Accepted 2006
Directed by
Steve Pink
Made by
Universal Pictures
Plot Summary
Graduating high school senior Bartleby “B” Gaines, portrayed by Justin Long, suddenly faces a dilemma after being rejected by all the colleges he applied to. His knack for talking his way out of tough situations has failed him with the college admissions boards of the eight institutions he hoped to join. With his parents feeling the weight of disappointment, believing that their son’s future hangs in the balance, Bartleby is determined to find a way to appease their expectations.
In his quest, he discovers that several of his friends are in the same boat, all grappling with rejection. To clear the air with their families, Bartleby devises an ingenious plan: he will create his own college using an online platform. This leads him and his friends to transform an abandoned psychiatric facility into the South Harmon Institute of Technology. They cleverly promote it as an accepting institution, claiming to enroll anyone who applies.
As the school year kicks off, the group is taken by surprise when a flood of fellow rejections arrives on the first day; they now have a thriving student body! With a hefty sum of a million dollars in tuition fees, Bartleby faces the daunting task of turning their imaginative concept into a reality. He enlists the help of Uncle Ben, played by Lewis Black, to step in as the College Dean.
The adventure soon spirals into a frenzy of fun as the group shapes their own curriculum, crafts the rules, and revels in their new-found freedom. However, their excitement is soon threatened by the South Harmon jocks, who have their sights set on dismantling all that Bartleby and his friends have worked so hard to build. As the stakes rise, the story unfolds with laughter, challenges, and a quest for identity in the world of higher education.
Timeline
Bartleby's Rejection
Graduating high school senior Bartleby 'B' Gaines experiences a significant blow when he receives rejection letters from all eight colleges he applied to. This moment marks the beginning of his struggle, as he grapples with disappointment and a sense of failure, particularly in regards to his parents' expectations.
Searching for Solutions
Faced with the pressure of his parents' disappointment, Bartleby reflects on his situation and realizes he is not alone. Many of his friends are also dealing with similar rejections, which prompts him to brainstorm an unconventional solution to their problem.
The Idea is Born
In a moment of inspiration, Bartleby decides to create his own college using an online platform. This bold plan aims to provide a new opportunity for him and his friends while also alleviating the pressure they face from their families.
Transforming the Facility
Bartleby and his friends set out to transform an abandoned psychiatric facility into the South Harmon Institute of Technology. This transformation is filled with challenges and excitement, as they work to create a space that reflects their vision of an accepting educational institution.
Launching the College
The group promotes their new college, marketing it as an inclusive institution that enrolls anyone who applies. Their innovative approach quickly garners interest, resulting in an unexpected influx of applicants, much to their astonishment.
A Thriving Student Body
On the first day of classes, Bartleby and his friends are overwhelmed by the number of students who have enrolled. They are now responsible for managing a burgeoning college community, which comes with both excitement and daunting challenges.
Financial Realization
With a million dollars collected from tuition fees, Bartleby realizes the magnitude of their venture. This new financial responsibility urges him to take their makeshift college seriously and ensures that they deliver a functioning educational experience.
Uncle Ben's Involvement
Bartleby enlists the help of his Uncle Ben to serve as the College Dean. Played by Lewis Black, Uncle Ben brings a blend of humor and authority to the nascent college, adding to the chaotic energy of their new establishment.
Creating the Curriculum
The students joyfully set about crafting their own curriculum, excited by the freedom to choose what they want to learn. This process fosters creativity and camaraderie, as they collaborate to dictate the rules and structure of their college.
Emerging Challenges
As South Harmon Institute of Technology gains popularity, it faces unexpected challenges from the local jocks. These rivals pose a significant threat to the success of Bartleby and his friends' makeshift institution, leading to confrontations that escalate the stakes.
Alliance and Resistance
Bartleby and his friends rally to protect their new college from the jocks' attempts to dismantle it. Their determination to uphold the values of inclusivity and acceptance provides empowering moments amid the challenges they face.
The Quest for Identity
Throughout the tumult, Bartleby and his friends embark on a quest for identity within the realm of higher education. They explore what it truly means to be a student, embracing the lessons learned outside traditional structures.
Unforeseen Growth
With each challenge, Bartleby finds himself growing and learning alongside his friends. The experience not only shapes their futures but also cultivates a strong bond that solidifies their resolve to defend their institution.
Final Confrontation
The climax of their adventure unfolds as Bartleby and his friends face off against the jocks in a bid to protect their college. This confrontation tests their loyalty and creativity, pushing them to rally together for their shared dream.
Defining Success
In the end, Bartleby and his friends redefine what success means to them, emerging victorious in their own unique way. The journey solidifies their friendship and leaves a lasting impact on their perceptions of education and identity.
Characters
Bartleby "B" Gaines (Justin Long)
Bartleby is a clever and resourceful high school senior whose creativity shines amid adversity. Rejected by various colleges, he takes matters into his own hands by establishing a college of his own. With a talent for talking his way out of tough situations, he leads his friends on a hilarious and heartfelt journey to redefine what education means.
Uncle Ben (Lewis Black)
Uncle Ben, portrayed by Lewis Black, serves as the wise yet comedic figure who supports Bartleby's ambitions. His involvement as the College Dean adds humor and adult perspective to the students' outrageous plans. His character adds depth to the friendship and guidance theme, demonstrating the vital role of older mentors in youthful endeavors.
Setting
Time period
The movie captures a contemporary high school experience where students face the pressures of college admissions. It reflects the challenges faced by teenagers in a highly competitive educational environment, showcasing their inventive responses to rejection.
Location
South Harmon Institute of Technology, abandoned psychiatric facility
The South Harmon Institute of Technology is an unconventional college founded by Bartleby and his friends in an abandoned psychiatric facility. Known for its acceptance of anyone who applies, the institute becomes a haven for students rejected by traditional colleges. The once-derelict building transforms into a vibrant campus filled with youthful energy and inventive spirit.
Themes
🎓
Education
The theme of education is central to the film, exploring the traditional vs. alternative paths to learning. Bartleby and his friends challenge the notion of higher education by creating their own college, promoting an environment of acceptance and creativity. It highlights the importance of self-discovery and the right fit in educational journeys.
🤝
Friendship
The bond between Bartleby and his friends emphasizes the significance of companionship during challenging times. Together, they support one another through their college rejections and work collaboratively to create a space that represents their collective aspirations. Their friendship serves as a foundation for their innovative venture into education.
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Acceptance
Acceptance plays a pivotal role in the film, as Bartleby constructs a college that welcomes all, reflecting the struggles of those facing rejection. The narrative promotes the idea that education can take many forms, celebrating diversity and the individual paths of students who seek validation in a system that often overlooks them.
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