Max Fischer (Schwartzman) is in love. The fact that he's in high school, and the object of his affections is a widowed first grade teacher, doesn't slow him down for a second. But then not much does-Max is one of those forces of nature who regards nothing as being too hard (with the possible exception of getting some work done at school). He is yearbook editor, play director, and much more for his high school, the prestigious private school Rushmore Academy. His campaign to win the heart of the beautiful Miss Cross (Williams) is further complicated by Max's friend, local millionaire Herman Blume (Murray), who has also fallen in love with her. This is the cue for Max to start going really over the edge.

Rushmore was something of a sleeper at the box office, which is a pity. This is one of the sharpest comedies to come along in recent years. Bill Murray is regarded by many critics to have been robbed by not getting a nomination for best supporting actor at the Oscars. But the best performance in my eyes is that of film debutant Jason Schwartzman in the lead role, who is quite a complex role very well. For my money, the best comedy of 1998.