source: Vice Versa

Vice Versa

Businessman Judge Reinhold and his young son Fred Savage end up transforming into each other in this silly little comedy that is short on laughs. Another sub-genre here that became vastly popular in the late-1980s with several below average productions that are stupid more than anything else. An ornamental skull is the mysterious thing which causes Reinhold and Savage to trade places. A sophomoric screenplay, equally poor direction and a cast of second-rate actors dooms "Vice Versa" in the end. 2 stars out of 5.

In 1988 there were a slew of body swap films with Tom Hanks in Big leading the way at the box office. Vice Versa is based on a novel of the same name published in 1882. This is the fourth screen adaptation of the book. It is light on its feet and inoffensive with little of substance to offer. This time an ancient skull from Thailand is the conduit for father and son to swap places and see things from each other's viewpoint, especially as the son wants his divorced father to spend more time with him. It now has that very 80s vibe helped by the music and editing styles. It also offers amiable support from it two stars. Judge Reinhold and Fred Savage are likable, Jane Kaczmarek is delectable. It is an average family film.

A magical Buddhist skull has been stolen from its temple. Marshall Seymour (Judge Reinhold) is a high-powered VP purchasing executive for a Chicago department store. He's on a buying trip in Thailand with girlfriend assistant Sam (Corinne Bohrer). Turk (David Proval) buys the skull and smuggles it inside Marshall's cargo. Turk and Lillian Brookmeyer (Swoosie Kurtz) are looking to retrieve their skull. Marshall is the often-absent father to Charlie (Fred Savage). His ex-wife Robyn (Jane Kaczmarek) leaves Charlie with him for a few days. They have a fight and the skull magically transforms them. The first obvious solution is for both of them to go to his job while calling in sick for the school. I would buy it more if Charlie refuses to go to Marshall's work. This is basic but weakly written body switching story. Both Reinhold and Savage are overplaying their switched personalities. Much of it is in the writing but they are able to get it back to some extend.

Very likable, very good-natured comedy with winning performances and many clever moments (like the one where Savage informs Reinhold that he has been kidnapped). Of all the body-switch comedies that were made in 1987 and 1988, "Big" has the highest reputation, but "Vice Versa" is much more plausible. Unfortunately, it does run out of ideas, as a totally redundant chase scene proves.

Precious, predictable comedy has overworked father Judge Reinhold and pre-teen son Fred Savage switching personalities after getting hold of one of those movie-formula ancient mystical artifacts. Hoary premise plays like just another "Freaky Friday" retread, however it gives Reinhold the opportunity to really cut loose, and he has fun (although his overacting is shameless). Savage, then-star of TV's "The Wonder Years", fares even better, doing his wiser-than-his-age shtick with letter-perfect ease (he's a natural). There are some laughs, although the whole thing bottoms out in the final stretch with a ridiculous car-chase. Smart viewers will have bailed out by then. *1/2 from ****

I vaguely remember enjoying this film as a child. Watching it a 2nd time now as a middle-aged man sheds a whole new light on this outstanding piece of work. There are parts that I'm sure I didn't find humorous back then that were absolutely hysterical this time around. Very subtle adult themes that went over my head now struck me as very clever. I'm very happy to have stumbled upon this movie again. I highly recommend this film, especially to those that remember viewing it back in the 80's. I've found it to be more enjoyable than Big or any of the other body swap movies of that time.

If I have to compare the acting of Jodie Foster & Barbara Harris (the 1977 Freaky Friday) to Fred Savage & Judge Reinhold, the guys would win hands down. It was cool to see that jam session at Vigar & Avery Dept. store where Charlie (in Marshall's body) played the drums with that rich boy guitarist. Luckily he got out of that when the boss found out it was his favorite customer's son. Also, when Charlie took on those bullies in the bathroom, pretending to be an undercover cop. Another favorite part was when Fred Savage got to drive that police motorcycle to catch the bad people. Little did I know that his ex-wife & Charlie's mother would later become a loudmouth, driving 4 boys crazy in the process (Jane Kaczamrek-Malcolm In The Middle). Overall, one of the best family movies of 1988.