Two high school friends, who can best be described as 'nerds', are about to embark on a college education. They cause an uproar when they attempt to join a fraternity. After being rejected they make plans for revenge against the jock fraternity that wants to discriminate against nerds...

Revenge of the Nerds (1984) is a goofy teen comedy that, like numerous other college based comedies, follows a group of underdogs as they strive to be accepted by their peers. Of course there's the usual cliche lineup of goofball characters who all contribute their own unique style - there's Arnold Poindexter, a ginger haired guy who can hardly see, despite wearing thick glasses; Harold Wormser, a child genius who is years younger than everyone else; Dudley "Booger" Dawson, a disgusting slob whose proud of it; and Lamar Latrell, an openly homosexual student.

This pack of misfits is headed up by Lewis Skolnick and Gilbert Lowell, two schoolboy friends, whose eyes we see the movie through.

Those that remember this film from its original release will be pleased to hear that it still stands up as an enjoyable, if rather cliched, flick. Not one that I'd recommend you'd rush out and buy if you've never seen it before, but entertaining enough if you fancy a trip down memory lane.

7

 

Lewis Skolnick and his band of barmy classmates attend a congress of national fraternities at Fort Lauderdale in Florida. Upon their arrival they come face-to-face with their rivals the Alpha Betas. From that point all hell breaks loose, taking the town by storm...

Revenge Of The Nerds 2: Nerds In Paradise (1987) sees the nerds back (minus Gilbert who only turns up in a couple of scenes) and this time they have to travel to Florida to attend a congress of national fraternities. Yet again, their arch rivals are there and the nerds have to stay one step ahead of their rivals, who are still trying to get rid of them and their fraternity.

While not nearly as entertaining as the first movie, this follow up does have it's moments. Star Wars fans will be pleased to hear that there are a couple of homages to the original trilogy. The movie opens with a homage to Star Wars: A New Hope (even if it has an odd narration - with the narrator sounding like he hasn't got a clue what he's reading). Then later on Gilbert appears to Lewis in a dream dressed as Obi-Wan Kenobi, offering sagely advice.

For some unknown reason another attractive girl falls for Lewis. While it made sense in the first film, it's a little too corny this time around.

Again, this is not a film I'd recommend you to watch if you didn't see it back in the '80s, but it provides another wave of nostalgia for all those who remember what life was like way back then.

5

Darren Rea