National Lampoon's Class Reunion

National Lampoon's Class Reunion is a 1982 comedy horror film that stands out for its unique blend of humor and suspense. With its script written by John Hughes, who later became one of the most successful comedy writers in Hollywood, the film combines a healthy dose of outrageous comedy with elements of the slasher genre, creating a uniquely entertaining viewing experience.

The film boasts a talented ensemble, starring Gerrit Graham, Michael Lerner, and Fred McCarren among others, who effectively portray their respective roles, contributing significantly to the overall amusement and thrill of the movie.

National Lampoon's Class Reunion takes off with a group of former high school friends reuniting for their tenth-year high school reunion. However, instead of a memory-filled night of catching up and reminiscing about the good old days, they end up facing a terror they never would have expected. They are trapped in their old, now almost derelict high school by a murderous nemesis seeking revenge. This antagonist is not just any criminal, but one from their shared past who is determined to exact his revenge on the whole group. Set around the premise of a whodunit-style mystery, the plot keeps you guessing about the identity of the killer as each member of the group struggles to survive the night.

Gerrit Graham as Robert 'Bob' Spinnaker, Michael Lerner as Dr. Robert Young, and Fred McCarren as Gary Nash feature prominently in the riotous happenings, allowing us to re-examine the nurturing yet sometimes scarring influence of high school on an individual's psyche. The characters are distinct in their personalities, such as the arrogant yet cowardly Bob, the nervous and professional Dr. Young, or the sarcastically funny Gary. They all have one thing in common, though: they have to confront the horrors from their past along with the relentless pursuit of vengeance by a relentless killer.

National Lampoon's Class Reunion, despite its subject matter, essentially serves up a hefty dose of humor that National Lampoon’s films are famous for offering. Adding to its charm are its various high jinks and comedic twists and turns that keep audiences on the edge of their seats and laughing all the way through. Moreover, one just can't ignore the underlying nostalgia evoked by the script as the characters navigate their way through dark corridors, dusty classrooms, and forgotten corners of their old high school.

John Hughes, who went on to create some of the most acclaimed and successful comedies in the 1980s and 1990s, weaves a tapestry of wit and slapstick comedy into the plot of Class Reunion. What’s more, Hughes displays an uncanny knack for character development, crafting a memorably humorous and somewhat dysfunctional group of characters.

Visually, National Lampoon's Class Reunion succeeds in setting up an eerie atmosphere, very much in line with traditional slasher films. The fact that the setting is an almost abandoned high school makes it more appealing, evoking a sense of unease and nostalgia – a potent combination for this genre.

The performances really add to the overall enjoyment of the movie. Gerrit Graham's impassioned portrayal of the boisterous Bob, Michael Lerner's convincing embodiment of the panicked Dr. Young, and Fred McCarren’s deadpan humor as Gary, all ensure an entertaining movie experience. In particular, their comic timing is commendable, and they play off of each other very well to keep the laughs coming.

National Lampoon's Class Reunion is a film that will appeal to fans of both comedy and horror genres. Its unusual combination of these seemingly diametrically opposed genres, its gags, its witty one-liners, and its enticing storyline make for an enjoyable movie experience. If you’re interested in watching a film from the early 80s that masters the art of blending humor with suspense, you should consider watching National Lampoon's Class Reunion.