The story centers around John Plummer (played by Jason Lee), a well-meaning but financially struggling man who works as a construction worker. John’s girlfriend, Elaine (played by Leslie Mann), is eager to start a family and is pressuring him to propose to her. However, John’s plans are thrown into disarray when his niece, Noreen (played by Tammy Blanchard), is accepted into Harvard University but cannot afford the tuition.
Feeling guilty for not being able to help Noreen, John promises to pay for her college education, despite having no savings or financial resources to do so. Desperate to fulfill his promise, John turns to his eccentric friend, Duff (played by Tom Green), for help.
Duff suggests that they rob a bank to get the money for Noreen’s tuition. Despite his reservations, John reluctantly agrees to go along with Duff’s plan, hoping to avoid disappointing Noreen and Elaine.
As John and Duff embark on their ill-conceived heist, they find themselves in a series of comedic misadventures and close calls. Along the way, they encounter colorful characters, including a grizzled ex-convict named Walter P. ‘Duff’ Duffy (played by Dennis Farina), who offers them advice on pulling off the perfect robbery.
Despite their best efforts, John and Duff’s plans go awry, and they find themselves facing numerous obstacles and setbacks. From bumbling bank tellers to incompetent security guards, their heist becomes increasingly chaotic and absurd.
As the pressure mounts and their chances of success dwindle, John must confront his own moral compass and decide whether the risks are worth it to fulfill his promise to Noreen. Meanwhile, Elaine grows suspicious of John’s behavior and begins to question their relationship.
In a climactic showdown, John and Duff find themselves in a standoff with the police inside the bank. With their backs against the wall, they must find a way to escape the authorities and make things right before it’s too late.
In the end, John realizes that his niece’s happiness is more important than money or prestige, and he decides to come clean about his failed robbery attempt. With the support of his loved ones, John learns valuable lessons about honesty, integrity, and the true meaning of family.
“Stealing Harvard” is praised for its quirky humor, charming performances, and heartwarming message about the importance of friendship and family. While it received mixed reviews from critics upon its release, the film has since gained a cult following among fans of offbeat comedies.