Watch Summer Rental

Summer Rental is a comedy film from 1985 directed by Carl Reiner, starring John Candy, Richard Crenna, and Rip Torn. The movie tells the story of the Chester family, consisting of Jack (John Candy), Sandy (Karen Austin), and their children Jennifer (Kerri Green) and Bobby (Joey Lawrence), who decide to take a summer vacation in Florida. The vacation does not turn out to be as relaxing as they hoped, however, as they encounter a series of misadventures that test their patience and sense of humor.

When the Chesters arrive in Florida, they discover that the house they rented is run-down and in dire need of renovations. The owner of the house, a wealthy businessman named Scully, refuses to make any repairs, and the Chesters are left to fend for themselves. Jack, a stressed-out air traffic controller, struggles to adjust to the slow pace of life in Florida, while Sandy tries to keep the family together and make the best of the situation.

Soon, the Chesters find themselves at odds with the locals, who see them as outsiders and treat them with suspicion. Jack is forced to contend with a hostile neighbor, a corrupt mayor, and an overly demanding boss, all of whom seem determined to make his life as difficult as possible. Meanwhile, Jennifer and Bobby try to make friends, but their efforts are hampered by the fact that they are not from the area.

Despite these challenges, the Chesters manage to find enjoyment in their vacation. Jack discovers that he has a talent for sailing and befriends a local sailor named Scully (Rip Torn). Sandy becomes involved in a local beauty pageant and makes friends with the other contestants. Jennifer falls in love with a boy named Grant (Aubrey Jene), while Bobby befriends a group of local children.

Summer Rental is a lighthearted comedy that relies on John Candy's natural comedic timing and affable personality to carry the film. Richard Crenna is also a standout as the cantankerous Scully, who initially seems like a villain but is ultimately revealed to be a lovable curmudgeon. The supporting cast, which includes Karen Austin, Rip Torn, and Joey Lawrence, also deliver solid performances.

The movie is set against the backdrop of the beautiful Florida coast, with scenes of palm trees, turquoise waters, and sandy beaches. The cinematography captures the beauty of the landscape and adds to the overall sense of relaxation and leisure that defines the vacation setting. The music, which includes tracks from popular 1980s artists such as Huey Lewis and the News and The Beach Boys, also contributes to the laid-back vibe of the film.

Overall, Summer Rental is a pleasant and entertaining comedy that will appeal to fans of John Candy and 1980s comedies in general. While the movie does not break any new ground in terms of plot or themes, it is a solid entry in the genre that delivers plenty of laughs and heartwarming moments. Whether you are looking for a movie to watch with the family or just want to relax and unwind, Summer Rental is a great choice.

Summer Rental is a 1985 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3 and a MetaScore of 38.