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Summer School

Play trailer Poster for Summer School PG-13 Released Jul 22, 1987 1h 36m Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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57% Tomatometer 35 Reviews 58% Popcornmeter 25,000+ Ratings
Apathetic gym teacher Freddy Shoop (Mark Harmon) is ready to take the summer off in Hawaii, but he's forced to either teach summer-school English or risk losing his tenure. Now he's stuck teaching a group of unmotivated students as disappointed to be stuck in school over the summer as he is. But with the help of a friendly history teacher (Kirstie Alley), Shoop is at least learning how to act the part of supportive mentor and perhaps even learning something about himself as well.
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Summer School

Critics Reviews

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Bob Thomas Associated Press An endearing, convulsively funny and faintly thoughtful hot-weather entertainment. Mar 24, 2020 Full Review Geoff Andrew Time Out A bit bland compared to Reiner's Steve Martin comedies, but engagingly played. Jun 24, 2006 Full Review Janet Maslin New York Times Mr. Harmon has an easygoing attractiveness, but neither he nor anyone else seems comfortable with the film's antic pace. And for all its busyness, this comedy has no real focus, ricocheting from character to character with wearying abandon. Rated: 1.5/5 May 20, 2003 Full Review Kristin Battestella InSession Film The number of students changes, the big test doesn’t mean much, and the parents are inexplicably pleased with the havoc, but such charming preposterousness makes for a laid back re-watch. Jul 25, 2023 Full Review Brian Costello Common Sense Media It's another '80s comedy that the teens of the '80s who are now parents of the 21st century are likely to be shocked and appalled by the dated and iffy content. Rated: 2/5 Mar 1, 2022 Full Review Tony Mastroianni Akron Beacon Journal Director Carl Reiner, a veteran of television comedy and movies as well as being a performer, is an old hand at milking a script for laughs. With this one, he must have really squeezed. Rated: 2/4 Aug 16, 2021 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Robert M Summer School is an absolute gem of a film, a heartwarming and hilarious romp that has truly stood the test of time. From the moment Chainsaw and Dave arrive with their "bad boy" attitudes and surprisingly tender hearts, you know you're in for a treat. Mark Harmon delivers a perfectly understated performance as Freddy Shoop, the gym teacher thrust into the unenviable position of teaching a summer school class filled with the most delightfully quirky misfits imaginable. His journey from reluctant instructor to genuinely caring mentor is both believable and genuinely touching. The film's strength lies in its wonderfully eccentric ensemble cast. Each character, from the perpetually hungry Francis "Pamela" Gremp to the aspiring fashion designer, brings their own unique brand of charm and humor to the screen. The script is witty and genuinely funny, never resorting to cheap gags, and instead relying on clever dialogue and relatable character interactions. What truly elevates Summer School beyond a typical teen comedy is its underlying message of acceptance and finding your place. It celebrates individuality and shows that even the most seemingly disparate group of people can come together and form a strong, supportive bond. The pacing is excellent, keeping the laughs coming while also allowing for moments of genuine character development. The soundtrack is also incredibly catchy, perfectly capturing the optimistic and slightly rebellious spirit of the 80s. This isn't just a movie about kids learning; it's about a teacher learning from his students, and everyone discovering the value of teamwork and believing in themselves. Summer School is a feel-good classic that radiates warmth and positivity, making it a perfect watch for anyone looking for a dose of pure, unadulterated joy. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/26/25 Full Review Gnr E This movie made me laugh so hard thank you Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/17/24 Full Review Erin M One of the best 80's comedies!!! I had this recorded on vhs tape as a teenager and watched that tape many times. Recently bought the dvd and it still holds up and is a great laugh. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/08/24 Full Review Steve D A lot of it wouldn't fly today but it has its own strange charm. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/04/23 Full Review Audience Member Oh boy! This has not aged well. There are some problematic elements that I'm sure modern audiences would have a field day with. But for those who grew up with it, or horror fans or those just looking to have fun with a silly 80s comedy, you should be having a great time. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 07/26/22 Full Review felipe l It's incredible 80's comedy movie. Very fun! Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Summer School

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Summer School

Summer School: Official Clip - Driving Lessons Summer School: Official Clip - Driving Lessons 2:12 Summer School: Official Clip - Hot For Teacher Summer School: Official Clip - Hot For Teacher 2:00 Summer School: Official Clip - Tall, Dark, and Tidy Summer School: Official Clip - Tall, Dark, and Tidy 1:36 Summer School: Official Clip - Negotiations Summer School: Official Clip - Negotiations 2:12 Summer School: Official Clip - We're Psychopaths! Summer School: Official Clip - We're Psychopaths! 2:05 Summer School: Official Clip - Now That's Teaching Summer School: Official Clip - Now That's Teaching 2:07 Summer School: Official Clip - First Day of Class Summer School: Official Clip - First Day of Class 2:02 Summer School: Official Clip - Ladies Night Summer School: Official Clip - Ladies Night 1:30 Summer School: Official Clip - Let's Start Over Summer School: Official Clip - Let's Start Over 1:01 Summer School: Official Clip - Ain't No English Teacher Summer School: Official Clip - Ain't No English Teacher 1:04 View more videos
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Movie Info

Synopsis Apathetic gym teacher Freddy Shoop (Mark Harmon) is ready to take the summer off in Hawaii, but he's forced to either teach summer-school English or risk losing his tenure. Now he's stuck teaching a group of unmotivated students as disappointed to be stuck in school over the summer as he is. But with the help of a friendly history teacher (Kirstie Alley), Shoop is at least learning how to act the part of supportive mentor and perhaps even learning something about himself as well.
Director
Carl Reiner
Producer
George Shapiro, Howard West
Screenwriter
Jeff Franklin
Production Co
Paramount Pictures
Rating
PG-13
Genre
Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jul 22, 1987, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Jun 15, 2011
Box Office (Gross USA)
$33.3M
Runtime
1h 36m
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