Released in 1987 and directed by Carl Reiner, Summer School is not trying to be some deep dramatic masterpiece. It is a light, easygoing comedy with a strong cast, memorable characters, and the kind of goofy humor that defined a lot of eighties movies. Sometimes that is all a film needs to be.
Mark Harmon stars as Freddy Shoop, a laid back high school gym teacher whose entire summer plan involves surfing and doing absolutely nothing responsible. Of course, that falls apart when he is forced to teach remedial English summer school so the regular teacher can take the dream vacation Shoop wanted.
Harmon is perfect in the role because he plays Shoop with just enough charm to make the character likable even when he clearly has no interest in actually teaching. He is sarcastic, immature, and often making things up as he goes, but you can tell he genuinely starts to care about the students.
Kirstie Alley plays Robin Bishop, the strict but intelligent teacher next door who becomes both Shoop’s romantic interest and the voice of reason. Their chemistry works because they are complete opposites, and Alley gives the movie a little balance against all the chaos.
The real strength of the movie is the group of students. Each one feels like a classic exaggerated comedy type, but they are memorable enough that it works. From the horror obsessed Chainsaw and Dave to the constantly distracted Denise, the class becomes the heart of the film.
Dean Cameron and Gary Riley as Chainsaw and Dave are probably the most unforgettable. Their obsession with horror movies and total lack of seriousness create some of the best laughs in the film. Their classroom speeches alone are comedy gold and still get quoted decades later.
Carl Reiner directs the film with a simple confidence. He never overcomplicates the story because he understands the movie works through personality and timing, not through some giant plot twist. It moves easily and lets the cast carry the comedy.
The plot itself is straightforward. Shoop starts out doing the bare minimum, but over time he begins to actually care whether these students pass. It becomes less about summer school and more about unlikely people helping each other figure things out.
That emotional side is what gives the movie more staying power than just a random comedy. Beneath the jokes, there is a genuine story about effort, second chances, and people proving they are capable of more than others expect from them.
At the same time, the movie absolutely leans into eighties comedy corniness. Some jokes are broad, some scenes are ridiculous, and yes, parts of it are undeniably cheesy. But honestly, that is part of the charm. It would not feel right if it were too polished.
The film also captures that specific late eighties vibe perfectly. The fashion, the pacing, the humor, and even the soundtrack all feel like a time capsule from that era. It is nostalgic in the best way.
It may not have the cultural weight of something like The Breakfast Club, but it was never trying to. Summer School is about having fun, and it succeeds because it never pretends to be more serious than it is.
Over time, it has become a real cult favorite because people remember how easy it is to rewatch. It is the kind of movie you throw on and immediately settle into because the energy is familiar and enjoyable.
In the end, Summer School is really good because it delivers exactly what it promises. It is funny, a little corny, and full of classic laughs that still land. It may not be high art, but it was never meant to be.
Sometimes a movie just needs to be entertaining, and Summer School absolutely understands that. That is why it remains such a fun eighties classic.