the Army, one breaks down in tears because of a sad emotional past. This could have been powerful if actual actors had taken the parts. But instead, we try to respect the art of filmmaking by holding a straight face while his expression of sorrow becomes so poorly portrayed we don't know whether to wince or chuckle.
"Renaissance Man" is a contrived, labored, unconvincing attempt at a comedy spoof. Without a doubt, if handled the right way, it could have had funny results. But Penny Marshal, who also directed movies like "The Preacher's Wife," and "Big," constructs scenes so awfully familiar and labored, no possible talent can save them. Even the closing sequence, the traditional false suspense moments when students show their loyalties and manhood, feels out of place. Everything feels out of place here. I feel sorry for Danny Devito, who brings a life to his character on his own. But he is stuck in a movie so mislead, even he looks like he should be contributing his talents to another production.
By Blake French:
The more serious a subject is, the easier and more fun it is to spoof. The comedy from Penny Marshal, "Renaissance Man," has a great target: the army. But it fails to create funny material within its concepts. The film seems to have uncertainties within its structure; the scenes simply do not blend well together. It is possible to incorporate comedy with sentimental emotions, but this movie does not know how to do it. It goes from straight humor to straight solemnity, leaving out subtle changes in its pace, attitude, or character's actions. When a movie can include a scene that has Danny Devito climbing a "victory" tower at a military training facility, and another where Army students rap to a theme of Shakespeare's "Hamlet," without being funny in the least, you know there has been some major miscalculations.
Devito is the right actor for a divorced, bankrupt Detroit advertiser who applies for unemployment and gets a job as a civilian instructor for an Army training facility. He must counsel a class of eight difficult students. Of course, DeVito's character has no idea of how the Army works, and proves himself to be a misfit in the base. After some effort, he eventually finds the students express interest in Shakespeare. "He wrote plays. Plays...?" he explains. "You know, like TV without the box." The class becomes a course on the understanding of the complex tragedy of "Hamlet."
We keep waiting for the movie to take off and to be about something, but it never does. It simply juggles around various ideas that go absolutely nowhere. The movie feels obligatory as it follows the predictable, contrived path in which the students reject their authorities, then the students respect their authorities, then the authorities reject, then except. Except and reject what, you ask? It doesn't really matter since the entire plot is an exercise in recycling story nuggets of movies like "Dead Poets Society" and "Private Benjamin."
To make things even worse for this excuse for a comedy: many of the performances are horrible. Danny Devito is fine, as is the rest of the more experienced cast. But the Army student cast has scenes that are down right laughable. Mark Wahlberg sits in his desk and makes childish faces to his fellow classmates, reciting his dialogue as if rehearsing a part in a high school play for the first time. During one scene, as the students explain the reasons of why they joined the Army, one breaks down in tears because of a sad emotional past. This could have been powerful if actual actors had taken the parts. But instead, we try to respect the art of filmmaking by holding a straight face while his expression of sorrow becomes so poorly portrayed we don't know whether to wince or chuckle.
"Renaissance Man" is a contrived, labored, unconvincing attempt at a comedy spoof. Without a doubt, if handled the right way, it could have had funny results. But Penny Marshal, who also directed movies like "The Preacher's Wife," and "Big," constructs scenes so awfully familiar and labored, no possible talent can save them. Even the closing sequence, the traditional false suspense moments when students show their loyalties and manhood, feels out of place. Everything feels out of place here. I feel sorry for Danny Devito, who brings a life to his character on his own. But he is stuck in a movie so mislead, even he looks like he should be contributing his talents to another production.
See it for the Shakespeare, enjoy it for it's redemption plot and strong performances.
gerard665619 November 2006
This is a feel good movie, not very deep BUT well conceived, written and acted. DeVito is excellent as a failing marketing man being transformed into a thoughtful, caring army educator. As important is the film's excellent presentation and discussion of the works of Shakespeare.
No surprise, DeVito's self centered abrasiveness meets with antipathy. Army officers don't care. Convinced of their own worthlessness, DeVito's students are disinterested, at best. During the semester, DeVito, mellows, students learn enough to advance,and Army brass begins to appreciates the new teacher.
The best part of this film is not DeVito's or the student's redemption but the film's beguiling Shakespeare presentation. DeVito teaches the Bard with passion. The writers deliver illuminating, focused student dialog. As one who didn't "get" Shakespeare until seeing MacBeth a year after graduation. This movie was a better class than anything I took in high school or college.
Enjoy the film and the class.
No surprise, DeVito's self centered abrasiveness meets with antipathy. Army officers don't care. Convinced of their own worthlessness, DeVito's students are disinterested, at best. During the semester, DeVito, mellows, students learn enough to advance,and Army brass begins to appreciates the new teacher.
The best part of this film is not DeVito's or the student's redemption but the film's beguiling Shakespeare presentation. DeVito teaches the Bard with passion. The writers deliver illuminating, focused student dialog. As one who didn't "get" Shakespeare until seeing MacBeth a year after graduation. This movie was a better class than anything I took in high school or college.
Enjoy the film and the class.
What you get if you cross Dead Poets Society with Stripes
The-Last-Prydonian25 July 2023
Bill Rago is a divorced advertising executive who is down on his luck. After he loses his job, he finds himself having to live off unemployment benefits until he is offered the unexpected job of being a teacher in the U. S. Army. Given the unenviable task of teaching a bunch of underachieving misfits, and preventing them from flunking out of the military, Bill finds his work more than cut out for him. The reluctant teacher however manages to unexpectedly grab their interest, when he introduces them to the works of William Shakespeare, and in doing so he helps them find a passion for learning, while he finds one for teaching.
Released in movie theatres back in 1994, this vehicle for the comedy talents of the diminutive Danny Devito, tanked at the box office amid a sea of poor reviews. Directed by Penny Marshall who hit it big critically and commercially with 1988's Big, and had some success with 1992's nostalgia-laden, period sports comedy, A League of Their Own. Renaissance Man is pretty much in the same mold as both movies as it's designed to tug at the heartstrings, and like the latter of Marshall's two previous comedies, it is pretty cheesy. That being said and despite some of the valid negative criticisms leveled at the movie, Marshall's comedy which is a cross between Dead Poet's Society and Stripes, is decidedly better than its negative reputation.
Centering around Devito's acerbic advertising executive Bill Rago, who has a knack for rubbing people the wrong way. Whether it be his workmates and clients or his teenage daughter, who just wants her father to believe in her, and approve of her passion for astronomy. It's pretty much established from the off that Bill has some social issues, and it comes as little or no surprise that he is also a divorcee. Upon finding himself fired from his job, he initially manages to potentially alienate himself from his sassy Unemployment Clerk played wonderfully by Jennifer Lewis in an all too brief role. The chemistry between her and Devito is quite palpable, and you can't help but feel it a shame that there aren't more scenes between the pair of them. Needless to say, it's his relationship with her where we really see tinges of the more affable likable side of Bill, before he is reluctantly sent to a teaching job within the U. S. Army.
Part and parcel of what the movie is, is a fish out of water story, with Bill having to contend with a class of rowdy misfits labeled with the unflattering moniker of the Double-D's, which stands for dumb as dog sh,...well, you get the idea. Given just six weeks to educate them or else they will find themselves drummed out of the Army. It's fair to say that Bill has his work cut out for him, but as with the typical conventions of movies of this ilk, he manages to eventually pique their interest, by introducing them to the works of William Shakespeare. While bonding and finding some common ground with them. Trite though it may be, the movie coasts on the overall charm of DeVito, while the then-young cast which includes a youthful Mark Wahlberg in his movie debut put in strong turns as his motley band of students.
Of course, as is always the case the course of teaching them doesn't run smoothly, with Bill also butting heads with Gregory Hine's surly, hard-nosed Drill Instructor, who had a chip on his shoulder from the moment he lays eyes on the beleaguered teacher. Although Bill himself has his own grievances with the military, which he at times is less than reluctant to voice. Therefore there is automatically a mutual antagonistic edge that the movie plays off of. As is Bill's initial exasperation with some of the more disruptive elements of his class, and you do come to sympathize to some degree with what he has to contend with, most namely being Kadeem Hardison's smart-alecky Private Jamaal Montgomery. A presence who proves to be at times the most grating, and obnoxious one. So much so, that it does come as something of a struggle to relate or connect with as early on he becomes pretty insufferable. Not least of all for Walberg's Private Tommy Lee Haywood, who proves equally frustrated by the smart-mouthed Montgomery.
When all is said and done though, it does get by on some of the charm and likeability of the rest of the cast, although admittedly it does at times descend into cheesiness, which includes the recruits putting on an impromptu rap performance, which incorporates the story of Hamlet. There are still some heartfelt moments of drama and pathos. One of which involves a young Private who claims his father died a hero in Vietnam, much to the skepticism of his fellow classmates. It also taps into the very real reality of the troubling social realities that lead many young men and women to join the army.
For the shortcomings it does have, Renaissance Man is not by any means the worst movie that DeVito has been associated with, and while it may not necessarily be 100% a completely accurate depiction of the military, (there have been criticisms of how military protocol is portrayed) if one can suspend disbelief, and just go with it, Renaissance Man is well acted and pretty distracting fare with some genuinely affecting and heartwarming moments when it doesn't indulge itself in the maudlin.
Released in movie theatres back in 1994, this vehicle for the comedy talents of the diminutive Danny Devito, tanked at the box office amid a sea of poor reviews. Directed by Penny Marshall who hit it big critically and commercially with 1988's Big, and had some success with 1992's nostalgia-laden, period sports comedy, A League of Their Own. Renaissance Man is pretty much in the same mold as both movies as it's designed to tug at the heartstrings, and like the latter of Marshall's two previous comedies, it is pretty cheesy. That being said and despite some of the valid negative criticisms leveled at the movie, Marshall's comedy which is a cross between Dead Poet's Society and Stripes, is decidedly better than its negative reputation.
Centering around Devito's acerbic advertising executive Bill Rago, who has a knack for rubbing people the wrong way. Whether it be his workmates and clients or his teenage daughter, who just wants her father to believe in her, and approve of her passion for astronomy. It's pretty much established from the off that Bill has some social issues, and it comes as little or no surprise that he is also a divorcee. Upon finding himself fired from his job, he initially manages to potentially alienate himself from his sassy Unemployment Clerk played wonderfully by Jennifer Lewis in an all too brief role. The chemistry between her and Devito is quite palpable, and you can't help but feel it a shame that there aren't more scenes between the pair of them. Needless to say, it's his relationship with her where we really see tinges of the more affable likable side of Bill, before he is reluctantly sent to a teaching job within the U. S. Army.
Part and parcel of what the movie is, is a fish out of water story, with Bill having to contend with a class of rowdy misfits labeled with the unflattering moniker of the Double-D's, which stands for dumb as dog sh,...well, you get the idea. Given just six weeks to educate them or else they will find themselves drummed out of the Army. It's fair to say that Bill has his work cut out for him, but as with the typical conventions of movies of this ilk, he manages to eventually pique their interest, by introducing them to the works of William Shakespeare. While bonding and finding some common ground with them. Trite though it may be, the movie coasts on the overall charm of DeVito, while the then-young cast which includes a youthful Mark Wahlberg in his movie debut put in strong turns as his motley band of students.
Of course, as is always the case the course of teaching them doesn't run smoothly, with Bill also butting heads with Gregory Hine's surly, hard-nosed Drill Instructor, who had a chip on his shoulder from the moment he lays eyes on the beleaguered teacher. Although Bill himself has his own grievances with the military, which he at times is less than reluctant to voice. Therefore there is automatically a mutual antagonistic edge that the movie plays off of. As is Bill's initial exasperation with some of the more disruptive elements of his class, and you do come to sympathize to some degree with what he has to contend with, most namely being Kadeem Hardison's smart-alecky Private Jamaal Montgomery. A presence who proves to be at times the most grating, and obnoxious one. So much so, that it does come as something of a struggle to relate or connect with as early on he becomes pretty insufferable. Not least of all for Walberg's Private Tommy Lee Haywood, who proves equally frustrated by the smart-mouthed Montgomery.
When all is said and done though, it does get by on some of the charm and likeability of the rest of the cast, although admittedly it does at times descend into cheesiness, which includes the recruits putting on an impromptu rap performance, which incorporates the story of Hamlet. There are still some heartfelt moments of drama and pathos. One of which involves a young Private who claims his father died a hero in Vietnam, much to the skepticism of his fellow classmates. It also taps into the very real reality of the troubling social realities that lead many young men and women to join the army.
For the shortcomings it does have, Renaissance Man is not by any means the worst movie that DeVito has been associated with, and while it may not necessarily be 100% a completely accurate depiction of the military, (there have been criticisms of how military protocol is portrayed) if one can suspend disbelief, and just go with it, Renaissance Man is well acted and pretty distracting fare with some genuinely affecting and heartwarming moments when it doesn't indulge itself in the maudlin.
a feel-good film
rebeljenn18 March 2006
'Renaissance Man' is a film about a teacher who is hired to teach literature to a group of rebellious army recruits. It is a film about the relationship that this teacher has with the students and the changes that all of them make. The teacher learns how to appreciate the army recruits and gets a sense of understanding from them; at the same time, they learn how to buckle down and actually enjoy reading and learning about Shakespeare's 'Hamlet'. This is one of those feel-good films. I got really sick of watching this film as it was always on television and one of those films that my family tended to watch and rewatch at least a dozen times. This film has its share of laughter and succeeds in providing a feel-good story and a happy ending.
LOVED IT!!!
lakergrl6 December 2003
I love this movie. I first saw it when I was about eight, and it inspired me to read Shakespeare. Of course, because of my age, I was unable to understand HAMLET, but I thought I would just mention it. This movie is a great portrayl of how a formerly selfish man changed himself and his students through Shakespeare. This movie is deep, but it's also very funny and entertaining. There are some great, brilliant moments in here, especially when DeVito says, "All I know is, the choices you make dictate the life you lead. To thine own self be true. " There is also an excellent scene where one of the students recites Shakespeare for Hines, the drill sergeant. This is a fantastic movie that I absolutely loved, as did my English teacher. I highly recommend it. Of course, if you only find Bruce Willis movies entertaining, this movie is not for you.
DeVito entertains, as always
Rhealist14 December 1998
Danny DeVito is the charm!
SJT_Reviews26 August 2023
A very underrated movie, which many people have not seen...!
Danny DeVito plays a teacher here, who is funny as always, particular about his job and does it pretty well. All other cast have done a good job to make this movie worth your time.
Funny, charming, entertaining and a emotional ride for the movie lovers and one of the few good comedy movies out there.
Would definitely recommend this to the one's who wants to see a comedy from the 90's and have some great laughs and a good story to keep you entertained for 2 hours.
Go for it any day, you won't be disappointed at all!
7/10 for this one!
Danny DeVito plays a teacher here, who is funny as always, particular about his job and does it pretty well. All other cast have done a good job to make this movie worth your time.
Funny, charming, entertaining and a emotional ride for the movie lovers and one of the few good comedy movies out there.
Would definitely recommend this to the one's who wants to see a comedy from the 90's and have some great laughs and a good story to keep you entertained for 2 hours.
Go for it any day, you won't be disappointed at all!
7/10 for this one!
Good news from bad
PredragReviews4 May 2016
Danny De Vito is Bill Rego, a successful ad exec and father who is made unemployed when a stressful journey to work causes the loss of an important contract for the ad company. After suffering the humiliation of having to start unemployment, he is assigned a teaching post at a military base due to a master degree from University (making him an eligible teacher). The military believes if they can help recruits cut the mustard at physical aspects, they can help the lower IQ'd in the brain department as well. After the initial conflict with his class due to their varying social background and much to the resentment of their drill instructor, he starts to teach them Shakespeare (in true sarcastic DeVito style), gaining their respect along the way. Also features Mark Walhberg in an early role. A thoroughly good film, well acted and very well scripted.
Overall rating: 6 out of 10.
Overall rating: 6 out of 10.
My Pick For Turkey of the Decade!!!
russmillersemail18 July 2001
I realize that there have been a lot of bad movies, but this movie gets my nod for the worst movie ever simply because it never gets quite bad enough to enjoy, but never good enough to be less than painful. Hearing Marky Mark rap out the story of Hamlet had me wishing someone would kill me before the scene was over. (Who could know that Mark Walburg would actually become a respected actor!!) Oh dear God, do NOT see this movie; its not even good for a laugh. This movie pays homage to the idea that a group of total idiots, when motivated, can be something other than motivated idiots. Go see "To Sir, With Love" if you want a movie about underachievers. This movie is an insult to all that is holy.
Miss-marketed
srobi28024 April 2006
Let me start off by saying that this movie is miss-marketed as a comedy. As a comedy, this movie is, at best, mediocre. Sure, there are some funny moments, but it isn't nearly as hilarious as it claims to be. However, what this movie lacks in comedy, it makes up for with it's other qualities. This is a warm, fuzzy, feel-good movie with a lot of wisdom in it. The character development is excellent and we really get to like the characters. The bond between DeVito and his students is strong. This movie is very touching, with a few funny moments in-between. Sure, there are some corny scenes (the rap scene) but hey, every teacher has their own way of making their students understand their material, right? I would recommend this movie, although not as a comedy.
Going renaissance, in the army.
dy1585 August 2006
Bill Rago (Danny DeVito) works for an advertising firm. But when one day he had been fired from his job, his new job is somehow very unlikely from his past nature of work. Teaching army recruits.
Soon he was being 'thrown' into a life so different from what he had known. Initially Bill had no idea how his class should ran, till one day his students was asking what he was reading.
Thus it became the time where Bill was teaching 'Hamlet' to his students. They began to slowly warm up to the idea of learning one of Shakespeare's works and that even Bill drove all of them to go watch the play.
All along the way, Bill did had some run-ins with his students' commander on the way how they should handle their (same) students. But in the end, one had to win his way out. And it's not what one may kind of expect whom to be.
The moment Bill was teaching 'Hamlet' to his students, I sort of realised how the movie title came about. Imparting teaching methods which may deemed so different is not what everyone can accept, but to a bunch of unlikely people, it can be quite a challenge altogether.
This is just one of those movies where one can enjoy in a no-frills manner.
Soon he was being 'thrown' into a life so different from what he had known. Initially Bill had no idea how his class should ran, till one day his students was asking what he was reading.
Thus it became the time where Bill was teaching 'Hamlet' to his students. They began to slowly warm up to the idea of learning one of Shakespeare's works and that even Bill drove all of them to go watch the play.
All along the way, Bill did had some run-ins with his students' commander on the way how they should handle their (same) students. But in the end, one had to win his way out. And it's not what one may kind of expect whom to be.
The moment Bill was teaching 'Hamlet' to his students, I sort of realised how the movie title came about. Imparting teaching methods which may deemed so different is not what everyone can accept, but to a bunch of unlikely people, it can be quite a challenge altogether.
This is just one of those movies where one can enjoy in a no-frills manner.
Worst film ever
Jonez18 March 2000
This is simply the worst film I have ever seen. I it so predictable that it insults my intelligence. Why is it that Hollywood continues making these "underdog teacher reveals truth of life for bad students". Just name one that worked - Dangerous minds didn't eiter!
Hamlet As A Teaching Tool
bkoganbing25 April 2008
Warning: Spoilers
One of the most moving experiences in cinema I had during the Nineties was watching Renaissance Man. It's more than a comedy about underachievers realizing their potential. It's about the man who makes them realize their worth as human beings getting quite an education about life himself.
Danny DeVito is that man in a role about as far removed as you can get from Louis DePalma in Taxi and Lawrence Garfield in Other People's Money. He's an advertising man who loses a couple of big clients while getting stuck in traffic and gets bounced from his job.
Needing an income while looking for a job, the Michigan Unemployment Department gives him an interesting job, a civilian remedial education teacher for the United States Army. He's assigned to a class of eight trainees who might wash out if they don't shape up. It's their mental attitudes that need adjusting.
A little trial and error and DeVito hits upon the idea to use Shakespeare, specifically Hamlet as a teaching tool. Interpreting and learning life's lesson from one of the greatest works of literature in the English language apparently works and in ways far beyond making these trainees get through basic training.
This is my favorite film with Danny DeVito and he's not an easy fit into army life. Cliff Robertson, James Remar, and Gregory Hines are some of the army people he deals with.
But the eight trainees are the heart of the film. Mark Wahlberg, Lillo Brancato, Kadeem Hardison, Richard Jones, Khalil Kain, Gregory Sporleto, Stacey Dash are seven of them. One of them doesn't make it through and ironically because of an act of kindness. But my favorite in the film is Peter Simmons who plays Private Brian Davis from Grand Forks, North Dakota. It's young men like him and his father before him in Vietnam who was killed in action who keep this country safe and secure. He gets the best recognition possible at the end of the film and you are guaranteed not to have a dry eye when you see it.
Renaissance Man is a beautifully crafted film from Penny Marshall and should not be missed when broadcast.
Danny DeVito is that man in a role about as far removed as you can get from Louis DePalma in Taxi and Lawrence Garfield in Other People's Money. He's an advertising man who loses a couple of big clients while getting stuck in traffic and gets bounced from his job.
Needing an income while looking for a job, the Michigan Unemployment Department gives him an interesting job, a civilian remedial education teacher for the United States Army. He's assigned to a class of eight trainees who might wash out if they don't shape up. It's their mental attitudes that need adjusting.
A little trial and error and DeVito hits upon the idea to use Shakespeare, specifically Hamlet as a teaching tool. Interpreting and learning life's lesson from one of the greatest works of literature in the English language apparently works and in ways far beyond making these trainees get through basic training.
This is my favorite film with Danny DeVito and he's not an easy fit into army life. Cliff Robertson, James Remar, and Gregory Hines are some of the army people he deals with.
But the eight trainees are the heart of the film. Mark Wahlberg, Lillo Brancato, Kadeem Hardison, Richard Jones, Khalil Kain, Gregory Sporleto, Stacey Dash are seven of them. One of them doesn't make it through and ironically because of an act of kindness. But my favorite in the film is Peter Simmons who plays Private Brian Davis from Grand Forks, North Dakota. It's young men like him and his father before him in Vietnam who was killed in action who keep this country safe and secure. He gets the best recognition possible at the end of the film and you are guaranteed not to have a dry eye when you see it.
Renaissance Man is a beautifully crafted film from Penny Marshall and should not be missed when broadcast.
An Enjoyable, Feel-Good Comedy
dfa12037414 September 2015
Warning: Spoilers
I saw Renaissance Man a couple of days ago for the first time in years...I enjoyed it the first time I saw it back in '94, I enjoyed it the last time I watched it, and I enjoyed it again now. For me, this is a timeless comedy and no doubt I will still enjoy it 10 years from now.
I usually find myself rolling my eyes when I read some reviews saying that this film isn't "realistic" or that the classes the Double D's attend wouldn't exist because there would be no spare time due to all their training. I guess these people missed the explanation on how the classes came to be not long into the film. I think people really need to get a grip. This isn't a Documentary...this is a fictional comedy (and an enjoyable one at that) and it should be enjoyed as that.
Regardless of what certain people think of it, the story is actually quite a credible one...it's pretty well written, excellently acted out, and is definitely a feel-good story too. Is it a wee bit predictable? Yes, but then again who cares? A comedy doesn't have to have toilet humour, drunken idiots, or be full of 20-somethings playing annoying teenies to be enjoyable, and thankfully Renaissance Man doesn't have any of those.
All of the cast do a great job, especially Danny DeVito as Bill Rago. Everything was done with convincing conviction, and he made Shakespeare interesting. Honestly, if I had an English teacher like Rago when I was at school, then I might have enjoyed Shakespeare a lot more than what I did. Gregory Sporleder was enjoyable as Pvt. Melvyn, Lillo Brancato done a decent job as Pvt. Benitez (especially with all of his Jake La Motta impressions), and I actually think this is one of the few films where Mark Wahlberg didn't come across as being as wooden as Pinocchio either. Round all of this off with some great songs for the soundtrack (especially the Double D rap and end credit tune) and you have yourself a very enjoyable film to watch.
It's just a pity all comedies aren't as enjoyable as this.
I usually find myself rolling my eyes when I read some reviews saying that this film isn't "realistic" or that the classes the Double D's attend wouldn't exist because there would be no spare time due to all their training. I guess these people missed the explanation on how the classes came to be not long into the film. I think people really need to get a grip. This isn't a Documentary...this is a fictional comedy (and an enjoyable one at that) and it should be enjoyed as that.
Regardless of what certain people think of it, the story is actually quite a credible one...it's pretty well written, excellently acted out, and is definitely a feel-good story too. Is it a wee bit predictable? Yes, but then again who cares? A comedy doesn't have to have toilet humour, drunken idiots, or be full of 20-somethings playing annoying teenies to be enjoyable, and thankfully Renaissance Man doesn't have any of those.
All of the cast do a great job, especially Danny DeVito as Bill Rago. Everything was done with convincing conviction, and he made Shakespeare interesting. Honestly, if I had an English teacher like Rago when I was at school, then I might have enjoyed Shakespeare a lot more than what I did. Gregory Sporleder was enjoyable as Pvt. Melvyn, Lillo Brancato done a decent job as Pvt. Benitez (especially with all of his Jake La Motta impressions), and I actually think this is one of the few films where Mark Wahlberg didn't come across as being as wooden as Pinocchio either. Round all of this off with some great songs for the soundtrack (especially the Double D rap and end credit tune) and you have yourself a very enjoyable film to watch.
It's just a pity all comedies aren't as enjoyable as this.
Could have been worse, but not much worse
Idocamstuf2 June 2003
I didnt expect much from this film, and I didnt get much. This is a movie that tries to force emotions on you, and it doesnt work. It has a nice cast, but in this case it has no redeeming value. It's a silly story, with bad acting, and humor. Not recommended. 4 out of 10.
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