Student Exchange

I never thought I would be able to find anything about this movie, luckily a link on heather graham's page took me here.

anyways, this movie was one of the great 80's makeover movie (see also "Can't Buy Me Love"). Basically the only plot twist is besides getting contacts, taking their hair down, getting new clothes, and somehow altering their school records, they also have to affect european accents. I don't remember quite how the guy pulled this off, but the girl did it by saying "umm how do you say..." before everything she said, as if she couldn't think of any english words to express herself besides umm how do you say. Well anyways, this is an ultra cheesey made for tv movie I only saw once, and barely remember. If this ever gets rereleased, see it if you loved the 80's as much as I did (ps. that means alot)

Caught this on afternoon television years ago, taped it by accident, and have kept on to that recording simply because I find this to be slight but very charming movie. Much can be attributed to the leads, Viveca Davis and Todd Fields (who has moved on to Academy Award Nominations for directing "In the bedroom"!!!). They are not high-power actors here, but give relaxed and captivating performances, especially the bright-eyed and energetic Davis. You DO care for these characters!

Fairy-tale story, of course, but done with conviction, charm and quite a few funny lines are sprinkled along the way. Looking back, it's also rather fun watching the clothes and hairstyles. The 80s really had some bizarre charm about it! :D Nice cameos by Wagner and Zappa also. My only complaint is the musical number at the end. It is just a little bit too much (like pouring sugar on top of icing on a cake).

The closest Disney ever got to making a John Hughes movie. And it's a fun time.

It's basically Disney's take on Just One of the Guys. Just swap the gender-bending Terri with two uncool, invisible teens who decide to impersonate and rebrand themselves as mysterious foreign exchange students at their own High School. It sounds absurd but the film works, and their bad-girl / bad-boy Euro Beauty makeovers are a 10/10.

Obscure AF and underrated. Bellissimo!

I'd tie it with Not Quite Human and Rock and Roll Mom as the best Disney made-for-Television films of the 1980's. You can check it out on youtube, I believe.

I was in high school when this movie was released on the Wonderful World of Disney. I recall being really nerdy and in love with a hot girl. This is the basis of most of these types of movies. What does one do if you're trapped? I knew that life was beyond high school, but for the time being...you had to make it bearable. Which is why this movie is a perfect capture of that time of your life. Yes, it's really goofy 90's humor. But the leads play it so genuine, you forget the silly set-up. As a teen movie, it is actually pretty sophisticated, in that, it sets you up of their scheme, then takes a serious turn, only to allow it to finish...well, not your typical happy ending, but a satisfying genuine ending.

I truly liked this movie. But it isn't for everyone. We're very cynical nowadays. The kids of this generation will "get" the goofiness. And how awesome it was to watch this on a Sunday night (I believe it was originally hosted by Michael Eisner). A nice turn on the lesson of being-who-you- are.

An 80's time capsule, Student Exchange is evidence that teenagers looked like they were in their late 20's. The plot is very similar to a lot of late 80's high school dramas about not fitting in or changing your identity to fit in. Disney produced this diamond as part of their magical world of Disney selection that aired on Saturday nights during the summer. The Leads both show a striking resemblance to a George McFly quality from Back to the Future. Even without the glasses, it's obvious that these two represent the Geek population at this California based high school. The concept of being lost among your peers is present. The reality of this fear is showcased as the motivation to take on a new identity is hatched. A fun story that ends with a heartfelt moral. Although the setting is the 80's, the theme is universal. Holy large computers Batman. Student Exchange has withstood the test of time and has become a classic for what it is.