Summer School (1987)

Summer School is the kind of ’80s comedy that sneaks up on you: it’s breezy and goofy on the surface, but it has a surprisingly big heart and a real affection for its so-called “bonehead” kids. Mark Harmon makes Mr. Shoop an easygoing, likable mess of a teacher whose unconventional tactics (and occasional desperation) turn detention-season drudgery into a warm, funny hangout movie, while Kirstie Alley adds spark and grown-up comic chemistry to the mix. Carl Reiner keeps the pace light and the laughs steady, letting the class’s oddball personalities shine without ever turning them into pure punchlines. It’s not for everyone if you’re allergic to dated PG-13 edges or prefer your comedies sharper than sweet, but if you want a feel-good crowd-pleaser with charm to spare, this one earns its A.

Summer School is aiming for a breezy, feel-good underdog comedy where a burnt-out teacher and a class of lovable screwups accidentally bring out the best in each other. The problem is it often plays like a string of sketchy bits and predictable beats rather than a focused story, and the pacing can feel oddly flat for something that’s supposed to be rowdy. Some jokes and attitudes are very much of their era, so if you’re sensitive to dated PG-13 “boys will be boys” comedy, you may find it more cringey than charming. Still, Mark Harmon’s easygoing likability and the misfit-student ensemble give it enough warm, goofy energy that it can work as low-stakes comfort viewing—just don’t expect sharp satire or big emotional payoff.