Clark Kellogg is a naive and eager film school student who arrives in New York City with dreams of making it big in the movie industry. However, his ambitions are quickly dashed when he becomes the victim of a petty theft that leaves him penniless and hopeless.
Desperate for a way to make ends meet, Clark is introduced to Carmine "Jimmy the Toucan" Sabatini, a charismatic and flamboyant character who claims to be an importer of exotic animals. Despite his reservations, Clark agrees to work for Sabatini, who promises to help him out financially in exchange for some odd jobs.
Before long, Clark finds himself embroiled in a complex scheme involving the theft and smuggling of an endangered species of Komodo dragon. With Sabatini at the helm and Clark as his unwitting accomplice, the duo sets out to carry out the heist, which involves a high-end restaurant and some of the city's wealthiest elite.
As the caper unfolds, Clark realizes that Sabatini may not be who he claims to be, and that he could be in over his head. But with no other options available, he decides to commit to the plan and see it through to the end.
The Freshman is a comedic take on the classic tale of a young man who falls in with the wrong crowd and must navigate a dangerous world of crime and deception. With engaging performances from Matthew Broderick as Clark and Marlon Brando as Sabatini, the film is a fun and entertaining romp that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats until the very end.