Is Making the Grade Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Making the Grade is likely a skip if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 105 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Making the Grade Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1984, Making the Grade emerges as a significant entry in the Comedy domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Lazy preppie Palmer Woodrow hires street-smart Eddie Keaton to go to school for him while he lives it up in Europe. Unlike standard genre fare, Making the Grade attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Making the Grade features a noteworthy lineup led by Judd Nelson . Supported by the likes of Dana Olsen and Jonna Lee , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Making the Grade (1984) is negative. With an audience rating of 4.9/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Making the Grade Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Making the Grade is a Comedy film that brings laughter through clever writing and comedic timing, offering both entertainment and social commentary. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Making the Grade Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Making the Grade attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Making the Grade reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Making the Grade?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Comedy films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Making the Grade Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $4.6M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
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Full Cast & Crew of Making the Grade
- Judd Nelson – Eddie Keaton
- Dana Olsen – Palmer Woodrow
- Jonna Lee – Tracey Hoover
- Gordon Jump – Mr. Harriman
- Walter Olkewicz – Coach Wordman
Top Highlights
Judd NelsonEddie Keaton
Dana OlsenPalmer Woodrow
Jonna LeeTracey Hoover
Gordon JumpMr. Harriman
Walter OlkewiczCoach Wordman
Ronald LaceyNicky
Dan SchneiderBlimp
Andrew Dice ClayDice
John DyeSkip
Carey ScottRand
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Making the Grade is rated R. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4.9/10, and global collection metrics, Making the Grade stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1984 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Making the Grade movie hit or flop?
Making the Grade is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4.9/10 and lower collections.
Is Making the Grade worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4.9/10, Making the Grade may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Making the Grade online?
Making the Grade may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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