In campeggio a 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.

If you take a peak at the movies I have reviewed, most of them are low-budget weird films, or generally depressing fare. I tend to enjoy movies that challenge my mind I suppose, on some level. Troop Beverly Hills on the other hand is the EXACT opposite, and that's why I love it! Sometimes, I just need a silly movie with a generally predictable plot that is fun and upbeat and a little off kilter; Troop Beverly Hills is all of these things. I'm genuinely shocked this hasn't become a cult classic and has so view ratings and reviews.

Another reviews stated: 'This makes "The Room" look Oscar worthy. "Troop Beverly Hills, you're tearing me apart !" ' - That is beyond absurd, seriously. I have seen The Room and Troll 2 and Gymkata and many many more awful movies, "Troop Beverly Hills" is not poorly made. "Troop Beverly Hills" may not be perfect, but it is great for what it is. The script is goofy, but it is meant to be, it doesn't take itself very seriously, but the story is consistent and any absurdities, for the most part, are intentional. I enjoy so bad they are good movies, and that is what the person quoted above compares "Troop Beverly Hills" to; it is actually a well-executed film, most of the acting is above average, though you have to look at it through an 80's lens, the sound, cinematography, lighting, and other technical aspects are are solid, so their comparison is totally absurd. This is a movie for tweens, teens, and adults who enjoy silly humor. There is plenty of adult humor in the film as well, hoever, which many people seem to miss. The person quoted above must dislike cheesey 1980's family films, and that's fine, but don't compare it to something it does not resemble please.

While this movie teaches morals, such as cheating is not a virtues, honesty is important, caring about your friends matters more than winning, etc, it is by and largely a silly satire with very silly, but fun characters. It's characters are all caricatures in film larger than life from the decade of excess, and I miss these kinds of movies, they just don't make em like this anymore. Some people may be happy about that, but I'm not, the world could use more fun movies such as this!

Yes, it is a film about a bunch of spoiled rich kids who know nothing about camping or who's idea of roughing it is a suite with 10 people and a bathroom, learning how to be responsible contributors to society on some level. If that is not your cup, just skip it. It is ridiculous and silly, it is after all an 1980's movie and it is filled with really awesome late 80's fashions.

I grew up watching this on TV, and until I was about 25yrs, I hadn't see it since I was, say 12. I had no idea if I would find it unbearable to watch, the funny thing is, I think I actually enjoy it more as an adult. This is a coming of age story, the coming of age for a 30-something Rodeo Drive House wife that is! This woman knows nothing about reality, one has to wonder how she made it to the point of marrying her soon to be ex husband, but we can only assume she used to be a tad more responsible before her husband hit it big in the muffler business. Honestly though, it really doesn't matter.

This movie is really Shelly's show and I feel she delivers. Betty Thomas as Velda Plendor, however, is amazing and an absolute blast to watch. quite well, but some people might find her grating, she is. Not all of the acting is phenomenal, we have a young Kelly Martin who is decent, but not spectacular, and a Carla Gugino who is the weakest of the kids, especially in the scene with her birthday, her "crying" is incredibly fake, thankfully she got better as she aged..

This movie should not be taken seriously, and if you watch with less cynical eyes, and just enjoy the ride, there is a lot of fun to be had as the girls learn some actual life skills and become real "Wilderness Girls".

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!

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!

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.