1998, 1 hr 33 min., Rated R for language and brief nudity. Dir: Wes Anderson. Cast: Jason Schwartzmann (Max Fischer), Bill Murray (Mr. Blume), Olivia Williams (Miss Cross).

The atmosphere of Rushmore is what makes this original comedy worth viewing, focusing on the world of Max Fischer, a 15-year-old student addicted to extracurricular activities (president of the beekeepers, edits the school magazine, president of the French club, etc.). Fischer attends the prestigious Rushmore Academy on a scholarship, all the while lying about his father the barber. In there we also see an air of insecurity that fuels his obsession with being accepted while pretending not to care.

But being so involved means his grades suffer. Max is failing every class, forcing the school president, Dr. Guggenheim, to put his foot down a final time, placing Max on "sudden death probation." But it's not his grades that put Max in public school.

In chapel, Max discovers his new mentor, Mr. Blume, played by Bill Murray. Blume is an overly bitter rich steel tycoon, with twin sons that he hates and a wife who is openly cheating on him. Thus it's no suprise when we first meet him, and his speech in the chapel service offends everyone but Max, telling the poorer kids that rich people are bad, and to "take them out."

The better part of the story revolves around the arrival of Miss Cross, a British, attractive, widowed teacher who came to Rushmore because her husband attended the prep school. Naturally, a not-so-manly duel ensues as Max and Mr. Blume instantly fall in love with her and vie for her affection. I don't blame them, she is a definite babe. I love elementary school teachers (none of the ones I had, but in general). She wears the conservative clothes I adore (long skirts and sweaters, etc.), doesn't wear much make-up, something I love even more, and her British accent makes me swoon.

The style Anderson uses in Rushmore is part of the charm of the film, and keeps it from being slow. The British Invasion music is used in the right places, the establishing shots can only be appreciated on the big screen, using one corner with the actors and the rest for the scenery, the transitions between the scenes with the curtain opening and slow motion for effect.

Two of the best scenes in Rushmore involve Max's real talent in directing plays. First it's "Serpico" complete with Pacino-esque teen actors and a working subway train, then his masterpiece about the vietnam war, complete with explosions and the viet cong, prompting the audience to wear safety goggles.

The performance by Schwartzman, a relative newcomer, is above par, very convincing as the over-confident, over-the-top uber-student. Murray was good, but I'm not sure I'd give him a Best Supporting Actor nod in the Academy Awards. I'd still rather watch him in Ghostbusters, but that's just me. Williams is enchanting, and I more than fell for her. Actually, now that I think about it, she reminds me a litte bit of Maura Tierney of "Newsradio" and Liar Liar fame, in their style of dress and face and body structures.

I will admit, though, that if Max attended school with me, I probably would've hated the guy. Arrogant do-gooder who sucked up to authority and got away with everything. But I enjoyed Rushmore, and I recommend it.