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Generally speaking, the idea of "summer school" has several connotations: first, nobody wants to be there; second, that it is made easier for "dumb kids" to catch up in order to keep enrollment numbers; and three, that it is a waste of time to spend the summer studying instead of having fun. All of those collide in this lighthearted teen comedy from the late 80s.
Summer School follows Freddy Shoop (Mark Harmon), a PE teacher slacking his way at a California high school. When he reluctantly gets stuck teaching Remedial English during summer school, it's clear that neither he nor the students wants to be there. Shoop then has to find creative ways to reach the students and help them pass, while also helping them with their numerous personal issues.
The "dumb kids" that he has to teach all have different situations, most of which are revealed as the film progresses, but that range from parental and academic expectations, unknown learning difficulties, pregnancy, and economic issues. In order to win them over, Shoop bargains with them in exchange of favors, like driving and football lessons, lending his house for a party, or even accompanying a pregnant student to her Lamaze classes.
I remember seeing this a couple of times when I was a teen and, even though I don't think it has any specific memorable quality, it did stuck with me. When I found myself with this challenge for the month, and being in need of a "light" watch, I thought it was a perfect option. Although the film does have a ton of flaws, I think it holds up fairly well, if you approach it with the right expectations.
I spent a good chunk of my career (15 years) teaching, so the way that Shoop's reckless teaching methods are sometimes portrayed as "cool" made me roll my eyes a couple of times; like the aforementioned bargaining. There's also little to no effort given to follow up on most of the students' arcs, or even Shoop's. Most of their issues are resolved miraculously, or are just brushed over.
Still, there is a certain earnestness to how this group of students bond that I found endearing. Most of the characters are likable, and the film doesn't resort to some of the usual stereotypes of bullies, nerds, and jocks. All these kids, from the nerd to the "weirdos" to the jock, like each other and I found that refreshing. I also appreciated that the film didn't really give us a miraculous ending, instead going for a somewhat realistic resolution.
There are other issues I had with the way the romantic relationship with fellow teacher Robin (Kirstie Alley) unfolds, and how unnecessary the "love triangle" approach with the Vice-Principal was. There is also an impressive, but awkwardly unnecessary sequence with gory special effects (by an uncredited Rick Baker), but I still had fun with it; certainly more fun than some kids have at actual summer school.
Grade:
SUMMER SCHOOL
(1987, Reiner)
A film with the word "Summer" in its title
(1987, Reiner)
A film with the word "Summer" in its title
Shoop: "I'm not a real teacher."
Vice Principal Gills: "That's okay. They aren't real students."
Vice Principal Gills: "That's okay. They aren't real students."
Generally speaking, the idea of "summer school" has several connotations: first, nobody wants to be there; second, that it is made easier for "dumb kids" to catch up in order to keep enrollment numbers; and three, that it is a waste of time to spend the summer studying instead of having fun. All of those collide in this lighthearted teen comedy from the late 80s.
Summer School follows Freddy Shoop (Mark Harmon), a PE teacher slacking his way at a California high school. When he reluctantly gets stuck teaching Remedial English during summer school, it's clear that neither he nor the students wants to be there. Shoop then has to find creative ways to reach the students and help them pass, while also helping them with their numerous personal issues.
The "dumb kids" that he has to teach all have different situations, most of which are revealed as the film progresses, but that range from parental and academic expectations, unknown learning difficulties, pregnancy, and economic issues. In order to win them over, Shoop bargains with them in exchange of favors, like driving and football lessons, lending his house for a party, or even accompanying a pregnant student to her Lamaze classes.
I remember seeing this a couple of times when I was a teen and, even though I don't think it has any specific memorable quality, it did stuck with me. When I found myself with this challenge for the month, and being in need of a "light" watch, I thought it was a perfect option. Although the film does have a ton of flaws, I think it holds up fairly well, if you approach it with the right expectations.
I spent a good chunk of my career (15 years) teaching, so the way that Shoop's reckless teaching methods are sometimes portrayed as "cool" made me roll my eyes a couple of times; like the aforementioned bargaining. There's also little to no effort given to follow up on most of the students' arcs, or even Shoop's. Most of their issues are resolved miraculously, or are just brushed over.
Still, there is a certain earnestness to how this group of students bond that I found endearing. Most of the characters are likable, and the film doesn't resort to some of the usual stereotypes of bullies, nerds, and jocks. All these kids, from the nerd to the "weirdos" to the jock, like each other and I found that refreshing. I also appreciated that the film didn't really give us a miraculous ending, instead going for a somewhat realistic resolution.
There are other issues I had with the way the romantic relationship with fellow teacher Robin (Kirstie Alley) unfolds, and how unnecessary the "love triangle" approach with the Vice-Principal was. There is also an impressive, but awkwardly unnecessary sequence with gory special effects (by an uncredited Rick Baker), but I still had fun with it; certainly more fun than some kids have at actual summer school.
Grade: