Revenge of the Nerds II: Nerds in Paradise
Okay, fellow tapeheads, slide that worn copy of Revenge of the Nerds II: Nerds in Paradise into the VCR slot. Hear that satisfying clunk? Remember adjusting the tracking just so? This 1987 sequel wasn't exactly the lightning-in-a-bottle the original was, but grabbing this off the shelf promised more Tri-Lamb shenanigans, and honestly, sometimes that’s all you needed on a Friday night. It promised sun, surf, and socially awkward savants hitting Fort Lauderdale – a premise practically soaked in 80s movie logic.
### Sunshine State Showdown
Picking up after the nerds supposedly secured their place at Adams College, the plot sends Lewis (Robert Carradine), Booger (Curtis Armstrong), Poindexter (Timothy Busfield), Lamar (Larry B. Scott), and Wormser (Andrew Cassese) off to the national fraternity conference in Florida. Noticeably absent is Gilbert; Anthony Edwards reportedly wasn't keen on the script, feeling it strayed too far from the original's spirit, a sentiment probably shared by a few viewers back then. His absence shifts the dynamic, pushing Robert Carradine's Lewis somewhat into the lead 'straight man' role, while elevating Curtis Armstrong's Dudley "Booger" Dawson to near co-protagonist status, much to the delight of anyone who found his particular brand of gross-out charm endearing. And let's be honest, Booger gets some of the most memorable, if ridiculously over-the-top, moments here.
The setup is pure fish-out-of-water comedy. Our pocket-protector-packing heroes land in the heart of Spring Break hedonism, immediately clashing with the bronzed and perpetually sneering Alpha Betas, now led by the perfectly punchable Roger (Bradley Whitford, years before The West Wing). The conflict feels a bit rehashed from the first film – nerds vs. jocks – but transplanting it to the neon-lit chaos of Fort Lauderdale gives it a different, arguably broader, comedic canvas. This wasn't filmed on some backlot trying to fake Florida, either; they actually shot on location in Fort Lauderdale, adding a layer of authentic late-80s vacation sleaze that permeates the screen.
### PG-13 Party Time?
One of the biggest shifts from the original Revenge of the Nerds (1984) is the tone, largely dictated by the move from an R-rating to a PG-13. Directed by Joe Roth, who would later become a major Hollywood executive powerhouse chairing studios like Disney and Fox, Nerds in Paradise feels noticeably tamer in some respects, sanding off some of the original’s edgier, more controversial humor. Some sources suggest even more outrageous gags were trimmed to secure that rating, aiming for a broader audience. Does it suffer for it? A little. The raunch feels dialed back, replaced with slightly more cartoonish antics. Think less panty raids, more elaborate prank setups involving hotel balconies and rafts.
Yet, there's an undeniable energy to it. The film barrels along from one set piece to another – the disastrous hotel check-in, the infamous belching contest (a showcase for Armstrong's surprising vocal talents), the awkward attempts at mingling with bikini-clad co-eds, and the climactic talent show performance. It leans heavily into 80s stereotypes: the buffoonish jocks, the ditzy sorority girls (though Courtney Thorne-Smith as Sunny provides a genuinely sweet love interest for Lewis), the vibrant synth-pop score pulsing through nearly every scene. It’s like an explosion in a pastel-colored factory.
### Nostalgia Goggles Recommended
Watching it now, Nerds in Paradise is undeniably a product of its time. The humor can be juvenile, the plot predictable, and the stereotypes broad even by 80s standards. But dismissing it entirely misses the point, especially for those of us who wore out the tape. There's a certain goofy charm to the proceedings. Seeing Carradine try to maintain nerd dignity amidst the chaos, or Larry B. Scott's Lamar delivering sassy lines with impeccable timing, still raises a smile. Remember those ridiculous "No Ogre" signs the Alphas put up? Pure, unsubtle 80s villainy!
While critically panned upon release (earning roughly $30 million on a reported $10 million budget, still a decent return), it found a solid life on VHS and cable, becoming a familiar comfort watch. It wasn't trying to replicate the underdog victory of the first film; it was aiming for a sun-drenched, slightly silly vacation romp with characters we already knew. Joe Roth's direction is functional rather than flashy, keeping the focus squarely on the comedic interactions and the increasingly absurd situations the nerds find themselves in.
Rating: 6/10
Justification: It lacks the sharp wit and surprising heart of the original, and the PG-13 rating dilutes some of the anarchic spirit. However, the returning cast (especially Armstrong) clearly enjoys themselves, the Florida setting provides some fun visual gags, and it delivers enough genuinely silly 80s comedy moments and quotable lines ("What the f***'s a frush?") to make it a worthwhile, if slightly disposable, nostalgia trip. It's the goofy younger sibling of a classic – less impactful, maybe a bit embarrassing, but you still kinda like having it around.
Final Take: Nerds in Paradise is the cinematic equivalent of finding sand in your luggage weeks after vacation – a messy, slightly inconvenient reminder of a fun, ridiculous time that couldn't possibly happen today, at least not quite like that.