Summer School (1987)

A high-school gym teacher has big plans for the summer, but is forced to cancel them to teach a "bonehead" English class for misfit goof-off students. Fortunately, his unconventional brand of teaching fun field trips begins to connect with them, and even inspires ardor in some.If I am not mistaken, this is from the creator of "Full House". At least, that's what I think of when I hear "Jeff Franklin". And it certainly has some of that sitcom type humor about it, as this film is obviously not set in a reality I have been a part of.Interestingly, I was directed to the movie by Rue Morgue magazine, which is for horror films. And they were not wrong to point me -- the love of "Texas Chain Saw Massacre" is evident, along with a few great effects shots, the praise for Rick Baker, the casting of Shawnee Smith (even if she was not yet a horror queen). Heck, even a score from Danny Elfman, who I more typically think of as Tim Burton's guy, even though he's really worked with just about everyone by now.

A high-school gym teacher has big plans for the summer, but is forced to cancel them to teach an English class for misfit goof-off students. Fortunately, his unconventional brand of teaching fun field trips begins to connect with them, and even inspires ardor in some....Its dead potheads society, Sister Act 2: Back on the the habit, and Kindergaten Cop for stoners. Basically its your generic tale where the rough teacher with a heart of gold, has one last chance to prove himself, but has the hardest rag tag bunch of kids who have no respect for no one.Of course, the teacher fancies the female teacher next door, but she's involved with the one who wants rid of said teacher, but you know she isn't interested in Nasty teacher.Things are looking good, but something bad happens, and it looks like the end.But obviously we have seen so many of these films, that we are just going through the motions until the predictable finale that we've been expecting.Its nothing new, nothing special, but its watchable, and ticks all the right boxes, and presses all the right buttons when needed, plus it has the added bonus of Dean Cameron, who has the most amazing eyebrows ever.And for a film like this. The special effects are very good .

This is just a great comedy/summer movie. It's light -- though with some serious moments -- and just a lot of fun. Mark Harmon as Freddie Shoop is so believable, and likable, as the lost-at-sea-but-with-a-good-heart teacher forced to teach summer school. His class of misfits is great, believable and likable too; a cluster of perhaps damaged souls and "outsiders" going through a tough time in anyone's life – high school. Shoop is a bit of a slacker, in his own right, and manages to get himself into some awful situations, that in real life could go horribly wrong. But in the film world he's allowed to work them out and turn them -- and his young charges -- right. The situations are hilarious -- some, painfully so. And Robin Thomas as the sneaky-bastard vice principal Mr. Gills is truly unlikeable, in a very fun way. Kirstie Alley's Ms. Bishop is sedate and sensible -- the perfect foil for Shoop. And, of course, there's Wondermutt. What a great dog – and the perfect "mascot" for this film. Everything about this movie works, and I highly recommend it. It will make you laugh and feel better about life.

This is really an example of how a romantic comedy should be and how fantastic a romantic comedy can be. Intelligent, witty and great fun. It gives its audience respect by delivering a clever story with good actors and great lines.The story is quite absurd and so is the duo in it - Mark Harmon and the gals. But this is just a good thing. Hollywood usually thinks its audience is filled with morons when making romantic comedies, but this is not so. There are still a few of us out here who enjoy the combination of intelligence, elegance and romance. This film delivers on all counts.Love is a simple enough ingredient for a film. This film knows how to use it and the result is wonderful.