POISON IVY
Starring: Michael J. Fox, Nancy McKeon
Original Airdate: 1985
Type: Comedy/Romance
Michael J. Fox stars as a womanizing camp counselor in this 1985 TV romp. Dennis Baxter (Fox) is Camp Pinewood's newest archery instructor, and he's got a cabinful of crazy campers to contend with -- Bobby, a star athlete; Jerry, a kid who's always looking to make a good deal and a quick buck; Timmy, who spends most of his time thinking of ways to escape from Pinewood; Bryan, a budding poet; and Toby, a wannabe comedian. But Dennis is less interested in the kids than he is in the new camp nurse, Rhonda (Nancy McKeon). At first, Rhonda wants nothing to do with the flirtatious Dennis, and tries to shun his advances, but Dennis is persistent. Even after Rhonda tells Dennis she's engaged to be married, he still wants her. You're never really sure if he REALLY likes her (at first) or if he just can't stand the idea of there being a girl he can not woo, but eventually it becomes clear that his feelings are genuine.
Lots is going on at Pinewood. For one thing, there's the annual "Color War" in which the campers are divided into two teams and are pitted against each other. Bryan, one of Dennis's campers, also has a crush on Rhonda, and sends her poetry. Timmy makes several escapes from camp before deciding to stay and conquer some of his fears. Ike, the head counselor, is busy getting it on with the camp director's wife. And Jerry has his sights set on a camper in the girls' camp across the lake.
And what becomes of Rhonda and Dennis? Do they get together in the end? Well, we get to meet Rhonda's fiance during Parent's Weekend, the man acts like total jerk, and Rhonda becomes disgusted with him. So -- what do YOU think happens? ;)
Poison Ivy is a fun and campy (haha) flick. If you like summer camp stories or would like to see Michael J. Fox when he was 23 and downright adorable (not that he isn't now, but you know what I mean), rent it. Orrrr just rent Back to the Future. But hey. This was once available on video and you might be able to hunt down a used copy.
9/11/2005
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