Senior Trip

I taped this CBS made-for-TV I guess back in 1981, not really knowing what it was about. I was so involved in trying to delete the commercial breaks, it was not until later I realized how good it was and not until about the fifth viewing that I realized Jason Alexander (later of Seinfield) was one of the Seniors. Like the song auditioned for Mickey Rooney, "One More Time", this movie gets better each time I view it. Since I goofed and let a few ads and station breaks slip in, I recently started a search for Senior Trip on DVD. No luck...and evidently it is not even available anymore on video. Scenes of New York include the now-gone World Trade Towers and great aerial shots of the city skyline and scope of Central Park. UPDATE: I found this title being shown this afternoon (Nov.28,2006) on Encore but unfortunately it had already started so I did not have a chance to record it on disc. Hopefully I can find the next showing and be ready.

This movie was a total bore, it was a strange mix of comedy drama musical and travelogue. I now feel I've been to New York City. It was a 75 minute TV movie dragged out to 96 minutes with drawn out shots of New York City, with no apparent reason other than to pad out the short story line. Not dramatic or funny enough to be interesting. Mickey Rooney as himself was pure Hollywood, I've met the man in person, and he's nothing like that. However if you were a teenager around 1981 you might find this mildly nostalgic, if you're a Scott Biao fan, he's got a total of probably less than 10 minutes in the movie. Watch it if you must, but you'll probably be bored to tears.

Senior Trip is definitely a candidate for "Bad Movie Night." When I am feeling extremely cruel and want to annoy my wife, I sing a line from the song "Going to the Big Apple", which was performed on the bus during the trip to NY. Woof.

There are many notable actors in this film, but not many notable performances. The best way to describe the screenplay, stale and bland. The only lasting impression from this film are from a few horrible scenes that haunt you years after you watch it.

Before you rent or (God forbid) buy Senior Trip, ask yourself, "Am I a glutton for punishment?"

The Review

"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.

I bought this film for my collection after discovering that Faye Grant, famous as the beautiful heroine on the Mini-Series' & TV Series V was a standout in this movie (also written and directed by Kenneth Johnson who created V). From watching this thoughtful and funny telefilm, its clear to see why Kenneth Johnson called on Faye Grant to take on the female lead in V. And of course, Scott Baio is at his dramatic best here. The film soundtrack is also scored by Joe Harnell who worked for Kenneth Johnson on the Incredible Hulk as well as V: The Original Miniseries.