Daria in 'Is It College Yet?' (2002 TV Movie) User Reviews (15)

Wonderful, but not quite as funny as the previous Daria film

[planktonrules · 8/10 · 1 January 2008]

I have a confession. Even though I am an adult and parent of a teen, I watched all the Daria TV shows and movies when they first aired. Apparently, this show aimed at teens is something I could still enjoy--even though I am an old fuddy-duddy! Recently I bought copies of the two Daria movies. I would have bought the entire show, but so far they have not been released! How MTV could do that or allow the shows to have been rebroadcast a few years ago on Noggin (chopped up in many cases as well as only showing about half the episodes) is beyond me.

Towards the end of the series, MTV released two made for TV movies. The first, IS IT FALL YET? was probably the funniest of the two, while IS IT COLLEGE YET? was much more angst-filled due to the characters on the show's pending graduation. Even the usually self-assured Daria is worried about life after high school--which is ironic, as she hated almost every minute spent at Lawndale High! I also think I liked this movie less because it meant an end to the wonderful series--a show that was far better than the Luke-warm reception it received. I think a lot of this was because Daria was on MTV and because the network moved the show around a lot on the lineup. The reason being on MTV probably hurt the show was because by the late 1990s, MTV was no longer a music video channel, but began producing near-pornographic "reality" shows that frankly were stupid and vacuous--appealing to audiences that probably wouldn't appreciate DARIA (since there was no sex or naked teens "hot tubbing"). People liking Daria were in most cases the type people who would have hated the rest of the MTV lineup.

When you watch IS IT COLLEGE YET? there are a few things you should first know. First, don't watch it for the quality of the animation, since it's terrible. Instead, the show excelled because of the brilliant and insightful writing. Second, unless you have watched the TV show, much of what occurs in this movie probably won't make much sense. Still, if you are a fan, then this is a must-see.

A nice send off for the last intelligent series on MTV.

[peachesrox · 9/10 · 30 January 2002]

The dry, sarcastic humor of Daria was always a breath of fresh air in the stale t&a reality driven universe of MTV. The farewell movie is it college yet? is no exception. All your favorite twisted characters are there and so is Daria's dead pan humor. The movies plot revolves around the Lawndale High gang approaching graduation. The usual ribbing of greed, television, popularity, and success are in full, biting Daria form. Watch this movie and pray MTV has another witty, well written animated series up it's sleeve.

Hard core Daria fans will love the animated cells at the final credits.

Good send-off to a great show

[sarcadam88 · 9/10 · 27 January 2002]

When it was announced last year that 'Daria' was coming to an end, I have to admit I was disappointed. Then, when MTV aired the season five finale "Boxing Daria," I could only wonder how the 'Daria' crew could top it in the series finale. Unfortunately (?), they could not. However, the crew _did_ manage to put together a send-off that was very good, though not perfect.

The inevitable plot about graduation is the the main focus here, and remains interesting throughout. However, the secondary plots range from intriguing to not very good at all. I'm not going to go into great detail, but a few of my favorite situations were Quinn & Lindy's and Jane's. The most uninteresting (and one that could've been bettered with more exploration) were those with Brittany and Kevin. But even there we the viewers are thrown a few [small] redeeming bones. The best thing about these stories is that they weren't clearly wrapped up, leaving it up to the viewers to decide what happens. In a time where so many storylines are wrapped in neatly tied packages, this is quite a nice thing.

So, although this movie isn't as good as the best 'Daria,' it was still wholly entertaining through and through. It's sad that it's all over, but as creator Glenn Eichler said, they wanted to (and did) go out on a high note. Easy B+/8 material here, but it has the advantage of being a part of 'Daria'...9/10.

A great way to end a fantastic series.

[drew_graham1 · 14 April 2003]

Being a semi-fan of the MTV days' Daria and a mega-fan of the reruns (I didn't know what I was missing!), I sought out the two made-for-TV Daria movies and was not disappointed.

In this one, the series was given a great Finale, although I wished it hadn't ended at all. High school students planning for college and the changes it brings speaks to a great deal of Daria's audience. I always love to see the development of the characters, particularly Daria, Jane and Quinn, and this film continued to do so. I don't know of any other series that started off with a bunch of whimsical characters but somehow ended with histories and backgrounds to those characters and why many of them act and think the way they do (especially Quinn and Daria). While some thought-provoking events occur, there are also the highly amusing antics we've all come to expect (Brittney and Kevin, the future of the Fashion Club!!).

While "Is it Fall Yet?" was funnier, "Is it College Yet?" opened many windows into the characters and their thoughts, and still managed to highly entertain. 10/10.

A Great End To A Great Series

[jweatherford27 · 10/10 · 28 January 2002]

I've mention earlier that I'm a huge "Daria" fan. When MTV finally aired the "Is It College Yet", I stayed tune for it and I did not budge until it was over. As I watched it, I began to realize how much the characters have developed over the past five years (well, actually two years in Lawndale time. It sure is sad to see them go.

All in all, I was really impressed with it, but I'm afraid to say anymore without giving away the story.

A fitting end to a classy show that always rang true

[AlsExGal · 9/10 · 5 February 2010]

What was great about Daria was her dry sense of humor and insight, plus the fact that I have NEVER encountered a 17 year old who is that self confident and together. Come to think of it, I have never encountered a 37 year old who is that self confident and together. Daria had an admirable sense of self that could not be rattled by the conventions of others. This movie wraps up the Daria series and deals with the outcome of the college plans of Daria, her boyfriend Tom, best friend Jane, and classmates Jodie and Mack. Also, Daria's sister, superficial Quinn, gets her first real job and actually grows up to the point where she realizes that she doesn't need the fashion club anymore in order to define herself.

Daria gets confirmation of what she already knows - that connections and personality trump brains - when distinguished college Bromwell passes her over for admittance, but accepts her old-moneyed and more conventionally likable boyfriend, Tom. When Daria realizes that after graduation she will have a long distance romance with Tom that will eventually end badly, she decides to break up with him in order to keep what she really values most - his friendship. How many adult women would come to that conclusion without the involvement of much kicking and screaming?

One of my favorite parts of the movie were the end credits in the original broadcast where we see what happens to the characters in the future. Mack and Kevin have marketed their own brand of food products, Miss Lee has become a shut-in ala Howard Hughes, covering everything with aluminum foil in an attempt to keep out the radio waves of anyone who is listening to her, Jodie is a high-powered business woman opening what appears to be a casino, and finally, we see Daria and Jane sitting in front of a banner entitled "Good Mornings With Daria and Jane", apparently hosting their own TV talk show.

Time to say goodbye

[Rectangular_businessman · 10/10 · 6 September 2013]

Everything have to end, soon or later, and is usually the best stuff the first to end. However, I can't say that I wasn't satisfied by the ending of "Daria".

the show had a decent run, and it ended before jumping the shark (Too bad we couldn't say the same thing about "The Simpsons" and "Family Guy") More importantly, it ended with same honesty and good writing from the beginning, having a great character development in its five seasons and two movies.

"Is It College Yet?" was the perfect ending for a series like "Daria". I honestly couldn't think in a better conclusion. It was funny, witty and heartwarming without being corny, pretty much like the rest of the series, having all those good elements that made me like it in the first place.

Like the Supergrass "Time to Go" song says: Who could ask for more?

Great.

[remember_the_daze · 9/10 · 4 October 2002]

Daria, Is it College Yet is a great TV movie. It wasn't funny but I really enjoyed. I saw it the day before back to school and it cheered me up. Next time its on MTV or whenever, you should really watch it. I recommend this for all.

My TV Rating: TV-PG-L

Great Finale For Daria Series

[denis888 · 9/10 · 13 September 2020]

This film is short, only an hour long, but it is so packed with great events, excellent humor, deadpan delivery, witty criticism of college system, excellent jab at art world, interesting view at color issues, that this hour flies like a speedy car. Daria is going to a college, as well as all her pals. WE see them choose and struggle. We see Quinn in the process of making great decisions, as well as we see Tom, Trent, Kevin and Mac all involved in various tough moments. What is sure here is Daria's dry sarcasm her huge inner insecurities, her fight for her place in the sub. Jane is at odds, too, but she has her way way too faster. Excellent short witty film which goes well and nicely. The only drawback is that it is slight;y less captivating than Is It Fall Yet, which was almost perfect. However, both films are a great hurrah and a real treat to all the Daria fans

Better than "Is it Fall Yet?"

[briancham1994 · 8/10 · 9 August 2020]

Out of the two Daria movies, I much prefer this one. It has the same characters we all know and love, but now they have a much richer history to draw from. There is plenty of development here that is really engaging to follow as they move onto the next step of their lives.

Deadpan cynicism

[CuriosityKilledShawn · 7/10 · 6 March 2004]

I totally loved this show. It's full of crazy characters (Daria's dad in particular) and hilarious stereotypes (who sadly reoccur with frightening frequency in real life). Plus it's the second show to be spun-off from Beavis and Butthead (King of the Hill being the first). It's weird to think of them all existing in the same world.

What separates Daria from other popular animation such as The Simpson's or Family Guy is the character interaction. In some places Daria almost feels like a drama, giving it a touch more integrity.

She's a tough girl to love. Daria basically has no faith in anything but her own judgment. It's makes a little bit hard to get close to her but she is a proud outsider in a mad world.

This DVD features the last (extended) episode of Daria making it to college and what happens once her High School life is over. There are two bonus episodes (Boxing Daria and Lucky Strike) included. The DVD is in 1.33:1 as drawn, the colors are bright and clear as is the Dolby 2.0 soundtrack.

A lot like most sequels--Not as good as the original(***SPOILERS***)

[Ddey65 · 7/10 · 21 April 2004]

But unlike most sequels that doesn't make it bad. The series-ending TV Movie is still up to the standards that made Daria the great show that it was. You don't need Daria's I.Q. to realize no TV show lasts forever, but the fact that a sixth season couldn't come before the obviously rushed series finale is still disappointing enough. In any case I'm going to weight the pros and cons now.

The case against "Is It College Yet?"

1)The Fate of Daria and Tom: It was abrupt and disappointing, but fortunately not over-dramatic. Despite the fact that Tom and the Sloanes made every effort to help Daria join him at Bromwell, she ends up having to settle for Raft, and ends her relationship with Tom permanently. What's also disappointing is that she finds out after calling it quits with Tom that he looks up to her. And this after she made comments about feeling like she's too unworthy of the Sloanes and their inner circle. Boy, if she only knew this earlier.

2)Upchuck no longer went out with Stacy: Ever since the episode "Life in the Past Lane" we all were surprised that Stacy would be willing to spend any time with Upchuck. I know he'd have to have a reputation for being an annoying flirt that lasts beyond his magic show, but to still be looking for love after finding someone earlier? Frankly, I expected something better of him.

3)The Quinn-Lindy Subplot: A little too much like an ABC Afterschool Special for many.

4)Too many unanswered questions: The main reason Daria was such a great show was her snide remarks at the people around her. But with a lot of these people, there's more to them than meets the eye. Lots of fans, including myself were looking for more insight into what makes the supporting cast tick. Why is Stacy such an emotional cripple? Why don't we see Jodie's little Sister anywhere else but "The Daria Database?" Is Mack's father really as sports-crazy as Kevin's? And so on, and so forth.

The Case for "Is It College Yet?"

1)Daria and Jane graduate easily. Brittany and the rest of the cheerleaders do to, but I wouldn't let that worry me.

2)Andrew and Michele Landon are finally vindicated as good parents: I could see this already in the episode "Prize Fighters," when some web-fans were still debating the notion that the Landon parents might be abusive to their kids. They actually give in to Jodie's feelings and allow her to go to Turner College.

3)Kevin doesn't graduate: The only bad thing about it is that Mr. DeMartino is going to have to deal with him for at least another year. If he thinks seeing Mrs. Barch and Mr. O'Neill together gave him a good reason to bang his head on the goalposts, a few more senior years with Kevin Thompson will make him take a one-way trip to Chicago so he can jump off the Sears Tower.

4)Daria's graduation speech: Those of us who have been fans of Daria since the days of Beavis and Butt-head know very little could prevent Daria from graduating from High School, but the surprise chance for a speech at her graduation transcends beyond Daria fandom. It rings true for anybody who hated their life in high school. Years ago in my user comment on the regular series I said that the legacy of Daria should last even if the show doesn't, and that speech gives me some confidence that it will. Overall, we'll have no more or less reason to dread the future than we did before.

5)It's Daria -- How can anyone resist?

Glenn Eichler said in an interview that many fans have mistaken Daria for a super-girl, and as we've learned since Season Four, she's anything but perfect and this fact is emphasized here. Still, she says what many if not most fans want to say to their elders and superiors, and that's one of the reasons why we like her. It may not seem socially acceptable to think that a two-dimensional teenage girl could be an outlet for our frustration at the world, but none of us should forget that decades ago a Minnesota man named Charles Schulz proved it was possible with a little boy named Charlie Brown.

We'll miss you, Daria, and all your jabs at the stupidity around you...and around us. Hopefully we won't miss as many of the cast and crew that made your show as good as it was.

What a sell out...

[sebimeyer42 · 1/10 · 21 January 2002]

Yes, MTV there really is a way to market Daria. What started as a clever teenage angst-"comment on everything that sucks and make the viewer feel better about their sucky teenage life" sitcom now mutated into a "how you should deal with your problems"-charade. I used to watch Daria all the time and loved it. Now, sitting here after watching the so called "movie" I can only wonder what the point of this all was. Daria tells us how to lead out life in college? Excuse me? didn't the point Daria made every episode that what you like to do is ok, as long as it is ok with yourself no matter what the rest of the sick sad world thinks of it? This entire thing reminded me of the scene in "Reality Bites" the movie channel shows the documentry for the first time.

Everyone's favourite mix of Cindy Crawford and Janeane Garofalo leaves MTV poorer for her absence - next, on "Sick Sad World."

[Victor Field · 6/10 · 16 July 2002]

There are very few original programmes on MTV that I can be encouraged to watch, and even fewer that actually reward the effort; to be precise, apart from "House of Style" - the Crawford Years, of course - the only one is "Daria." (Sorry fans of "The Osbournes," but reality TV is not my thing.)

Basically a feature-length final episode of the show, "Is It College Yet?" follows the ever-introspective Miss Morgendorffer and her friends and enemies as graduation and college near. Having not managed to see the show for a while thanks to MTV UK's idiotic scheduling (although bless Channel 5 for showing it terrestrially), it was a surprise to see that Daria had actually managed to get herself a boyfriend (and yet Quinn hadn't? Oh well).

In this opus things come to a head between her and Tom while she's pitching to go to Raft as opposed to the "better" Bramwell; Quinn gets a summer job at a restaurant and launches a drinking problem that plays a bit too much like a bad After School Special for comfort; Jane is unsure about going to college and pursuing her dreams as an artist; Jody doesn't want to go to a place where she'll be seen as the token black; and one of the characters (not Quinn) turns out to not be moving on from school, a subplot which really would have benefitted from a bit more depth... as opposed to the thread dealing with the lovelife of Mr. O'Neill, which would have benefitted from not being there at all.

The movie is a bit of a stretch in a 90-minute slot, and there are some elements (like Sandy losing her voice and the aforementioned O'Neill problem) that practically scream "padding," but Daria, Jane, Trent and the rest are as sparky as ever, and the movie does manage to wrap up the series in a fairly satisfactory fashion. "Is It College Yet?" isn't the show at its best, but it was always a gem in MTV's lineup, and the departure of "Daria" means more room for "Celebrity Deathmatch," "The Real World," "Videoclash," "Essential Insert-Name-Of-Rubbish-Pop-Star-Here"...

"Daria" 1997-2002. A "My So-Called Life" in a world of "Saved by the Bell"s.

Best. Daria. Ever.

[ManOrAstroMan · 28 April 2003]

This film, with IIFY preceding it, is by far the best made-for-cable movie I've ever seen. It does not help that I'm a devoted Daria junkie either. This piece really does send off the Daria legacy with all the class, humor, intelligence and respect the series always deserved but sometimes never received. I recommend that all Daria fans buy this on VHS or the expanded DVD form.

Final Score: an eternally-sarcastic 8/10.