Nerds!

With the exception of Anthony Edwards, all the Nerds are back in this sequel to "Revenge of the Nerds," a woefully inadequate, inhumanely scripted, and embarrassing to watch sequel that lacks the charm, wit, fun, and quirkiness of the original film.

Dan Guntzelman and Steve Marshall write a script that seems to think the reappearance of these characters is enough to carry a film.

It's not.

The original film largely worked because we had conflict and we had a back and forth conflict resolution. In this film, the Nerds are no longer nearly as nerdish and one can't help but feel a bit sorry for the Alpha Beta's. With the roles reversed, the film doesn't work because it still wants us to buy into the persecuted Nerds.

The cast, who've nearly all played these characters before, seem to be fumbling around with nothing to do and acutely aware that this film isn't going anywhere special. Even the music, scored by Devo's Mark Mothersbaugh, feels tired and oddly out of place.

Director Joe Roth is a much better producer than director, and either never watched the original film or hasn't a clue how to direct. Considering he's also offered us "Christmas With The Kranks" and "America's Sweethearts," I'll let you decide.

"Revenge of the Nerds II: Nerds in Paradise" ends up feeling more like Nerds in Hell as we deal with yet another manufactured scenario of Nerd persecution, this time on the sunny, bikini-laden beaches of Florida during a frat convention.

Hmmmm. Anthony Edwards didn't come back for the sequel. Hmmmmm. Anthony Edwards still has an acting career while only Curtis Armstrong has a semblance of a screen presence anymore. Coincidence? I'll let you decide.

© Written by Richard Propes

How We Rated This Film TC Candler -     Richard Propes - D+ Jacob Hall -

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