Accepted (DVD)

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Part of the movie's problem is that the filmmakers decided to go for a soft PG-13, rather than a hard R. Sometimes you just crave for a good old-fashioned raunch-fest. Where are the dirty jokes? Where are the obscene sexual situations? Where's the fun? There's not even any nudity. If you're gonna go lowbrow, then go lowbrow. This middle of the road stuff just doesn't cut it for this type of film. Of course, the premise is completely ludicrous. As many other reviewers wrote, "Why can't they just go to community college?" Then again, it is community college...

Still, if there are any redeeming qualities to be found in "Accepted", one can look at the film's leading man and one of its supporting characters. Justin Long has made a modest career out of playing the nerdy nebbish-type. If you enjoyed his performances in "Galaxy Quest" and "Dodgeball", you'll probably find some charm in his Bartleby. I'm sure he'll provide more of the same in the upcoming "Die Hard" sequel. Also bringing the funny, is Lewis Black as the fake dean for the fake school. Anyone who's seen his rants on "The Daily Show" will likely have an idea of what his character is like.

VIDEO:
The video is presented in anamorphic widescreen with an aspect ratio of 2.35:1. The picture quality is clean and the colors are bright. It's not particularly spectacular, but it is the standard, good-looking transfer you'd expect from a release this new.

AUDIO:
The audio is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 with Spanish and French dubbed tracks in 5.1 as well. The movie is heavy on dialogue and everything comes in crisp and clear.

EXTRAS:
First up is an audio commentary track with director Steve Pink and actors Justin Long, Jonah Hill, Lewis Black, and Adam Heschman. It's the typical track you usually get with a large group of participants. They crack jokes and reminisce about shooting the film.

Adam's Accepted Chronicles is a tongue-in-cheek video diary of Adam Herschman's exploits while making the film.

Reject Rejection: The Making of Accepted is the typical EPK-style behind-the-scenes featurette
Self-Guided Campus Tour is an interactive map which leads to several short featurettes about the various sections of South Harmon.

Rounding out the extras are a collection of deleted scenes, a gag reel, and downloadable MP3s of movie quotes that are accessible via DVD-ROM. There are also two music videos, "Hangin' on the Half-Pipe" featuring footage of the film's skateboarding stunts, and "Keep Your Head Up" from South Harmon grads, The Ringers.

FILM VALUE:
I'm no stuffed shirt, I enjoy a raunchy party animal/stoner comedy as much as the next guy. However, "Accepted" isn't a raunchy party animal/stoner comedy, it's just a pale imitation. The fact that the jokes won't even raise a snicker gels well with the overall blandness of the film.