I had seen the trailer for the film Rushmore and thought it would be a great comedy. I never got a chance to watch it at theater so when I it on the video shelf, I quickly snapped it up. Later, I felt that I should have left it there.

Max Fischer is not your average teenager. He is at the prestigious Rushmore Academy where he excels in extracurricular activities. Unfortunately, 15-year-old Max doesn't put as much effort into his schoolwork. Max is played by Jason Schwartzman. Max has developed a crush on a first-grade teacher Miss Cross who is played by Olivia Williams.

As much as he tries, Max just can't seem to win Miss Cross over, not even when he tries to build her a huge aquarium on the school grounds. Max also has a rival for the attentions of Miss Cross. Mr. Blume (Bill Murray) is looking for some happiness in his life. He has two sons who are basically worthless and a wife who is seemingly heartless. Possibly he has found is salvation in Miss Cross.

Max gets kicked out of Rushmore and has to attend public high school. He continues his campaign to win over Miss Cross from there.

Other people in the cast include Brian Cox and the dean of Rushmore and Mason Gamble as Dirk Calloway.

Rushmore was billed as a funny, quirky coming of age story. What I found was an obscure tale whose actors were far better than the material. I had hoped for better but instead of having a good time, I found myself looking forward to the closing credits.

Copyright © 2000 Bruce E. Von Stiers