La tropa de Beverly Hills

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.

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!

A stereotypical portrayal of a Beverly Hills "Wilderness Girls" troup of pre-adolescent girls and their flighty but maternal leader, Phyllis Neffler, played by Shelley Long. Phyllis is going through a "terribly messy divorce" to her husband Fred the Muffler Man and decides on a whim to take over her daughter, Hannah's troup. The group encounters many problems that spawn from the jealousy of Velda Plender, the organization's leader who resents the rather "untraditional" ways of the Beverly Hills troup. All of these hilarious incidents lead up to the Wilderness jambouree where... oh see for yourself! Although not particularly deep, this movie is sentimental, hilarious, and adorable all rolled into one. The antics of the sheltered Beverly Hills troup are guaranteed to make you laugh. This movie is definitely a must see!

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.

Family fare for an entertaining evening at home. The problem of divorce is posed in this film without detracting from the value of marriage. Shelley Long portrays a bored Beverly Hills wife whose husband is leaving her for another woman. Deciding to make something of her life she volunteers to be the leader for her daughter's "wilderness girls" troop (I guess they couldn't get the rights to girl scouts). Shelley Long is a hoot as she tries to make it through a camp-out without getting her nails ruined. Both her and her troop of pampered Beverly Hills princesses learn valuable lessons in character, courage, and friendship with a super happy ending (no spoiler). Great mother-daughter movie.