In “Revenge of the Nerds II: Nerds in Paradise 1987,” a group of nerds must fight against a group of jocks in a tropical paradise. They use their brains to outsmart their opponents, like David vs. Goliath. Along the way, they enjoy some beachy hijinks and even find love. Will the nerds triumph over the muscular jocks? Watch to find out!
Review
In 1987, a sequel to the popular comedy film “Revenge of the Nerds” was released, titled “Revenge of the Nerds II: Nerds in Paradise.” Directed by Joe Roth and written by Tim Metcalfe and Miguel Tejada-Flores, this movie follows the adventures of a group of nerdy college students as they attend a national fraternity convention in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The storyline of “Nerds in Paradise” begins with the return of Lewis (Robert Carradine) and Gilbert (Anthony Edwards) to their fictional Adams College after having won a national competition in the previous film. They are shocked to discover that their beloved Lambda Lambda Lambda fraternity has been temporarily disbanded due to some financial issues. The nerds come up with a plan to attend a national fraternity convention in Florida, where they hope to win back their chapter’s charter.
The plot thickens when they arrive at the convention and find themselves competing against their rivals from Alpha Beta fraternity. However, the nerds are armed with new allies such as arch-nemesis Betty Childs (Julia Montgomery), who helps them infiltrate Alpha Beta’s party boat.
One of the standout aspects of “Nerds in Paradise” is its cast. The ensemble includes actors such as Curtis Armstrong, Larry B. Scott, Timothy Busfield, Courtney Thorne-Smith, and Bradley Whitford. They all deliver performances that bring humor and depth to their respective characters.
In terms of popularity and score ratings, “Nerds in Paradise” did not fare as well as its predecessor. However, it did manage to earn over $30 million at the box office. Despite mixed reviews from critics upon its initial release, many fans have come to appreciate it for its playful charm and memorable moments.
The filming location for “Nerds in Paradise” was primarily Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The crew took advantage of the sunshine and stunning beaches to create a vibrant and colorful backdrop for the film. The scenes set on the party boat were shot aboard the authentic riverboat “Carrie B.”
The movie’s soundtrack includes songs from artists such as The Beach Boys, James Brown, and Devo. These upbeat tunes add to the fun and energetic atmosphere of the film.
While some critics have criticized “Nerds in Paradise” for its lack of depth and reliance on gags, others argue that this is what makes it a great comedy. It celebrates nerd culture and embraces these characters’ quirks instead of mocking them.
One memorable scene from the film involves Gilbert trying to impress his crush, Sunny Carstairs (Thorne-Smith), by jumping over a row of parked cars on his motorcycle. When he crashes into a van, Sunny realizes that she loves him for who he is, not for his daredevil stunts.
Another iconic moment is when Lewis puts on a ridiculous costume and performs a rap song at the convention to rally support for their fraternity. This scene has become a classic example of 80s pop culture nostalgia.
Despite its flaws, “Revenge of the Nerds II: Nerds in Paradise” remains a beloved cult classic among fans of comedy films. Its themes of acceptance and self-empowerment still resonate with viewers today.
In conclusion, this movie may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it certainly has its moments of charm and humor. Whether you are an 80s cinephile or just looking for a lighthearted flick to watch with friends, “Nerds in Paradise” delivers entertainment that is both playful and endearing. As Lewis says in the film’s climax, “We’re different…but that doesn’t mean we’re wrong.”
Technical Data
- Runtime : 98
- Release : 1987-07-10
- Genre : Comedy
- Cast : Robert Carradine as Lewis Skolnick, Larry B. Scott as Lamar Latrelle, Timothy Busfield as Arnold Poindexter, Courtney Thorne-Smith as Sunny Carstairs, Anthony Edwards as Gilbert Lowell
- Crew : Charles Correll as Director of Photography, Mark Mothersbaugh as Original Music Composer, Jeffrey Kurland as Costume Design, Richard Chew as Editor, Richard Chew as Associate Producer
- Popularity 15.782
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : $22,642,033
- Company : American Entertainment Partners L.P., Interscope Communications, Amercent Films
- Summary : The members of the Lambda Lambda Lambda fraternity travel to Fort Lauderdale for a fraternity conference. They’ll have to beat off the attacks of their rival frat, the Alphas, if they want to maintain their self-respect — and, of course, if they want to get anywhere with the pretty girls!
- Tagline : They’re Back!
