Common Sense Media Review
By Jose Solis
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
'80s comedy with drinking, language, some sexual content.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Summer Rental
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In SUMMER RENTAL, Jack Chester (John Candy) takes his family to a Florida beach town for what's supposed to be a much-needed break from his stressful job as an air traffic controller. Instead, the trip turns chaotic thanks to a crumbling rental house, obnoxious locals, and a rivalry with a rich sailing champion. What starts as a disastrous vacation slowly turns into Jack's quest to prove himself, leading to a big sailing competition where he tries to turn the summer around for his family.
Is It Any Good?
This John Candy vehicle is a sweet, if dated, entry in the 1980s vacation comedy canon. It checks off just about every cliché of the era: there are Footloose references, obliviously sexy blondes, and impossibly fit people parading around in minuscule swimwear. Still, under the direction of comedy legend Carl Reiner, the film balances two tonal paths, one zany, Monsieur Hulot-style romp of things going wrong on holiday, and the other a quieter story of personal growth. Neither overshadows the other and the result is surprisingly tender.
John Candy is, as always, deeply watchable and easy to root for. One standout sequence has him navigating a packed beach with a child on his shoulders and a cooler in hand, dodging volleyballs and body oilers like he's in a live-action cartoon. It's physical comedy with heart and Candy never drops the kid, which is kind of the point. Summer Rental might feel like a time capsule now, but it's a warm, occasionally hilarious one that still works as a nostalgia trip for adults and a breezy watch for families.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the events that prompt Jack to take time off from work. How do you think adults can prevent becoming too exhausted from their jobs?
What did Jack learn about his family during the trip? What did his family learn about him? How do you think the trip will change their dynamic?
What do you think about the way women are portrayed in the movie? How could it be improved?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 1, 1985
- On DVD or streaming : April 17, 2001
- Cast : John Candy , Joey Lawrence , Richard Crenna , Rip Torn
- Director : Carl Reiner
- Studio : Paramount
- Genre : Comedy
- Character Strengths : Perseverance
- Run time : 87 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : July 24, 2025
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