Diagonaldi Very well executed

Bergorks If you like to be scared, if you like to laugh, and if you like to learn a thing or two at the movies, this absolutely cannot be missed.

Lollivan It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

Staci Frederick Blistering performances.

Wizard-8 "Fraternity Vacation" was released in 1985, around the time that the youth-oriented sex comedy genre had long peaked and the audience had drifted towards movies coming from other genres. It did nothing to revitalize the genre, and it's pretty easy to see why. When it comes to sex and nudity, the movie disappoints - there isn't that much nudity, and the one instance of sex happens off camera. The movie also disappoints when it comes to comedy. The humor is lamebrained and unimaginative, with many so-called gags easy to predict long before they happen. And Palm Springs comes across as the most boring party spot in the United States.To top it off, the characters are dumb and unsympathetic. That is, except for the nerd character. The nerd actually generates some sympathy despite his clueless and awkwardness. And in the climax of the movie, when he's talking to the movie's dream woman, there is actually a lot of sweetness generated. Maybe if the movie had dropped plans to be a sex comedy, and instead focused on these two characters meeting and getting to know each other, the movie would be a lot better than it is now.

gcd70 Another sex-college-comedy, and another over-rated comically barren film. Amazingly this was directed by James Frawley who has along with many television credits "The Muppet Movie" to his name.Virtually none of the intended humour in "Fraternity Vaction" works, the plot (from Lindsay Harrison) is incredibly see through and all the players behave totally out of character at the end of the film; as if you'll care.Of course everyone (with the exception of the amazing Tim Robbins) involved in this pic disappeared. Spare yourself.Tuesday, December 28, 1999 - Video

FilmDeMagnifique I'm prime form, "Fraternity Vacation" proves to be the sleeper knockout shot of the mid-80's. Unlike other fraternity movies, "Fraternity Vacation" provides us with a slightly darker, more intimate side of the party animal lifestyle. I would compare this introspective comedy to classics such as "M.A.S.H." of even the great "Annie Hall" (blasphomy!). I make these comparisons based on the fact that "Fraternity Vacation" digs a little deeper into the motives and psyche of the frat boy. Why do they behave this way? How do their actions reflect youth culture as a whole? At what point will fun turn into consequences? These are all questions that "Fraternity Vacation" attempts to answerer. It sometimes gets a little to deep to the point where it gives the film a gritty feel, but it always maintains a lofty, fun vibe that carries through out the movie. With the Academy Award winning acting caliber of Tim Robbins behind it, "Fraternity Vacation" has the ability to make the viewer laugh and think at the same time.

doctorgonzo23 One of my favorite pastimes is scanning old pawn shops and video stores for movies that are long out of print and fit firmly in cheezy genres like campy horror or teen sex romps. Thankfully, cheap DVD pressings of these movies are starting to surface more and more often. I picked up this title at Walmart for $2.88 Canadian. It's neat to see Tim Robbins in one of his earlier roles. The movie itself is quite watchable, but far from a masterpiece of comedy. The acting is not as bad as some I have seen and there are a few laughs. Pick this one up if you get the chance. It's got a pretty good soundtrack (if you like 80's cheese)and a no brainer plot whose twists you can spot from 20 miles away. The DVD is a really clean print and is not filled with digital artifacts like so many of these cheaper releases. The audio (music and dialogue) is crisp and well mastered. COnsidering this film is nearly 20 years old, I was surprised that I hadn't heard of it sooner. It dosen't quite have the potential for a cult classic, being inferior to Animal House and Ski School, but it would be fun at a party. Tim Robbins is really great and gets quite a bit of screen time. The women are quite attractive and there is some gratuitous nudity (classic 80's formula).