Woodyanders Review of Fraternity Vacation

Fraternity Vacation (1985)

Very enjoyable 80's collegiate comedy romp

[8/10 · 16 January 2014]

Party hearty frat boys Joe (amiable Cameron Dye) and Mother (a lively portrayal by a pre-stardom Tim Robbins) go to Palm Springs, California for Easter spring break. The hopelessly nerdy Wendell (the singular Stephen Geoffreys in peak endearingly gawky'n'geeky form) tags along. Joe and Mother make a bet with two rival frat guys on who will score first with enticing, yet elusive local stunner Ashley Taylor (a luminous turn by the luscious Sheree J. Wilson). Director James Frawley keeps the pace moving along at a snappy clip and maintains a good-natured goofball tone throughout. Lindsay Harrison's blithely silly script not only manages to keep the expected cheerfully lowbrow humor on the right side of raucous and raunchy, but also offers a surprising amount of heart and sweetness. Moreover, it's a real treat to see Wendell overcome his own bumbling timidity and emerge victorious at the very end. The spirited acting by the appealing cast keeps the movie humming: Dye and Robbins make for likable leads, Leigh McCloskey and Matt McCoy are perfectly slimy as the jerky rival frat dudes, Amanda Bearse radiates a sunny charm as the perky Nicole Ferret, and John Vernon really sinks his teeth into his trademark crusty killjoy authority figure role of the strict and uptight Chief Ferret. Britt Ekland has an amusing bit as foxy barmaid Eyvette. Of course, Barbara Crampton and Kathleen Kinmont both make a strong and sexy impression baring their delectable wares in a joint nude scene that has justifiably acquired legendary status amongst celebrity skin aficionados. Paul Ryan's crisp cinematography provides an attractive bright look. Brad Fiedel's funky syncopated score and the cool rock soundtrack keep things bouncing along. A real fun lightweight flick.