Revenge Of The Nerds 2: Nerds In Paradise Review

MPAA Rating: PG-13
Released: 1987

Revenge of the Nerds 2: Nerds in Paradise is a blatant attempt to capitalize on the success of the original film, but since most sequels are this is forgivable as long as the sequel offers something new to bring to the table. Unfortunately while there are laughs to be had with the sequel, it loses a bit of the potency of its predecessor as reflected in its more family-friendly rating: PG-13.

A selection of Lambda Lambda Lambda members is asked to represent the fraternity at the United Fraternity Conference in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Just one year ago the nerds earned the respect of their peers in Adams College by defeating the athletic Alpha Beta fraternity, so life is good for the group of outcasts and they are looking forward to attending the conference. But upon reaching Florida they find out that shrugging off their nerdy stigma isn't easy, as Floridian Alpha Beta members set forth to "avenge" the defeat of their Adams College brothers one year earlier.

The Alpha Beta fraternity first attempts to pass Proposition 15, a regulation that would require all fraternities pass physical fitness standards lest their national fraternity status be revoked, but the nerds successfully squash this plan thanks in part to a zany, yet oddly catchy, concert performance reminiscent of the one in the original film.

This is just the first of several trials the nerdy fraternity must face at the hands of the Alpha Beta fraternity; they'll face more situations like being arrested for grand theft auto and being stranded on a deserted island. Will the nerds be able to win the day once again? (The fact two more sequels in this series would be released after this one should indicate the answer to that question.)

Revenge of the Nerds 2: Nerds in Paradise can pretty much be summed up as more of the same, sans the nudity. The nerds and jocks rival for top position once again, but this time you won't get the indulgent fun of panty raids or similar raunchy scenarios. Had this movie not been a sequel to the original Revenge of the Nerds, this diluted raunchiness would have been just fine, but it's highly annoying when provocative and hard-hitting comedies are watered down in sequels so they can obtain a PG-13 rating (Police Academy, anyone?).

Like the original, Nerds in Paradise does indeed have its comedic moments. The disgusting yet loveable Booger (Curtis Armstrong) returns for the sequel, and he discovers an old oriental man in his hotel that seems to be just as filthy as he is. During his first introduction with Snotty, his new sensei master, Booger demonstrates his proficiency at burping, but the old man shows him who is the boss by ripping out a belch of his own… a glass-shattering one from the very bowels of hell.

Instantly Booger has found his new mentor, and wishes to learn the secrets of the ancient art of… well… slobbery.

Sensei: To truly hock a loogie, one must not retrieve the phlegm from the throat, but from the soul.

Another highlight is an evening philosophical discussion on a deserted island, where the marijuana-smoking nerds and Ogre (Donald Gibb), who has been abandoned alongside them, exchange such deep ramblings as:

Ogre: What if C-A-T really spelled dog?

In the end, Revenge of the Nerds 2: Nerds in Paradise brings enough new ideas and humor to the table to make it worth watching, but ultimately a good portion of the movie feels like a simple (and often weakened) retread of the original placed in a new sunny setting.

Movie rating: 6 stars

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