La tropa de Beverly Hills

Not a side-splitting hilarious romp, but Shelley Long gives it her all and is quite funny (besides being so CUTE!!) The story involves a self indulged Long who becomes the leader of a dead end Girl Scouts for Beverly Hills. Will she turn this group of misfits around?? The tension doesn't mount but the laughs do-and of course, you can see the predictable ending coming a mile away.

From the opening title sequence (complete with a special remix of The Beach Boys "Kokomo"-era track, "Make it Big"), I knew this movie was something special. What most people fail to realize is that this movie more than anything serves as a time capsule for the period. Mid-80's Beverly Hills was a magical time and I still find myself looking back on this picture and wishing I was there.

Shelly Long stepped out of "Cheers" and into the shoes of Phyllis Nefler, the doting, diva of shopping, big-haired, Beverly Hills mother of a wilderness girl. Phyllis is going through a divorce with her husband, Fred "the muffler man" (played by Craig T. Nelson fresh off of "Poltergiest" and pre-"Coach"). To bond with her daughter (and to prove to her husband that she can finish what she starts), she becomes the Beverly Hills Troop leader.

This is where the fun starts. What I really love about this picture are the cameos/special appearances including Cheech Marin, Frankie Avalon, and Anneate Funnicello.

Personal note; I first saw this on TV when I lived in Orange County, CA and it was edited. I videotaped it and I still have the tape of that broadcast. I've since seen the unedited theatrical/home video version and I can't believe how much I've missed. I sometimes think the edited TV version that I have is somewhat a better motion than what it originally was. Oh well...

Still a good movie!

I haven't seen this film in at least five years. It was a childhood favourite and my brother and I absolutely adored it. I guess I am slightly afraid that if i rent it again, it could not possibly live up to my memories of it. Shelly Long is hilarious...and totally perfect as Phyllis Nefler. I just think every aspect of the film is so funny...their daughter(Jenny Lewis of The Wizard- another late 80's/early 90's gem) having her own high beam for gymnastics being one of them. The wickedness of Velma Plendor fits perfectly...as does her final sequence, one of my favourite parts, the K-mart scene. Pure fun! Just thinking about this movie makes me want to see it again so I can remember all those classic moments. If you've never seen it, find a video store quickly and rectify your error!!!

Troop Beverly Hills is a funny movie for pre-teen girls. Goofy Shelly Long plays eccentric Beverly Hills mom, Phyllis Nefler, who decides to get involved with her daughter's life and prove that she can do things for herself (sort of), so she becomes troop leader of her daughter's Wilderness Girl's squad.

This proves to be an embarrassing experience for the young girls, seeking some much needed leadership from their mother who can't seem to gain independence from the luxuries of her Beverly Hills lifestyle. But, once the pack is forced to compete with an aggressive, survival squad of hard core rival troopers, Phyllis and her team, tired of being a laughing stock (and also because Phyllis wants to gain her daughter's confidence and respect) are going to prove that they're not just a bunch of whiny rich girls from Beverly Hills.

80s fans will probably recognize many of the young troopers (from Jenny Lewis to Kelli Martin to Tori Spelling), and I'm sure pre-teen girls are sure to like the movie for it's silly story, young female cast, and the goofy antics of Shelly Long. It's a hilarious little movie with a good message for kids about the importance of female independence (Phyllis doesn't want her husband to think she can't fend for herself without a man's guidance) as well as individual confidence. It's bona fide family fun.

You have to give this movie credit for a few things. First off, this is a pure fun movie. If you are looking for deep meanings and double-entendres, look elsewhere. Second, the movie is 15 years old. As a ten year old girl, I thought this film was hilarious. The clothing styles have changed, but it is still relevently funny to girls. For a light laugh and a movie you don't have to analyze, I think this film has timeless appeal.