'One Crazy Summer' is something of a follow up to Director Savage Steve Holland's 1985 comedy, Better Off Dead. The situation is somewhat repeated in this movie, with John Cusak playing the innocent teen who's romantic quests are thwarted by an obnoxious blonde rival and his equally obnoxious father.
John Cusak is Hoops McCann, legendary basketball player who has no skills whatsoever when it comes to the sport. Just like Lane Meyer in Better Off Dead, Hoops is good at cartooning, and his cartoons are used to help him sort out his dilemmas (well, as much as a cartoon can, anyway). Hoops, a fresh high school grad, joins his sloppy friend, George (you might remember actor Joel Murray as a recent sidekick in 'Dharma & Greg') at his grandmother's house near the beach. There, Hoops meets an aspiring lounge singer (Demi Moore in a role resembling that from 'No Small Affair') who is trying to raise money to save her grandfather's home from the likes of the fiendish rivals who want to knock it down and turn it into a luxury golf course. Hoops, the nice guy that he is, and all of his goofy friends (including the return of Curtis Armstrong and a supporting role by Bobcat Goldwaith), agree to do what they can to help out the girl.
If you have seen Better Off Dead, you'll know to expect lots of stupid comedy and a great assortment of strange characters and subplots (including another strange sibling for Cusak's character, though not as weird as Badger in Better Off Dead). So, if you liked the first movie, you'll probably get a kick out of this one, though it doesn't have quite the same flare as its ancestor movie. And as always, if you enjoy early John Cusak comedy roles, this one is perfect for you. It is still a great 80s comedy.
John Cusak is Hoops McCann, legendary basketball player who has no skills whatsoever when it comes to the sport. Just like Lane Meyer in Better Off Dead, Hoops is good at cartooning, and his cartoons are used to help him sort out his dilemmas (well, as much as a cartoon can, anyway). Hoops, a fresh high school grad, joins his sloppy friend, George (you might remember actor Joel Murray as a recent sidekick in 'Dharma & Greg') at his grandmother's house near the beach. There, Hoops meets an aspiring lounge singer (Demi Moore in a role resembling that from 'No Small Affair') who is trying to raise money to save her grandfather's home from the likes of the fiendish rivals who want to knock it down and turn it into a luxury golf course. Hoops, the nice guy that he is, and all of his goofy friends (including the return of Curtis Armstrong and a supporting role by Bobcat Goldwaith), agree to do what they can to help out the girl.
If you have seen Better Off Dead, you'll know to expect lots of stupid comedy and a great assortment of strange characters and subplots (including another strange sibling for Cusak's character, though not as weird as Badger in Better Off Dead). So, if you liked the first movie, you'll probably get a kick out of this one, though it doesn't have quite the same flare as its ancestor movie. And as always, if you enjoy early John Cusak comedy roles, this one is perfect for you. It is still a great 80s comedy.