"Senior Trip" is a made for TV movie that is, in some ways, like "Love Boat" with teenagers...very, very OLD teenagers! I checked and most of the actors playing high schoolers are in their mid-20s...and a few in their 30s. Because of this, it does take away from the story a bit because it is obvious that they are not the kids they pretend to be.
The story is like a whole bunch of small stories which are tied together by the folks all being a class of high school seniors from Ohio. A few of the stories are unnecessary and poor....a few are surprisingly good or dark.
One story is about a young guy (Scott Baio) who is trying to save his father's business while he's in New York...but health problems get in the way. One is about a young girl who meets her cousin who lives in New York...and she soon realizes this cousin is a prostitute. Another is about a young artist who meets a man who shows interest in his work...and perhaps interest in far more! Another is a teen who desperately wants to score...with anyone willing to take cash. Another are a pair who are excited and see EVERYTHING in the city. And, another is excited about Broadway and hopes to be noticed. In addition, there's a lot of hijinks such as students finding a horse in their hotel room! If it sounds like too many stories for the film, then you have spotted one of the problems with the movie. Sticking with two or three stories might have been a better idea. Also, the film is a bit rough at times...especially at the beginning when I was tempted to turn it off, though I did like the bit of the student imitating their elderly and prudish chaperone. But if you can look past this, the film isn't bad...and is an interesting look into 1981...the music, the fashions and more.
One thing that surprised me about the film is that it is VERY adult...much more adult than you'd expect from a made for TV film AND a film about 'teens'. Another thing that surprised me was the small part played by Mickey Rooney (as himself). He comes off as a real jerk for much of the movie...and I'm almost surprised Rooney did this. However, I also noticed that in the 80s and beyond, he OFTEN took parts that were beneath his talents. Plus, he does eventually redeem himself, somewhat, to the student he keeps disappointing.
