22 reviews
A mindlessly pleasant 80's romp
Though far from an intelligent production, this 1984 reworking of the 1960 film is nevertheless a fun time capsule of early-to-mid 1980's culture. Forget about plot. This movie is just a mindless and pleasant romp on the beach at Fort Lauderdale before spring breakers were driven out and the monster condos took over the skyline. It features far more location shooting than the original (that one was mostly Hollywood sets) and some interesting 80's music. I am biased; I'm nostalgic for the 80's and I love Fort Lauderdale and Florida, so I may enjoy it more than the average viewer.
Not every film should be a literary gem as life is more than that. "Where the Boys Are" is an honest look at what was going on with the college kids of the time. There is some brief nudity and sexual content that may be mildly distasteful, but that is what was happening in Fort Lauderdale until the late 80's and 90's saw the city powers-that-be effectively sweep the spring break crowd north to Daytona.
Don't build up great expectations and you will probably enjoy this otherwise forgettable flick.
Not every film should be a literary gem as life is more than that. "Where the Boys Are" is an honest look at what was going on with the college kids of the time. There is some brief nudity and sexual content that may be mildly distasteful, but that is what was happening in Fort Lauderdale until the late 80's and 90's saw the city powers-that-be effectively sweep the spring break crowd north to Daytona.
Don't build up great expectations and you will probably enjoy this otherwise forgettable flick.
- dallaskeffer
- Mar 9, 2006
- Permalink
Disappointing
"He could be an ax murderer!" .. "With that bod, I'll chance it!"
1960's "Where the Boys Are" repainted as a girls-on-the-make fracas during Spring break in Ft. Lauderdale. These four would-be beach bunnies--on loan from a ski college--don't have in-depth conversations (such as arguing if the term for a rest stop cause is "pee-pee", "tinkle", "leak" or "piss"), but the bright, attractive cast and lively music almost makes up for the noodle-headed writing and directing. No one is out to split the atom here; the slick, silly movie has been put together solely to get randy teenagers feeling even randier. Producer Allan Carr liked to say his film was inspired by the comedy-drama of 1960--there's even a credit "suggested by the novel by Glendon Swarthout"--although this one is not officially a remake; however, it was plugged heavily as "Where the Boys Are '84" (Wikipedia still calls it that). One surely misses Connie Francis' soaring version of the Neil Sedaka-Howard Greenfield-penned title tune over Lisa Hartman's here, but comparing the two movies is a useless argument--frankly, the first film wasn't exactly Shakespeare either. *1/2 from ****
- moonspinner55
- Mar 31, 2023
- Permalink
Great, lighthearted fun trip of 80's nostalgia
I have never felt the need to post here before, although I do frequently read the reviews of other members. I am doing so purely out of dismay at some of the negatives this movie (in my humble opinion) has been given. Obviously, I am far from a film snob and my reasons for enjoying any movie, no doubt come from a very different place than some reviewers, but I consider myself pretty well educated and I have seen many truly dreadful films in my time. This however, is not one of them. I appreciate that it's pretty cheesy fare - just as it was in the 80's when I first saw it - but to me that's part of its charm. It's a lighthearted, feel good and fun way to spend a couple of hours, while reminiscing what was for me, a very special time. It's true that certain scenes (1 in particular for me) do and always have, make me cringe a little but for this movie, that is a positive. There are also many laughs to be had and for me, any film that can entertain throughout and leave me smiling as this one does, has earned its rightful place in my collection and deserves a little more respect for those reasons. I only wish I could find it on DVD, as my well viewed VHS version has definitely seen better days.
- dizzymerc21
- Aug 1, 2011
- Permalink
Just dreadful
Allan Carr -- who gave the world both "Grease" movies and "Can't Stop the Music" -- trampled the wonderful 1960 original with this greasy remake, featuring over-the-hill ingenues, a lamely smutty script and just generally poor taste in every possible category.
Worth watching as a jaw-dropping example of Reagan-era crassness, perhaps, but that's about it.
Worth watching as a jaw-dropping example of Reagan-era crassness, perhaps, but that's about it.
Wish I had just seen the original...remake was a missed opportunity to tell a better story!
- luckybucksproductions
- Aug 26, 2020
- Permalink
Fun, but shallow and prurient Spring Break frolics
Four college gals from Massachusetts drive to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for Spring Break where they experience varying results in their pursuit of the opposite sex.
"Where the Boys Are" (1984) is a quasi-remake of the cult classic from 24 years earlier, just way more debauched after the sexual revolution of the 60s. It's not as distasteful as the future "American Pie" flicks, but it mixes a little too much crude sexual exploitation with fun-in-the-sun innocence, at least for my tastes.
Lynn-Holly Johnson and Lisa Hartman stand out on the feminine front but, to be expected (given the scenario), there are several notables on the periphery. On the masculine side of things, Russell Todd is effective as the wannabe rock star contrasted by the classical pianist rich kid played by Daniel McDonald. You might remember Russell from "Friday the 13th Part 2."
A far better movie of this ilk is "Shag" (1989). Still, there are some positives, like Rick Derringer's "Shake Me."
The film runs 1 hour, 34 minutes, and was shot in the Fort Lauderdale area, including Boca Raton.
GRADE: C+
"Where the Boys Are" (1984) is a quasi-remake of the cult classic from 24 years earlier, just way more debauched after the sexual revolution of the 60s. It's not as distasteful as the future "American Pie" flicks, but it mixes a little too much crude sexual exploitation with fun-in-the-sun innocence, at least for my tastes.
Lynn-Holly Johnson and Lisa Hartman stand out on the feminine front but, to be expected (given the scenario), there are several notables on the periphery. On the masculine side of things, Russell Todd is effective as the wannabe rock star contrasted by the classical pianist rich kid played by Daniel McDonald. You might remember Russell from "Friday the 13th Part 2."
A far better movie of this ilk is "Shag" (1989). Still, there are some positives, like Rick Derringer's "Shake Me."
The film runs 1 hour, 34 minutes, and was shot in the Fort Lauderdale area, including Boca Raton.
GRADE: C+
Female Sex Romp made for men
Where the Boys Are is 80s sex comedy about a group College girls trying to get it. But unlike the expectation of it being all girls sex romp, its just a bunch of girls discovering guys are not that big dicks after all except the extremely hot ones. And yes, they still hates snobby people. BUT yet you just know it was intended still for Male Audiences.
Nothing here to write about. The acting can be borderline infuriating but not that bad. The writing is uninspired and only would make sense in a 80s kind of way (a band writer being more better of a classical composer than a real composer out of nowhere). It was written with women not for women. They are practically speaking but in the end are not really making any kind of decision themselves. The 80 amiright. BUT my biggest surprise, is that this is actually a remake of 1960s film - known to first show teenage promiscuity on screen.
Overall, its an 80s and its is what it is. Not recommended.
Nothing here to write about. The acting can be borderline infuriating but not that bad. The writing is uninspired and only would make sense in a 80s kind of way (a band writer being more better of a classical composer than a real composer out of nowhere). It was written with women not for women. They are practically speaking but in the end are not really making any kind of decision themselves. The 80 amiright. BUT my biggest surprise, is that this is actually a remake of 1960s film - known to first show teenage promiscuity on screen.
Overall, its an 80s and its is what it is. Not recommended.
- akoaytao1234
- Sep 25, 2023
- Permalink
chick flick before the Hallmark network!
This movie is terrible and I love it!
I used to watch this movie on VHS at my friend's house after school, in the late eighties. I wish I could find the movie now because I'd definitely buy it. It's a crude beach flick, meant to make you cringe and giggle, and it does it well. The performances are earnest, if not actually good, and you end up actually liking the group of ditzes. The music and the party scenes are enjoyable, in a trashy way, and I love that the rich, upper class characters like Barbara and Camden are so out of place in all the spring break wildness. I mean, who visits their uptight family friends on Spring Break? The plot to this movie is irrelevant, because its fun lies in its brainlessness. Enjoy the half-naked coeds and cheap jokes, because sometimes, that's a beautiful thing.
- stevethepirate2
- Dec 1, 2010
- Permalink
Classic Drive-in stuff!
I saw this movie back in April 1984 at the 400 Drive-in, in Toronto. The second feature was another classic titled "Spring Break". The plots are basically the same in both movies. With "Where the Boys Are '84", it's about 4 college co-eds that go to Fort Lauderdale for spring break. It's one of my fave movies, I bought it used on VHS last year, and must have watched it over 50 times! The sunshine, beach, the '80s style, and most of all Lisa Hartman, makes this a "so bad it's good" type of movie. What might be offensive to some people is the coarse language, but other than this it's a fun movie to watch. I just hope that one of these days this movie is offered on DVD. If you are looking for some classic '80s drive-in movie fare, this one should be at the top of your list.
Life's a Beach.
Great Nostalgia!
The real charm of these 80's beach movies like "Where the Boys Are '84" is that it brings back the memories of days long gone...especially for us 40-somethings! As for you movie critics that slam this is as a bad flick, get over it! I get as much of a laugh at watching these movies as I do reading the in-depth, serious critiques that condemn the acting and the plot. OK, so this is not academy award material. But so what? It was never meant to be. Its a lot of fun to watch these films and see how Spring Break was represented by these movies makers during the legendary Ft. Lauderdale Spring Break days. That glory will never be again. Today, Ft. Lauderdale has been taken over by convention centers and up-scale hotels. Boring! Almost all of the famous landmarks that made Spring Break in the 80's worth remembering are gone. "The Button", "The Candy Store", and "Cunningham's" to name a few, are all history. "Where The Boys Are '84" and "Spring Break" are the ultimate in nostalgia for anyone that has spent a drunken, crazy night down there during that one week in March when we all went nuts! This film (and "Spring Break") should be forever immortalized in DVD and put in the "80's Hall of Fame" as representative of an era that was a little more innocent (and a lot more brainless) than the sagging, HIV scared, terrorist terrorized, politically-too-correct life we live in now. I say its time for another re-make! "Where The Boy's Are '07" and "Spring Break...Again"! Long live "The Oberlin Student"! Wasn't he in both movies?
"Where The Over-Ripe Actresses Are '84"
If you're into Spring Break flicks about Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. in the 1980's you'll probably enjoy this silly romp. These actors are all a little too "over-the-hill" to play college students! Keep an eye on Lorna Luft (she's Judy Garland's daughter & Liza Minelli's half sister) she spends a a lot of time mugging for the camera. She tries very hard to make you believe she's a college kid, but looks more like a 30-something housewife who belongs in a station wagon, not a convertible. An attempt to give her a younger appearance with pigtails (in a beach scene) only makes her look retarded, not youthful. Unintentional laughter will take hold of you when Luft's character, Carole Singer, enters a "Hot Bod"(?!) contest & wins second place!!! The soundtrack is good, with the standout tunes "Seven Day Heaven" by Shandi, & Lisa Hartman's remake of the Connie Francis classic "Where The Boys Are".
- Blooeyz2001
- Apr 2, 2002
- Permalink
F.A., major F.A. (Fox Alert)
I'm absolutely astonished at the negative and even erroneous comments people are making about this film. I loved it! For an '80s teen-sex-beach party type of film, what other film could compare? "The Beach Girls" (1982), "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" (1982), "Foreplay" (1982), "Goin' All The Way" (1982), "The Last American Virgin" (1982), "Porky's" (1982), "Spring Break" (1983), "Screwballs" (1983), "Loose Screws" (1985), "Summer School" (1987), "Hard Bodies" (1989)? I've seen most of them, and for my taste none of those even come close to having simultaneously such good music, good humor, and good scenery as this one.
My favorite scene in this movie is in the intro when the girls first hit the road and the great song "Hot Nights" is playing, with nice aerial photography of their convertible zipping along en route to Florida. Lynn-Holly Johnson is one foxy lady! In that (pre-Internet) era when I was just starting to get interested in tracking down films with Lynn-Holly in them, the combination of my having found her by accident in this film, the great music, the aerial photography, and the nice Florida scenery really did it for me. I was thrilled. This became my favorite recent movie for the next several months, and I still haven't seen anything in the same genre that compares since then.
The music is generally good throughout this whole film, which I can't say for the 1960 version or any other teen-sex comedy I've seen. "Hot Nights" is by far the best song, but "Be-Bop-A-Lula," "Slow Down," and "Seven Day Heaven" are good, too, as are the Rockats songs in general. The inflatable man scene, the drunk driving accident scene, and the mansion party scene are high points of humor. The overall upbeat feel of the film is good, and it looks and feels like it was set in Florida, just as it was supposed to. If its goal was to capture the party atmosphere of spring break in Fort Lauderdale in the '80s, it succeeded admirably.
It's hard to compare this film to the original 1960 version because the two versions were set in such different eras that they are almost completely different films. The 1960 version may have been cute in some ways, but it is *so* old-fashioned with its euphemistic talk about "playing house" and the girl being traumatized just because she lost her virginity that it's painful to even watch at some points. In contrast, this 1984 version has freewheeling drugs, drunken driving, and stripping. Nobody's striving to land a husband, and it even has a few topless shots in it. This is a real party movie. To hell with the plot. Who needs a story line in a film like this?
It is not true that there are only non-nude bikini shots in this movie: see the Mister Bullhorn part and the Hot Bod Contest part for topless shots. I also think Lorna Luft has a great body, so I don't understand the criticisms about her being in the Hot Bod Contest. I also didn't notice that the girls looked too old for college, either, since college is full of students of all ages. Also, the criticism that this movie was a "career stopper" for Lynn-Holly and others just isn't logical since it might only be coincidence that those stars didn't go on to make any more significant movies, and other actresses have starred in turkeys and their careers still survived. Also, Lynn-Holly was *not* a Playboy magazine Playmate. She appeared under some bed covers in one photo in the June 1981 issue of Playboy at the time of "For Your Eyes Only" (1981), but I believe that's all. Therefore I don't think many of the criticisms about this film and its actresses are valid or even factual.
A deeper criticism might be that most of the humor relies on sex, alcohol, and drugs: the M*A*S*H syndrome. I've watched this film at times when I thought all the humor was funny, and at other times when I thought all the humor fell totally flat, so apparently it depends on your mood and your perception of those topics. In any event, this film definitely captured a freer, more tolerant era, just before the War On Drugs became oppressive, just before the AIDS scare became serious, and before the city of Fort Lauderdale harassed spring breakers nearly out of existence in that city. I never thought I'd look back on the '80s with affection, but considering America's post-9/11 Zeitgeist, the '80s are starting to look pretty darned good in comparison.
No matter how you look at it, this film definitely deserves a *lot* higher rating than its current 2.5/10. I give it 8/10.
My favorite scene in this movie is in the intro when the girls first hit the road and the great song "Hot Nights" is playing, with nice aerial photography of their convertible zipping along en route to Florida. Lynn-Holly Johnson is one foxy lady! In that (pre-Internet) era when I was just starting to get interested in tracking down films with Lynn-Holly in them, the combination of my having found her by accident in this film, the great music, the aerial photography, and the nice Florida scenery really did it for me. I was thrilled. This became my favorite recent movie for the next several months, and I still haven't seen anything in the same genre that compares since then.
The music is generally good throughout this whole film, which I can't say for the 1960 version or any other teen-sex comedy I've seen. "Hot Nights" is by far the best song, but "Be-Bop-A-Lula," "Slow Down," and "Seven Day Heaven" are good, too, as are the Rockats songs in general. The inflatable man scene, the drunk driving accident scene, and the mansion party scene are high points of humor. The overall upbeat feel of the film is good, and it looks and feels like it was set in Florida, just as it was supposed to. If its goal was to capture the party atmosphere of spring break in Fort Lauderdale in the '80s, it succeeded admirably.
It's hard to compare this film to the original 1960 version because the two versions were set in such different eras that they are almost completely different films. The 1960 version may have been cute in some ways, but it is *so* old-fashioned with its euphemistic talk about "playing house" and the girl being traumatized just because she lost her virginity that it's painful to even watch at some points. In contrast, this 1984 version has freewheeling drugs, drunken driving, and stripping. Nobody's striving to land a husband, and it even has a few topless shots in it. This is a real party movie. To hell with the plot. Who needs a story line in a film like this?
It is not true that there are only non-nude bikini shots in this movie: see the Mister Bullhorn part and the Hot Bod Contest part for topless shots. I also think Lorna Luft has a great body, so I don't understand the criticisms about her being in the Hot Bod Contest. I also didn't notice that the girls looked too old for college, either, since college is full of students of all ages. Also, the criticism that this movie was a "career stopper" for Lynn-Holly and others just isn't logical since it might only be coincidence that those stars didn't go on to make any more significant movies, and other actresses have starred in turkeys and their careers still survived. Also, Lynn-Holly was *not* a Playboy magazine Playmate. She appeared under some bed covers in one photo in the June 1981 issue of Playboy at the time of "For Your Eyes Only" (1981), but I believe that's all. Therefore I don't think many of the criticisms about this film and its actresses are valid or even factual.
A deeper criticism might be that most of the humor relies on sex, alcohol, and drugs: the M*A*S*H syndrome. I've watched this film at times when I thought all the humor was funny, and at other times when I thought all the humor fell totally flat, so apparently it depends on your mood and your perception of those topics. In any event, this film definitely captured a freer, more tolerant era, just before the War On Drugs became oppressive, just before the AIDS scare became serious, and before the city of Fort Lauderdale harassed spring breakers nearly out of existence in that city. I never thought I'd look back on the '80s with affection, but considering America's post-9/11 Zeitgeist, the '80s are starting to look pretty darned good in comparison.
No matter how you look at it, this film definitely deserves a *lot* higher rating than its current 2.5/10. I give it 8/10.
Where's the really bad film, cause this ain't it.
I really feel like this fun sex foursome + 1 hunk comedy has been singled out. There were many others floating about, before or in the after, male or female, where I'm not gonna run down a list. On the contrare, this is one of the better ones. At least it has a story and characters, you involve yourself in, instead of just going for the T and A. By no means, I'm not saying it's a good film, but it wasn't the worst film of 84. May'be it's close, I don't know, but just take in what I've just told you. It's hard to believe this was a remake of a respectable sixties film, but we have to get with the times. You know the story: girls go looking for the three S's, where the setting is Fort Lauderdale, yeah again, you spring breakers. The actresses are quite good, particularly Schall, as a southern belle, and Lisa Hartman, who I have a soft spot for. The girls have their own issues, one falls fall in love, one is to marry, whatever. One line of dialogue, there's a reference to Dickie Gere, when one of the lasses is kissing a blow up doll. I don't know, but I quite enjoyed this one, and there are some some real cheesy, so fake moments, but like I said, I really couldn't understand why this movie has been like, picked on. It's joins those other foursome teen sex comedies, but this is of higher rank. Oh did I mean, Lisa Hartman. You decide. Funny start.
- videorama-759-859391
- May 25, 2015
- Permalink
Millennial's Just Don't Get It
This is one of my top spring/summer movies to watch every year. The movie emits a signature 80's aura to it that has me longing for the year it was released - 1984! A time when college student revelry during spring break was a must! I love each character and the Florida scenery, even with all the cheesy scenes, like the bouncy dance competition. It's still nostalgic and that's right up my alley. You could even see hints of homosexuality where muscle men are riding on each other's shoulders, lol! To me, it's just good amusement. There is also something about road trips and checking into sleazy, run-down beach motels that I love. Probably because I remember staying in those places where the beds had loud flower covers and the vending machines only produced warm soda. Sure it was hard time, but plenty of us still have fine memories surrounding these little misfortunes. 1984 was perhaps the best year of my life (I wore a pair of checkerboard VANS!) and this movie brings it all back so well. People who never experienced being a young adult in the 80's will never understand how much of a blast the decade was. Louise Sorel and Wendy Schaal are two 80's actresses I admire for their class and talents, both have a history of comedy/drama roles and are definitely underrated, not to mention gorgeous. The producers also did a great job of actually making wealthy characters likable. You even felt sympathy for them, especially when Camden performs his heart out to Jenny on piano, competing with Scott. Giving a hoot about "snooty" characters like these is a rarity in flicks now. No one will ever change my opinion about this movie because it's so well rooted into my past and, of course, it makes me wanna go back to 1984 every time I watch it, even if all I do is grab a warm DrPepper from a vending machine at the beach RAID house. I'm packed.
- TobaccoSmoke
- Jun 18, 2021
- Permalink
OMG This is my absolute favorite movie of all time!
- meredithkaybutler
- Jun 22, 2021
- Permalink
They aimed low and hit their mark!
This is a really tacky 80's movie. Crass, crude humor that is not really dirty or shocking enough to be funny. This movie was made 40 year olds, acted by late 20's to late 30 year olds, made for horny teenagers and I bet even they were unsatisfied. The original 1960 version was a light piece of fluff that was beautifully filmed and had an innocence to it. There is nothing innocent about this! Lorna Luft entering a "Hot bod" contest? Okay, she is no slouch but she is not Carmen Electra! All this movie needed to push it over the edge was a cameo by producer Allan Carr playing a lesbian gym teacher on vacation. If you want to see some really bad 80's perms and fashions then by all means knock yourself out and watch. It does have some bad movie appeal.
- Hoohawnaynay
- Jan 14, 2004
- Permalink
Nothing but fun
Four college coeds from the North flock to southern Florida for vacation. Each one has a different plan for them. They get into trouble, and they find love. One is from a break-up, one is hard up, one has family, and the other is here for fun. One was let down by an escort. One gets in jail for intoxication. The other for assault. And the other has issues with family. The friend who got left behind after the arrest, dates the cop she assaulted. Spring break at its finest. Found the closest hotel they can afford. Attend a contest with hilarious results.
A great cast of stars. Lynn-Holly Johnson is best known for Bibi Dahl in "For Your Eyes Only".
And the other casts are good as well. Picking a place to relax is always going to be a example of choices, this movie is hot to trot.
2 out of 5 stars.
A great cast of stars. Lynn-Holly Johnson is best known for Bibi Dahl in "For Your Eyes Only".
And the other casts are good as well. Picking a place to relax is always going to be a example of choices, this movie is hot to trot.
2 out of 5 stars.
- GOWBTW-5STARreviewer
- May 27, 2024
- Permalink
This is progress?
- The_Film_Cricket
- Mar 23, 2014
- Permalink
only marginally better than "Attack of the Killer Tomatoes"
I saw the original in 1960 and it was a piece of fluff even for back then. What I can't understand is who would want to remake a bad movie, except, perhaps, if your goal was to end the collective careers of everyone in the cast. All the actors were a little long in the tooth for the roles they played. Lisa Hartman Black looked like she may have been a professor at Heidi Fleiss University but a 21 - 22 year old co-ed? I don't think so. This movie was so awful, I felt embarrassed for the actors. Come to think of it, it did effectively serve as a career-ender for several of them. On the whole, I think it's only marginally better than the "Attack of the Killer Tomatoes," which is generally believed to be THE worst movie of all time.