Fraternity Vacation (1985) User Reviews

a little of what you'd expect, and a lot of what you wouldn't

[witster18 · 6/10 · 7 December 2012]

I love the films opening sequence. The music really lightens the mood. The opening scene is shot in black and white which makes the film really pop the moment it splashes color in Palm Springs.

I liken this to "The Last American Virgin". "Fraternity Vacation" tells us all we thought we needed to know from the cover, but then something rather strange happens.

The film takes-on some 'rather serious' themes. All the gratuitous nudity(as well as most of the partying theme) takes a back seat for the last half of the film. That's the one characteristic that makes this stand out in this genre.

Of course there's some issues with the acting. Stephen Geoffreys(Wendell) is good, Cameron Dye(Joe) is passable, and Tim Robbins as "Mother Tucker" does an alright job. Sheree Wilson is o.k., but Amanda Bearse's performance is a bit rigid.

Bearse is the annoying rich-daddy's girl, but she is a bit too over-the-top with it. Easily the worst performance in the film. Wilson is the mature 'mark', but her character could have used some more dialog.

Kathleen Kinmont and Barbara Crampton are perfectly cast in smaller roles, but are unfortunately left out of much of the last half of the film.

The film wraps up in the same manner as most of these films - with the leads being put in jail, and some mad father figure on the loose.

The sights and sounds of the films first hour make it worthwhile, and it's themes are surprisingly serious, but this is still an 80's boob comedy that is a dish best served with a cold beer and a grain of salt.

I do consider this to be quite a bit better than most of the films in this genre, which isn't saying much, but if you're going to re-live one of these, this is a decent option.

You might Like this if you liked: Spring Break(not as good as this), Private Resort(about even), or Hardbodies(not as good).

59/100

Call the National Guard......

[FlashCallahan · 6/10 · 30 November 2013]

A nerd gains the friendship of two of his frat brothers when his dad offers them his condo for the week in Palm Springs.

He also offers the fraternity a hot tub and jacuzzi if they can help his son find a girl.

They meet two guys from a rival fraternity, and make a bet on who can nail the Designated Babe first....

So it's the middle of the eighties, and Hollywood thought it would be a great idea to bring out another cheeky comedy about Frat boys on spring break just trying to lose it, with hilarious consequences....

When you watch films like this, you know what to expect. From the title, right up to the narrative. It's by the numbers stuff, and if you're sniffy about this stuff, your best to stay away from them, because you will get exactly what you expect to get.

There's plenty of nudge nudge, wink wink scenes, lots of embarrassing moments for the main leads, and of course, a special guest star as the captain of police.

Geoffrey's is brilliant as the geek without a clue, and you know from the instant someone bumps into him in the swimming pool, what the outcome will be of the whole film.

The rest of the films is all filler, with generic high school caricatures being slung at you from all angles.

Its nothing original, but its bright, and short, and never gets boring.

Well worth a peek if you like these cheeky comedies...

Kind of like a male version of Shag. (spoilers)

[vertigo_14 · 6/10 · 26 December 2004]

I remember Fraternity Vacation being a pleasant comedy. Two college frat boys (Tim Robbins as Larry, and Cameron Dye as Joe) take advantage of their friend, nerdy Wendell's (Stephen Geoffreys) generous hospitality when he invites them to share his father's beachside condo for Spring Break. Larry and Joe see it as the perfect opportunity for one thing: picking up girls. And, on the side, to Wendell find a women, too. It is the typical 80s virgin theme and the attempts by horny young men to help themselves (or in this case, their friends) lose his virginity to (hopefully) some beautiful beach bimbo. Only, Larry and Joe are not at all subtle about what they want and Wendell, who is more of a careful romantic, actually has more success.

It is a beach romp with something of a heart of gold finale for our kind main character, Wendell. So, aside from the typical boobs, beers, and parties prevalent in these types of 80s comedies, there is also something for female viewers to appreciate, at least through some of Larry and Joe's dimwitted hijinks or Wendell's sincerity and (eventually) happy ending. It is sort of a male version of 'Shag.' Give it a try if you can find it.

Extremely Funny and Intelligent

[genius-15 · 27 June 1999]

Well, plenty of film producers during the 1980s, eager to capitalize on the success of Animal House, released hilarious movies that all had the same basic formula: good natured but mischievous college kids, naked coeds, a minimal plot, and plenty of gut bursting comedy scenes. Fraternity Vacation, like its predecessors (Porky's, Caddyshack, Revenge of the Nerds) has all of this and more, this time in opulent Palm Springs. It's such a shame that film critics turn their noses up at these fine flics and instead praise inferior "dramatic comedies" for their alleged intellectual complexity, when in reality it is political opinions and pressure which shape their faulty viewpoints. I would much rather watch a good natured comedy like this than something like Kramer vs Kramer, Mrs Doubtfire, or Scent of a Woman, all of which are excessively hyped because of their issue based themes. Fraternity Vacation has everything that's fun: love, friendship, light sex, beer drinking, jokes, music, and no violence or heavy mood dampeners (of which all true comedies are devoid). The actors are all talented and pleasing to watch. Fraternity Vacation is often shown on network tv, premium cable and basic cable, although on tv it is heavily edited (I recommend the unedited version). I urge anyone who hasn't seen it but loves good comedy to watch Fraternity Vacation, it's definitely a fun, witty film.

Worth a watch for the cast alone.

[sNate87 · 5/10 · 9 November 2019]

When I found this movie at a local pawn shop for a buck, I was really surprised I had never heard of an 80's sex comedy that had the likes of Tim Robbins, Stephen Geoffreys, Amanda Bearse, Barbara Crampton, Kathleen Kinmont and John Vernon in it.

While it has a great cast, I found the film to be mediocre in general. I got a few good laughs out of it, but I have seen many other sex comedies from this era which were way funnier and memorable. Though I will say the shared topless scene between Kinmont and Crampton is worth the price of admission alone.

If you're a fan of dumb 80's comedies loaded with beers and babes, you could do much worse than this, but you could also do a little better.

The title is enough to understand what this movie is about.

[Idolprincess · 4/10 · 13 July 2004]

This is one of the worst movies I've ever seen, yet it was still entertaining. It represents everything that was bad in the 80's: sex comedies, college or high school related "exploitation" movies, "resort" movies. To some people it might be "delightfully" bad. This is why I'm not going to completely diss this goofy movie.

You know the plot, you've seen it in other movies of this genre. A group of college kids are going on a vacation with only one thing on their mind: sex. The rest of the movie is just useless frills. What makes this movie so appealing [ yeah, there is some kind of appeal to it.. ] is the fact that it's so goofy and stupid. If this movie was made today, it would probably be offensive.

Oh, another good point: the main character who is a shy innocent charming nerd who doesn't know much about girls. [ aww ]

If you just want an awful movie to watch with your friends and laugh at, this might be a good choice.

Fraternity Vacation you laugh at this movie!

[raggejohansson · 5/10 · 11 December 2003]

I have seen this movie a couple of times. Sometimes when i looking in my VHS-Collection after movie i can laugh at, i see this movie. This is not the funniest movie i have seen, but it's a good movie for the moment and you laugh and have fun. Stephen Geoffreys is great as the nerd.

An agreeable example of this genre.

[Hey_Sweden · 7/10 · 3 May 2022]

Cameron Dye ("Valley Girl") and Tim Robbins ("Bull Durham") play Joe and "Mother", two college frat members from Iowa who go on a pleasure trip to Palm Springs. The catch is that they have to bring along the nerdy pledge Wendell (Stephen Geoffreys, "976-Evil"), whose dad (Max Wright, 'Alf') is bankrolling the vacation. Soon after they settle in, they eye the drop-dead-gorgeous Ashley (Sheree J. Wilson, 'Walker: Texas Ranger'). They make a bet with their smarmy rivals (Leigh McCloskey, "Inferno", and Matt McCoy, "The Hand That Rocks the Cradle") that they can be the first to score with Ashley. Meanwhile, Wendell begins dating Nicole (Geoffreys' "Fright Night" co-star Amanda Bearse), a young girl who clearly has some sort of agenda in mind.

Written by Lindsay Harrison ('Tainted Dreams') and directed by James Frawley ("The Muppet Movie"), "Fraternity Vacation" does a decent job of following the standard 80s "young guys on the make" formula. And yet, it actually takes the time to tell something resembling a story, and really isn't all that raunchy, so it may not appeal to sex-comedy fans across the board. That said, it DOES have some very appreciable T & A supplied by Barbara Crampton ("Re-Animator") and Kathleen Kinmont ("Bride of Re-Animator") as a pair of party girls. The story IS enjoyable, and the characters are engaging. Geoffreys isn't quite as weird as he is in "Fright Night", playing Wendell a bit more straight. Even McCloskey and McCoy, who are perfectly odious at first, end up showing us by the end that they're really not such bad guys. Wilson makes Ashley appealing in more ways than one; when she becomes aware of the wager, she's all too believably hurt.

The assortment of familiar faces also includes John Vernon ("National Lampoons' Animal House") in full grumpy party-pooper mode (as a police chief who HATES vacationers from out of own), Nita Talbot ("Night Shift") as his wife, and Franklyn Ajaye ("Car Wash") as a photo developer, with cameo roles for Charles Rocket ("Dumb and Dumber") as a wacky DJ, and Britt Ekland ("The Man with the Golden Gun") as a waitress.

Overall, this is an upbeat, likeable romp that largely avoids mean-spiritedness, and ends up leaving you with a goofy smile on your face. As this kind of movie goes, it's not bad at all.

Seven out of 10.

Fraternity Vacation is worth it for Kathleen Kinmont alone.

[ernietubesock · 4/10 · 11 March 2015]

Director: James Frawley

Year: 1985

Cast: Tim Robbins, Evil Ed, that guy from Hamburger…the Motion Picture, the dad from Alf, Marcy D'Arcy, Nick Lassard, Dean Wormer, and Walker Texas Ranger's wench.

In attempt to capitalize on the zany 70's and 80's late night comedy craze, James Frowley assembled an ensemble cast of characters in order to enlighten the imagination of every teenage boy in the US. Tim Robbins plays Larry "Mother" Tucker, a frat brother who has taken fledgling nerd Wendell under his wing with the mission of getting him laid per the request of Willie Tanner. I guess it makes sense why Alf was always chasing after that pussy. The movie falls flat on its face many times even though the cast play their all to familiar roles all too well. It is as though Dean Wormer found a new job as police chief after leaving the hallowed halls of Faber College.

The premise is simple and rehashed a million times over. Boys go on spring break. Herpes jokes occur. Boys meet the love interest (Sherre J. Wilson). Boys bet on who can bang her first. Nerdy guy goes on dates. No one humps the hot chick until Evil Ed woos here with his sweetness the end. The cast moons the camera. (How come no one moons any more?)

This movie contains two of the more flat-chested women in the history of cinema. Wilson and Amanda Bearse could group all four of their hooters together and still would not have enough sweater meat to fill a ketchup packet. What was the deal with women who had 13 year old boy bodies being cast as the lead in the 80's, Kelly McGillis (wink, wink). There is essentially no one here who takes my breath away except for:

Kathleen Kinmont's boobs make this movie worthwhile. They are the type of knockers that make a grown man like Celine Dion music. I would wander aimlessly in the desert for 15 years with shoes filled with broken glass just to lick the sweat off her bikini. Wick!

All in all, the movie is worth watching if you enjoy the late night comedies and perfect boobs, or you could search Kathleen's yam bags. I leave you with a line from the movie that sums up the the film best:

"I guess a blow job in the parking lot is out of the question!"

I love it

[Jonger_2002 · 6/10 · 26 January 2004]

This is definitely one of them guilty pleasure kind of movies. It's one of them movies that I watched very often when I was just a little kid and it was first debuting on HBO. Most kids didn't get to watch this kind of stuff when they were just six-years-old, so I was fortunate. Of course, I didn't really understand a lot of humor and mostly what I took from it was seeing naked girls for the first time.

I recently found the movie on video from back in the day, so I just finished watching it for the first time in years. I'm now 22, and it makes a lot more sense than it did when I first saw it about 14 years ago, especially the line that Wendell uses to win over Nicole. The one nude scene early in the movie gave me a whole new kind of feeling as well. :)

After seeing Tim Robbins in movies such as Bull Durham, The Shawshank Redepmtion, and the Hudsucker Proxy; it's amusing to see him play the role of a college party animal named Mother. Some of the actors do seem a little old and overdressed for spring break, but it's still pretty funny and worth watching if you have some free time and feel like reflecting on the '80s. The movie has too much sentimental value for me to down it, so I give it two big thumbs up.

Not the best fraternity of movie

[videorama-759-859391 · 4/10 · 29 November 2015]

I wonder looking back, what Tim Robbins, open hearted-ly felt about this straight to video T and A pic. Would he cringe, feel embarrassed, hide himself in a corner. Honestly watching him in this, gives you cause to wonder why the other actors/mains didn't end up with the same success. I'm talking as in Dye, MCcloskey, and Mccoy, the latter who did have a bit of success, few and far between. They are all good actors (not really here though) in what it essentially a bad movie, but a better one than you think, when judging the preview. There were a lot worse out there, around this time, believe me. It actually has a story, but it's not based around our nerd character, Wendall Tvett, (a great Stephen Geoffreys) the real actor, who's career downfall is one of the worst of seen, which judged against talent. He's so natural and believable. He's taken under the wing of two college dudes, (Robbins and Dye) where they head to Palm Springs and clash with rival studs (McCloskey and McCoy) who are from another fraternity, of higher status. The warring duo make a wager with their nemisis's that they can score with this classy hottie (Sherie L Wilson), before they do, and with this of course comes proof, via Telescope and tape, which does make for exciting and comedic viewing. Even though it's bad, FV is just too much fun, more fun than laughable, I warn you, one raunchy hot scene, early in the piece involving a sex prank, and four great jugs, ala: scream queen, Crampton, and Kinmont with bigger stupendous goodies. But too, there's a valuable message, in the end, as to why Geoffreys ends up the classy hottie, among others messages, earlier. This was the one surprising quality about the film, which I guess ultimately failed, because it's derailment of story, but yet again, many lessons was learn't from that plot. But on the surface, FV, is just another bad T.A. pic, just of a bit higher stature to many others, which for a known star, his first pic, again, is something he'll wanna forget, but you won't forget Wendall. But it is addictively entertaining. I'll give you that. Choice of B and W opening airport scene, I liked too, in contrast to the following wide shot of the tree lined road, in to P.S. Liked the music too.

Solid Tasteful Skin Flick

[robertlauter25 · 8/10 · 29 June 2013]

Some trendy movie goers take themselves's way too seriously, who are they trying to impress, parroting establishment criticts? You can disagree with the subject matter of movies like Fraternity Vacation, but to say the movie wasn't well made is pretty idiotic. I remember watching this movie on U.S.A up all night with Gilbert Godfried in the early 90's. I've had a crush on Kathleen Kinmont ever since and still do. I never understood why she never made a bigger mark. Shery J Wilson is stunning and bring's quiet dignity to an otherwise cliché'd character. Tim Robbins Steven Geofrry's and John Vernon deliver the most laughs by far. Liegh Mcloskey and Matt McCoy have memorable moments as the lead character's nemesis while Amanda Bearse is the perfect snob, she obviously drew from this performance when playing darcy of married with children. Cameron Dye is the weak link in the film, primarily because his character isn't really well written at all. The movie is predictable and sexist...but no one goes to a movie entittled Fraternity Vacation to be shocked and enlightened about the finer points of structural feminism, so I reject that sort of criticism, people get off your soap boxes. This movie is 2nd only to porky's of all the 80's sex comedies. Hardbodies was good too, but not as funny as Fraternity Vacation and the producers wisely made better use of Kathleen Kinmont. I recommend this movie to anyone with a sense of humor. If your offended by Bikini clad bimbos and man whores jockeying for sexual dominance , that's a personal problem and the movie isn't bad because it's subject matter doesn't appeal to you, that's tantamount to saying the Excorcist is bad because some people don't like horror flicks.

"We created a monster."

[lost-in-limbo · 7/10 · 12 May 2012]

Some of these films stand out more so than others, but this mid 80s college / teenage sex comedy attempt "Fraternity Vacation" doesn't do a whole to stay in one's memory when compared to most of these type of films. Little is talked about it, as for most part it's rather uninspired and tame, outside the best cheeky sequence involving Barbra Crampton and Kathleen Kilmont getting their kits off. Instead the raunchiness that could have erupted tended to focus more so being soft- hearted led by its charmingly gawky and honest performance by Stephen Geoffrey's. Along for the summer time fun in Palm Springs is some familiar faces with a great ensemble cast in Tim Robbins, Cameron Dye, Sheree J. Wilson (who simply looks gorgeous), Amanda Bearse, Matt McCoy and the rib-tickling John Vernon as the town's stringent sheriff. The jokes are familiar and the scenarios predictable in its premise of the frog getting his princess, but the script is witty enough, pacing moves at a fast clip and the cast etch out amusing performances.

"We do everything together."

Trivial.

[gridoon · 4/10 · 9 January 2001]

Trivial, surprisingly tame and unsurprisingly moronic sex comedy, a typical product of the 80's. One of those insignificant little pictures that are not worth seeking out to see, but are good-natured enough to be pretty painless experiences if you actually find yourself watching them. Not exactly the kind of movie you expect to see Tim Robbins starring in, but I guess he really needed the work. (*1/2)

A good bargain bin buy...

[doctorgonzo23 · 29 June 2004]

One of my favorite pastimes is scanning old pawn shops and video stores for movies that are long out of print and fit firmly in cheezy genres like campy horror or teen sex romps. Thankfully, cheap DVD pressings of these movies are starting to surface more and more often. I picked up this title at Walmart for $2.88 Canadian.

It's neat to see Tim Robbins in one of his earlier roles. The movie itself is quite watchable, but far from a masterpiece of comedy. The acting is not as bad as some I have seen and there are a few laughs. Pick this one up if you get the chance. It's got a pretty good soundtrack (if you like 80's cheese)and a no brainer plot whose twists you can spot from 20 miles away. The DVD is a really clean print and is not filled with digital artifacts like so many of these cheaper releases. The audio (music and dialogue) is crisp and well mastered. COnsidering this film is nearly 20 years old, I was surprised that I hadn't heard of it sooner. It dosen't quite have the potential for a cult classic, being inferior to Animal House and Ski School, but it would be fun at a party. Tim Robbins is really great and gets quite a bit of screen time. The women are quite attractive and there is some gratuitous nudity (classic 80's formula).

Harmless, Cute, Goofy 80's Cheese

[DorkusMaximus77 · 5/10 · 28 November 2009]

I wouldn't say this was the best movie ever made, but it is highly watchable. Basic plot: Tim Robbins ("Shawshank Redemption") and Cameron Dye (...don't really know) go on a free-ride vacation to Palm Springs with nerdy frat pledge Stephen Geoffreys ("Evil Ed from "Fright Night") in the hopes of partying and getting laid. Meet Hot Chick, check. Meet rival frat boys, check. The 'bet' about who gets to nail Hot Chick first, check. Boobs and beer, check. Feel-good ending where everyone becomes friends, check. Typical 80's Sex Comedy Formula.

Good points: Seeing Tim Robbins before he made it big was interesting. The Hot Chick wasn't the stereotypical dumb bimbo, also refreshing. Lastly, Stephen Geoffreys was adorable as the good-hearted nerd Wendell. Always had a soft spot for that actor; he plays downtrodden nerds/geeks/dorks with such verve. All the more surreal when you think about his future career in, erm, adult cinema...not that there's anything wrong with it! (couldn't help the "Seinfeld" reference there!)

Bad points: the MUSIC! I know 80's cheese is 80's cheese, but this was particularly bad. Shocking that it was Brad Fiedel that did the music for this movie, when you compare to his later work in "Fright Night" and the first 2(or 3?) "Terminator" movies. Truly iconic scores in those flicks...

Will scar you for life

[yukinapps · 1/10 · 16 August 2020]

Trust me - I saw this as a teen. I still think after 30 years - it is the WORST movie in all Hollywood history. Completely forgettable actors who couldn't get an audition on barney. Do not waste your time With this bile. I swear this movie almost made me go be a nun if people would agree to act in a movie as bad as this and think they did a good job. Its horrible

Not Again

[gcd70 · 1/10 · 11 May 2010]

Another sex-college-comedy, and another over-rated comically barren film. Amazingly this was directed by James Frawley who has along with many television credits "The Muppet Movie" to his name.

Virtually none of the intended humour in "Fraternity Vaction" works, the plot (from Lindsay Harrison) is incredibly see through and all the players behave totally out of character at the end of the film; as if you'll care.

Of course everyone (with the exception of the amazing Tim Robbins) involved in this pic disappeared. Spare yourself.

Tuesday, December 28, 1999 - Video

Larry 'Mother' Tucker

[films-22537 · 6/10 · 21 February 2020]

A pretty typical 80s teen/sex comedy with ingredients such as a nerd trying to lose his virginity, frat boys betting on who can sleep with the hot blonde first, an over protective parent breaking up a relationship, nudity, alcohol and spring break. There's a young Tim Robbins who starts as Larry 'Mother' Tucker and a few other familiar faces. Not recommended for the woke as there are some offensive scenes and behavior from the heroes of the story that will rub sensitive viewers the wrong way, otherwise an average film for the genre.

Oddly Wholesome

[ShadowsBeneathTheLight · 7/10 · 2 February 2024]

80s teen comedies can be very hit or miss. Sure there are the classics everyone knows and then there are less known ones that can be either cheap ripoffs or just down right bad. But this film was surprisingly entertaining. Yes it was funny and yes the premise is a bunch of guys try to get laid on spring break, but there is a lot more to this movie. The main character is a nerd who just wants to be accepted wether it's by his friends or by a girl. Meanwhile he seems the only guy who appears to be getting lucky which blows the minds of the frat guys and jocks which makes for some funny moments and reactions.

The humor is surprisingly smart at times and far more tame than say the American Pie movies. That does not mean this movie is bad or skips on the nudity, there is plenty. But the movie just seems to find the right playful balance between being silly and also raunchy when needed while also sending a message about the importance of treating people especially women with respect. Bottom line: the formula works and you should check this movie out.

Very enjoyable 80's collegiate comedy romp

[Woodyanders · 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.

Not a comedy, but pleasant enough

[bitbucketchip · 6/10 · 6 October 2022]

You'll never so much as chuckle, but everything is played for laughs. It has a very overdone, light feel to it.

The cast is surprisingly good. The recognizable faces, legitimately good actors, and newcomers put in a full shift.

Which couldn't have been easy given a script of a spring break that was considerably less exciting than any I experienced in college. If this was meant to be an over the top spring break frat movie it failed on that score. The script borrowed heavily from other movies of the day, but only the tritest elements: nerd meets a nice girl, horny guys get punked out of certain sex by teasing women, practical joke rivalry between two frats, the one hot girl everyone wants but fails to get, etc.

An honest six stars for an enjoyable hour and half, as opposed to the fake review six stars of the terrible Rings of Power. Six stars.

Kathleen Kinmont's huge rack on display!!!

[ManBehindTheMask63 · 7 February 2011]

All I have to say is Kathleen Kinmont and Barbra Crampton's scene is worth the rental alone!!! But anyways, This is a pretty fun and entertaining 80's teen comedy with an all-star cast. Tim Robbins, Stephan Geoffreys (Fright Night), and Cameron Dye (Valley Girl) are three buddies from Ohio State who travel to Palm Springs to spend spring break. There happens to be some rival frat guys there on vacation too. Eventually they make a bet to see which one could get laid first. There are some classic lines and some unexpectedly funny moments. Geoffreys (who went on to do pornography) is yet again playing the weird and bizarre nerd role (much like Fright night). Amanda Bearse his Fright Night co-star even pops up in the film. You get scream queens Crampton (re-animator) and Kinmont(Halloween4) nude together in the same scene and there is some decent t&a through out. Tim Robbins and Cameron Dye are the real leads of the film and both do a great job playing the horny frat guys. John Vernon is great as usual as the hard-nosed Sheriff who hates vacationers.

"Poor kid didn't stand a chance."

[drewnes · 6/10 · 30 May 2021]

This was a movie that played a lot in Brazil when I was a kid and I remember thinking it was the coolest thing ever. On a rewatch 20 years later, it is pretty goofy. Now that doesn't mean I still didn't enjoy it. Sprinkle some light raunchy jokes with nostalgia and it's a loosey goose time.

Pleasant if not a little disjointed.

[MartynGryphon · 7/10 · 20 June 2022]

One genre of movie I always seem to be drawn to is the 80's teen comedy. After all, I was a teenager in the 80's, ergo, I was the target audience for movies such as Better off Dead, School Spirit, Revenge of the Nerds and this little movie from 1985 'Fraternity Vacation'

For the most part, this movie sticks to the tried and trusted formula and plays to the usual teen comedy tropes and it has everything you would expect, The Geeky Hero, the good looking bully with the fancy car, the over the top authority figure bad guy and lots of blondes in bikinis getting naked occasionally.

Fraternity vacation happily avoids the 'geek becomes chic' stereotype all too prevalent in teen comedies. Our main character Wendell, (Stephen Geoffrey's) knows he's a geek, wishes to stay a geek and everyone still loves him for being a geek.

The plot centres around two rival frats trying to outdo each other by seeing who can he the first to bed a particular girl. The girl in question is Ashley, (Sheree J Wilson). She seems aloof at first but as her character develops the frat boys soon learn which buttons to press to try to ingratiate themselves to her....alas, without success.

Midway through the movie the frat boy characters, Joe, (Cameron Dye), Mother (Tim Robbins), Chas '(Leigh McCloskey) and JC (Matt McCoy), who had been rivals and enemies up to this point, become allies and friends when Joe and Mother are arrested by the tyrannical police chief (John Vernon) and the other two join forces with the other students on vacation to help get them out. This epiphany of virtue comes a bit too easy to be believable, considering they Chas and JC had previously locked Joe and Mother in a Sauna where actual death could have transpired.

The character of the chief is also way over the top, to the point that you also find it hard to believe that a whole town would be willing to have such a malicious and sociopathic angry man as their head of police for more than half an hour let alone a whole term of office.

Realistically, this falls way short of being a good movie, even when compared to other teen comedy movies of the day. However, gripes aside, it's a harmless movie and ideal for watching when you have a Sunday morning hangover as I did.

As you would expect there is some mild female nudity of boobs and butts particularly in one memorable scene with Barbara Crampton and Kathleen Kinmont. However, it is clear that the nude scene for Sheree J Wilson was done by a body double, as great pains were made to ensure her face was obscured at all times during that scene.

Enjoy! And party like it's 1985.