American Animals - La rivolta dei Nerds

Director Richard Gabai proves the life isn't just about getting laid its about getting deep too in this beautifully written, expertly acted comedy that best represents the excitement and offbeat beliefs of real-life underdog fraternities inspired by Revenge of the Nerds. This isn't the standard plot driven narrative expected from director/screen writer Richard Gabai, instead it is fearlessly piloted by Sid Witherspoon, the leader of an unpopular fraternity. Troy Donahue's impressive flawless performance creates a likable but emotionally reserved Witherspoon, expanding the character's complexity further than the rare novel published exclusively in France by Gabai. Saddly I wasn't distracted enough from the engaging and hilarious dialog to notice and appreciate the detailed scenery and beautiful colour until the fourth time I watched it. Weather a die hard fan of frat-comedy or post-Shakespearian playwright enthusiast this is the movie....no! Film for you.

The fraternity of Lambda Alpha Eta is in danger of becoming extinct, as the only 4 members are all graduating college at the end of the year. So naturally they plan a huge party while battling the gayest most annoying jocks ever put on mainstream celluloid. If I hear the phrase 'kick his ass' one more time, i'll go insane. This z-grade "Revenge of the Nerds" clone is sadly very low on laughs, and has one of the worst theme songs in recent memory but the more masochistic fans of '80's scream queens Quigley and Bauer should still check it out. And even then, do so very VERY hesitantly. Followed by a sequel that one would hope is better, because quite frankly you can't get much worse.

My Grade: D-

DVD Extras: Director's commentary; Bloopers; slide show (with nudity); Interviews with Linnea Quigley, Michelle Bauer, Richard Gabai, & one with all three; Music video; and theatrical trailer

Eye Candy: Michelle Bauer, Linnea Quigley, and Tantala Ray all get topless

Assault of the Party Nerds (1989) is a low budget fraternity comedy. Lambda Alpha Eta only has four members in their fraternity. All for members are due to graduate soon. Rich gets the idea that they need to give a party to recruit some new members so there can still be a fraternity after the four men graduate.

There's the typical jocks vs. Nerds storyline as well. The jocks rely on Rich to cheap on their exams. One of the jocks fails his midterm and is determined to get revenge.

Assault of the Party Nerds is exactly the type of thing that would air on USA Up All Night. Popular B-Movie icons Linnea Quigley and Michelle Bauer are in this. I would probably have probably enjoyed the movie a bit more if the DVD was better quality. The picture quality on the DVD is rather poor.

It's not very different than those endless National Lampoon movies of the 90's made to appeal to male college kids who sit around drinking beer all weekend.

The "hot" girls are all pushing 40's and not so hot and one was actually pregnant during filming. Talk about a buzz kill.

It's a ridiculous movie a few steps above similar flicks made by Troma, but that's not saying much. The writing is moronic at best.

Artie Johnson of Laugh-In fame must have needed the money because he appears in it as Mr. Witherspoon. He's the only recognizable actor in this flick.

I can't say I was bored. I couldn't get that involved in the movie. But I can't say I liked it either.

Assault of the Party Nerds is a fun movie. Yeah, it's full of "b" movie actors and the story in not to today's standards, but this movie isn't that bad. It's a cool movie that you can just sit back and watch. It's one of those movies you can watch and you don't have to think; just watch it. It has some funny parts and it's a shame more people don't like it.