Summer Rental Reviews

• OUTSTANDING

  
  By A1XJOSJN6FHFO0 on 2004-01-06
  John Candy does an outstanding job in this movie, playing the part of Jack Chester, a burned out traffic controller who desperately needs a relaxing vacation. Too bad he doesn't get one!
  Taking his family to Florida, he does not know the cabin he has rented is right next door to a public walk leading to the beach.
  Living in Florida, I certainly know how busy those walks can be, and that only heightened the laughter for me, as Jack had to deal with 'walkers' everyday, who wanted a glass of water or to use the bathroom. Good Lord!
  Add to that a budding teenage daughter, a neighbor who wants to show off her new 'breasts' and rich jerks who think they own the Florida beaches (oh yes,I have seen them as well).
  This all adds up to a great movie, one that you will watch time and time again. Outstanding!
  
  

• You'll want to keep this movie for more than just a rental

  
  By A2QRB6L1MCJ53G on 2001-09-21
  Jack Chester (John Candy) takes his family to the beach on a summer vacation resort in Florida. While on this vacation, Mr. Chester and his family will encounter tough times, make new friends, and much more. All of these events have something in common: They're hilarious!

  While I was watching "Summer Rental," I could tell that it just had an average script and that in all ways it should've just been an average movie, but John Candy's hilarious antics make this one a keeper for comedy fans. There are many different parts of "Summer Rental" that you'll always remember once you see them such as when an attractive woman asks John Candy for an honest opinion, and when Candy goes on the beach for the first time and tries to avoid many obstacles.

  Not only is "Summer Rental" hilarious, it also has other redeeming qualities such as the adventure that Mr. Chester (John Candy) and his family go on close to the end of the film. To make it short, if you like hilarious comedy movies, I definitely recommend getting "Summer Rental." You'll want to keep this movie for more than just a rental.
  
  

• Funny Family Film

  
  By A2AOZQ3WTNVVOK on 2005-05-08
  When John Candy had his moments, they were usually very good moments. Such is the case with "Summer Rental," where John Candy plays air traffic controller Jack Chester. As everyone knows, air traffic controllers lead a stressful life, and all Jack is looking forward to is getting away from it all.
  
  We can tell from the outset that getting away is going to be difficult. Children Jennifer (Kerri Green, who starred the same year in "Goonies" and the following year in "Lucas") and Bobby (Joey or Joseph Lawrence) are fighting in the car during the trip to the beach. Once at the beach things get difficult. Their stuckup landlord does not like either Jack or his family, and tries to boot them out. Jack thinks he is going to get killed when pretty neighbor Vicki Sanders (Lois Hamilton) asks him to feel how real her augmentation is and husband Ed (Carmine Caridi) walks in. Fortunately Vicki has been doing that a lot and Ed takes it in stride. However, clutzy Jack also ends up breaking a leg. With all this action it seems that things are unable to get worse, which means they do.
  
  Al Pellet (Richard Crenna) has agreed to race them, in a regatta. If they win the race they can stay in the rental. If they lose, they must leave. At long last the Chester family pulls together, with help from Scully (Rip Torn) and a bizarre crew. The group turns a restaurant into a real ship, barely making the race in time.
  
  The joy of this movie is the last half hour. There are short moments where the movie slows a bit, but in general the pace in the last half hour is quick. In light comedies of this type, it is the ending where all the issues are resolved and everyone, except for the jerks, come out ahead.
  
  John Candy generally ends up as the straight man in this movie. The funny parts are what happens to John more than what John says. John performs well in this movie, which was his first as the star.
  
  Other than the brief scene with the breast augmentation, where the exposed portions stay out of camera view, this movie is somewhat family friendly. I would feel comfortable with children in elementary school watching this.
  
  This film is a winner and well worth having in a collection of comedy or family films.
  
  
  
  

• Seemed too short

  
  By A319SKSB556033 on 2001-05-22
  At 86 minutes and half a dozen subplots not being wrapped up or developed in any way at all. For example the subplot involving John Larroquette is never given the chance to become anything. His whole presence in the movie is totally pointless and I suspect there was a whole "Candy's wife may be cheating on him" plot that was cut out because it just too similar Chase/D'Angelo in Vacation.
  
  We never know what happens to Richard Crenna or Rip Torn after the Regatta and we never know how the rest of the Summer Rental went. It's like the writers knew there was no plot, chucked in this Regatta crap and thought that would be a good place to end the film when it's over. And what was wrong with the popcorn Candy and Crenna eat? I found that pretty weird.
  
  Although I have already made comparisons to Vacation I still feel like this film is good enough without being a copycat movie. It's seems more realistic and doesn't have any slapstick humor. Candy feels more like a real guy who needs a real vacation. We want him to relax but still can't help laughing when everything goes wrong. My fave scene is when he returns home to find it transformed into some kind of free-for-all Funhouse.
  
  But for a film set in Florida there is a huge lack of nice scenery and the photography isn't so cool. I wonder why Kerri Green (who starred in The Goonies the same year) never made another mainstream movie tho. Joey Laurence did so why not her?
  
  If you like comedies, but hate the scatological humor that most present day comedies have, then this is a good enough escape. I miss John Candy and wish he made more movies before he died.
  
  The DVD has no features other than a trailer, is in utterly terrible Mono and is undermatted at 1.78:1 instead of the theatrical 1.85:1.
  
  

• Charming & cute

  
  By A1QW5DRAIR5ZFP on 2001-09-23
  This is one of my boyfriend's favorite movies and I have grown fond of it as well. It isn't the kind of movie that has you busting out laughing, but it puts a smile on your face and leaves you happy. The music is uplifting and the whole movie has a mellow tone, but I never considered it "slow" as some have.

  I do have one issue with this movie, for which the lack of information is driving me crazy:

  Am I the only person in the world to notice that there are scenes deleted from the pay channel, VHS and DVD versions? If you watch it on basic cable there are several scenes NOT found in the "uncut" (no commercials) versions:

  1) On the drive down to Florida, they have fast food in the car, and feed the dog Archie the onion rings, who then has terrible gas
  2) When they are in the wrong rental house the dog is continually shown chewing on the legs of the couch instead of the bones he is being offered by John Candy
  3) Right after they leave the wrong house and the rightful owners sigh with relief, the couch falls over as a result of the dog chewing on the legs (they break)

  Does Columbia Pictures have something against this dog? I thought those scenes added to the enjoyment of the film! I have purchased and returned the VHS and DVD versions, each time excited to be able to see the entire movie uncut.

  If you're reading this, powers that can, please release a special edition with ALL the scenes!!!
  
  

• Cut Scene
  By A2RROM5K4FV5VX on 2005-02-13
  I really enjoy John Candy's movies and have copies of most of them. However, since I had seen "Summer Rental" at least twice, I was disappointed when upon viewing this copy, I became aware it had been edited. I know at least one scene was cut (The one involving their pet dog chewing the leg off the chair in the first beach cabin they moved into). I wish someone would develop a method of indicating whether a copy of a movie has been edited from the original release version.
  
  
• Enjoyable family film.
  By A3664K3GZV3LLY on 2000-02-02
  A great John Candy vehicle. While "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" satirised everything that can go wrong while travelling, "Summer Rental" satirises everything that can go wrong while on vacation - going to the wrong beachhouse, sunburn, crowded restaurants, hostile neighbours etc. The film is a pleasant, lightweight concoction which uses Candy's acting style to good advantage. Candy would later show more depth of character in better scripted films (Only The Lonely etc) but he's in fine form here also.
  
  
• All he wants is a relaxing vacation and a lobster dinner!
  By on 1999-06-07
  John Candy at his best! A story that anyone can relate to. While trying to give his family a fun, relaxing summer vacation in Florida, Candy has no end of troubles. From a wicked sunburn to a run-down beach house, this stressed out air traffic controller can't catch a break. This movie has a great cast, including the scene-stealing Rip Torn as the crusty old "pirate" Scully. If you call yourself a John Candy fan and have never seen this film...SHAME ON YOU!!!
  
  
• Great Family Movie with lots of laughs
  By on 2000-10-26
  John Candy is very funny in this movie. People can relate to the experiences of their summer vacation. Also, it is heartwarming at the same time. Definitely worth seeing.
  
  
• John Candy is (was) great!!! (4.5 stars)
  By A3PWQXT5QGEKN7 on 2001-12-26
  Not quite five stars. I really like John Candy. Too bad he is gone forever. He had so much going for him. His characters in all of his films were so believable and likable.

  This film is just another good example of his skills. I can't imagine if there was another actor that could have brought this movie off like he did.

  I'm not going to give the plot of this one away. I just want to say this is a good film. Very funny to watch Candy in a family environment as a regular guy going to the beach on vacation.
  
  

• Great little flick!
  By A6J1185QJPB8R on 2000-01-06
  Wow, I can't believe that only 4 people reviewed this movie so far. For some reason, this movie is sadly overlooked which is too bad because it's John Candy's best film. It's just a tad corny but hey... it was the 80's (the era of The Breakfast Club and Lucas). Anyone who's been on vacation at a beach can relate to Candy's problems. From getting VERY bad sunburn to getting a dump for a summer house; from getting a cast on your broken leg to meeting a really rude local. It's a great family film and will make you giggle alot and never goes on for more than it actually has to.
  
  
• Comedy Goers...
  By A1CM1JXMRN887R on 2003-02-19
  If you're a John Candy fan as I am and you haven't seen this one, you simply have to. This is definitely one of his best outings. John's character takes his wife and kids south, on a much needed vacation and the hilarity ensues with one mishap after another. Joey Lawrence plays John Candy's young son and couldn't possibly be any cuter than he was at that particular age. This is definitely one for the DVD collection.
  
  
• John Candy's best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  By A1GPTYVGX3L8BB on 2003-02-27
  Being a huge John Candy fan, I have to say that this is one of his best! Along with Uncle Buck, Once upon a crime and Armed&dangerous this one of John's that I've seen the most. Probably more than a hunderd times, and it's still funny.
  I especially like the scene in which he threatens a guy, who's watching the smurfs in his house.("have you seen the episode in which papa smurf beats the pooh (censored) out of a fat guy with a red hat?"; hilarious!)or the scene in which a lot of people walk along the window of his house, and he asks this guy why everybody keeps passing his window, and the guy just burps in his face and points to the -to public beach-sign as an answer.
  The popcorn-chocking scene is also great and of course the scene in which his neighbour asks him how her breast look.
  But there are so many hilarious scenes, I can only say WATCH THIS MOVIE!!
  
  
• John Candy gives his best!
  By on 2000-04-03
  This is simply one of the best John Candy films ever made. It comes on alot on HBO during the summer and I watch it all the time. I think this is the kind of movie that you would like to watch over and over again, it's a good movie.
  
  
• It wouldn't be Summer with out Candy
  By on 1999-06-18
  Summer Rental is by far one of John Candy's best films. Just like The Great Outdoors(another Candy classic) he plays a father who just wants his family to have an enjoyable vacation. However, something always happens to mess that up. Summer Rental was one of Candy's first star role comedies and is a must for any John Candy fan, or someone looking for an enjoyable comedy without much slapstick. A nice change of pace for Candy.
  
  
• Great Movie
  By A2EUV5X57341CV on 2007-02-28
  This is, without doubt, one of the funniest movies the late, great John Candy ever made. Richard Crenna is great as the rich, snobby dentist who thinks he owns Florida and tries to run Candy's family out by refusing their rent check (he owns thier rental house). Great performances by Candy, Crenna, and Rip Torn. I have only one problem with the movie....there is a great song by Jimmy Buffett called "Turning Around" which is featured in full as the credits roll, but the song is not available. I am a Buffett fan, but I have never seen the song in any recorded form, and there seems to be no "Summer Rental" soundtrack. It's frustrating to watch the movie, hear the song, and not be able to buy the song anywhere. Why Buffett never released it is beyond me. Anyway, the movie is great, the acting is wonderful, and the soundtrack is really good.
  Watch "Summer Rental" and be prepared to laugh.
  
  
• CANDY'S BEST
  By A379XN22H8ASFN on 2000-04-14
  THIS IS TRULY CANDY'S BEST. I HOPE THAT THEY PLACE THIS MOVIE ONTO DVD SOON FOR I AM WEARING OUT THE VHS VERSION. IT IS A GOOD OLD FAMILY FLICK. IF YOU LIKED NATIONAL LAMPOONS VACATION THEN YOU WILL LOVE THIS LITTLE TREASURE. 5 STARS NO DOUBT ABOUT IT
  
  
• Summer fun for all
  By AEKOHKXW43J8F on 2000-07-01
  This early John Candy film is often overlooked...This is a shame...The film offers an amusing tale of a father trying to make the best of a bad situation and in between offers a a showcase for Candy and a great supporting cast..Rip Torn(of Larry Sanders show fame)is just fantastic as Pirate Scully...This film is safe for all ages and can stand up to repeated viewings...Actually,I dont even acknowledge summer until I view this film! John Candy,besides being a very funny actor,also in this early film,shows his talents for portraying a sensitive and compassionate man that isnt really seen again until the film 'Only The Lonely'. Any of us who have fond memories of those "family" trips will surely get a kick out of Summer Rental....Parents will be pleased that as characteristic of most John Candy films,Vulgarity isnt used to add humor....Make this film a part of your summer experience..!
  
  
• Asolutely the best movie John Candy ever made
  By on 1999-05-30
  Ive watched this movie 100 times and will probaby watch it 100 more.The cast does an outstanding job.
  
  
• Overlooked and Underrated!
  By on 1999-05-08
  For some strange reason, this wonderful little summertime movie has been overlooked and underrated by the critics. In my opinion, it shows John Candy at his funniest and most sympathetic, as a nice guy who's just trying to have a relaxing summer vacation with his family. Pop this movie in the machine, crack open a beer and enjoy!
  
  
• Great summer fun
  By AEKOHKXW43J8F on 2000-06-18
  As A avid movie lover and John Candy fan I had to place this review..This early John Candy feature is just a delight to watch over and over again...Many movies dont hold up to repeated viewings,however because this is such a lite yet amusing summer film, you will find yourself watching this film several times every summer..Actually,I dont acknowledge summer at all until I get in my first viewing of this film!! Well written,wonderfully acted,great for all ages,and an example of how a comedy doesnt have to be full of non stop laughs to be enjoyable..His presence is deeply missed....Oh to those who decide...RELEASE THIS ON DVD PLEASE!!!
  
  
• Disappointed
  By A1RI11LSK0Z5WJ on 2000-09-25
  After having read positive reviews of this movie, I was eager to see it for myself. As a John Candy fan, I wanted to like the movie, but unfortunately it wasn't much more than an elongated TV sitcom. The problem is not with Candy or the other actors, but rather with the uninspired script.
  
  
• Good John Candy, but not Great
  By A2VIY4M4GGJHXY on 2002-03-04
  I thought this movie was pretty good. I am a huge John Candy fan, so I will like pretty much anything with him in it. I don't think he really had a chance to shine in this one.

  John Candy works as an air traffic controller. He works too hard and has to take a trip to Florida to cool off. His first day there he becomes arch enemies with the local snob sailboat captain. With a setup like this, it is inevitable that he have to defeat the snob captain in a sailboat race.

  This movie is pretty predictable stuff, in my opinion. If you want maximum John Candy try Planes, Trains, and Automobiles or Uncle Buck. If you want a vacation movie, try National Lampoon's Vacation, or another good John Candy flick, The Great Outdoors. I find all of these more satisfying than Summer Rental, but I think Summer Rental is still worth watching.
  
  

• Watch your toes Mother Teresa, this movie is hilarious!!!!!
  By on 2003-04-17
  "Your wife's on my Whammo!", "You couldn't beat my dinghy.", "Hi, I'm Jack Chester your neighbor, and you are?...having lunch!", "I"m giving you a mandatory FIVE!", "I'm not wearing that bathing suit until I lose 3 or 4 pounds.", "MAY I SEE YOUR RECEIPT?!?!?!?!", "He was a beacon to us all...he will be sorely, sorely missed...and now, I'll sign the papers.", "Honey, you're in your pajamas...I KNOW, I KNOW...excuse me...". If any of these lines bring a smile to your face then I know you will love this film. Me and my family and friends love to quote this movie at gatherings such as barbecues, church picnics, and funerals. We're also fans of Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, The Great Outdoors, and Chevy Chase in Vacation. Richard Crenna gives an outstanding performance and certainly a nod to John Larroquette for his cameo. Brilliant! All I can say is BUY IT or I'm going to toss you out...PERSONALLY!
  
  
• Summer Rental.
  By A38QJ7JUUTVLKX on 2003-05-05
  This movie was so funny! This was John Candy's first leading role was in this film by Carl Reiner, in which the comic actor played a stressed-out air traffic controller who takes his family on a Florida vacation and has to deal with arrogant, rich jerks. Candy is good in what is almost a straight part and Reiner keeps the tone in check so his star has an opportunity to show more than one dimension. Summer Rental is great, but it could still be much better. It is so funny, and all the jokes work, and his daughter in this movie is so HOT! You must see this movie. John Candy's just pure funny, an it...that he isn't with us anymore. Oh well at least Jim Carrey is still around.
  
  
• Predictable, but Funny and Enjoyable
  By A2ZPG269VFZGVV on 2004-04-19
  The plot here really doesn't matter; it's pretty predictable. This is a film that is enjoyable primarily because of the very funny and capable John Candy. Candy plays a harried air traffic controller, Jack Chester, who takes his family to Florida for a well-deserved rest. Of course, everything goes wrong.

  Candy is at the top of his game here. He plays a likeable family man who feels that everything that goes wrong is his fault. He tends to take everything personally, and even though sometimes everything just goes wrong, he's not the author of all the mishaps.

  He makes a turnaround when he meets the very funny Rip Torn, who plays Scully, a bar owner, sailor, and one-handed guy. The scene where Candy gets drunk and plays a very haphazard game of darts is hilarious (one dart hits the ceiling fan, another a barometer). Scully decides to show Jack Chester that he can succeed, and teaches him to sail. This leads to the climax race against the rich and smarmy Richard Crenna, who has a beautiful boat and a crack sailing team. Chester is in the race of his life, but he has a trick up his sleeve (so to speak).

  I'll not reveal the outcome of the race, but suffice it to say, Jack Chester does OK.

  Recommended if you want to laugh, enjoy yourself, and have a satisfying film-watching experience. I did.
  
  

• One of my all-time- "MW" -Favorites!
  By AUW1K6KBIG17A on 2005-06-11
  By MW, I mean, "Most Watchable". This is one of those films which I love having in my collection. I rank it very high, not necessarily for the same reason as other films. I am not saying that it is the best performances you'll ever see - or the best writing - or the best direction, cinematography, editing, etc. It's not "Oscar" worthy.
  
  But then again, there are many "Oscar" worthy films that I was delighted to see on the opening weekend in the theatre, but am not in a hurry to purchase on DVD. Some of these, while excellent quality films, and great to see once, do not have what I refer to as "watchability".
  
  A "MW" film is one that is great for it's pure entertainment value. Likeable characters. Fun and interesting and endearing performances. Clever and witty dialog that seemingly gets better with time. A film that is like visiting an old friend (if you don't mind me getting a bit cliche, myself).
  
  Anyway, Summer Rental, is one of those MW films. For me it is one of the top 5 or 10 in that category - especially among comedies. I just never get tired of watching it. And after having seen it, I feel like I've been on a vacation, which is a rare treat.
  
  
• Summer Rental-A Family Movie
  By A1JJZCCMV5D2YL on 2005-07-16
  I would just like to say that this movie is great for the whole family. The storyline is about a workaholic, air traffic controller (John Candy) who takes a vacation with his family. With a bunch of mishaps along the way they finally make it to their destination. But relaxation is still not set; more exciting events are set on the beach. (Just watch out for the woman trying to show everyone her breasts.) Have fun watching! Cast also includes: Richard Crenna, Joey Lawerence, Kerri Green. P. S. i wounded up with the little boy that plays like he's picking his nose by the beach house, and i love him to death!lol and my mother went on a double date with John Laroquette in high school.
  
  
• Funny movie
  By A3R75ZGPSEYYAX on 2005-10-24
  This is one of my favorite movies. I've watched it for years on cable and finally decided to buy the dvd. It stars the great John Candy and the late Richard Crenna. It's a fun movie to watch!!
  
  
• Summer Rental video
  By A35V1MNG3N7JIZ on 2006-03-17
  I love this movie; it just gets funnier every time I watch it because I find more to laugh at each time. John Candy's talent was even bigger than he was. Both he and we were robbed when he died so young.
  
  

• The Great Outdoors
• Uncle Buck
• Planes, Trains and Automobiles
• Armed and Dangerous
• Funny Farm