Sunburns, Sailboats, and Slapstick

Read Time:4 Minute, 7 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Summer Rental (Blu-ray)
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Genre: Comedy
Year Released: 1985, Kino Lorber Blu-ray 2025
Runtime: 1h 27m
Director(s): Carl Reiner
Writer(s): Jeremy Stevens, Mark Reisman
Cast: John Candy, Richard Crenna, Rip Torn, Karen Austin, Kerri Green, Joey Lawrence, John Larroquette, Richard Herd, Lois Hamilton, Aubrey Jene
Where To Watch: available now, order here: www.kinolorber.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Some comedies rely on sharp wit, some on big physical gags, and others lean into sheer charisma. This one falls somewhere in between, carried largely by its lead actor’s ability to turn everyday situations into comedy gold. While not the sharpest entry in John Candy’s filmography, it delivers an easygoing, entertaining ride with just enough charm to keep things afloat. A mix of slapstick, situational humor, and lighthearted hijinks, this kind of film knows exactly what it wants to be—whether or not it reaches its full potential.

The story follows an overworked air traffic controller, Jack Chester (John Candy), whose stress levels hit critical mass, forcing him into a much-needed vacation with his family. Hoping for rest, he finds himself trapped in escalating disasters. From the moment he arrives at his rented summer home, nothing goes according to plan. A mix-up with accommodations, an ever-growing list of small misfortunes, and an unexpected rivalry with a ‘local’ set the stage for a chaotic getaway. It’s a setup that plays on classic tropes, and while it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it keeps things moving at a steady pace.

Few actors could inject this role with charm and exasperated energy that keeps it from feeling stale. Whether struggling through an ill-fated attempt to relax on a crowded beach, dealing with a conga line of strangers cutting through his yard, or trying (and failing) to navigate the world of competitive sailing, Candy commits to every ridiculous moment. His natural timing elevates scenes that might otherwise feel predictable, ensuring they still land even when the humor isn’t at its best.

Supporting performances add the character dynamics that round out the story. Sandy Chester (Karen Austin), Jack’s wife, serves as a much-needed counterbalance, grounding the film while delivering moments of comedy in her own right. Meanwhile, Scully (Rip Torn), a grizzled, unconventional mentor, guides Jack through his latest predicament, and their odd-couple dynamic leads to some of the film’s more memorable moments. The antagonist, Al Pellet (Richard Crenna), a wealthy and pompous yachtsman, provides the perfect foil—snobby, entitled, and over-the-top enough to make the inevitable showdown worth sticking around for.

When it was released, the film received mixed reactions. Some critics pointed out its loose structure and reliance on familiar beats, while others acknowledged the strength of its lead performance. Despite shortcomings, it performed respectably at the box office, proving that even a formulaic comedy can find an audience with the right cast.

What makes this film stand out—despite its flaws—is its embrace of a certain kind of comedy that is rarely made anymore. It’s lighthearted without feeling too sanitized, silly without being grating, and content to let its humor unfold rather than forcing big, exaggerated punchlines. While it never quite reaches the level of some of the era’s best comedies, it has an effortless charm that keeps it afloat.

This kind of movie is easy to throw on without much commitment. It doesn’t demand much from the audience, and that’s part of its appeal. The comedy is broad, the story is simple, and the performances are fun enough to keep things engaging. It still holds up as a breezy, enjoyable watch that coasts comfortably on the charisma of its cast and the chaotic charm of its setting.

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]

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