In a time since forgotten, forty to fifty years ago to be exact, there was a for Comedy in major motion pictures that plunged head first into raunchiness. Full of robust nudity, crass jokes, and tons of goofy antics, in a modern world, the idea of this makes some shudder. However, there are those who can admit that this brand of entertainment is not intended to be taken too seriously, nor should it offend your more wholesome judgment.
A concept perhaps lost in a modern world where the tension is so ridge you could feel it with anyone you accidentally make eye contact with… fortunately, there is still the Raunchy Comedy of yesteryear we can look back to. An escape, we can kick back, indulge in some buttery popcorn, have a laugh, and maybe even get a smirk out of our significant other cuddled up against us.
A little pleasure in the complexity of the present day where people’s attention is drawn in a dozen different directions, who wouldn’t find a film tile like 1983’s Screwballs and Joysticks, 1984’s Hardbodies, or 1979’s H.O.T.S. at least amusing? The answer is no one! Speaking of 1979, the same year the aforementioned H.O.T.S., Gas Pump Girls, and the notorious Adult Drama Caligula came to a crazy little flick called Cheerleaders’ Wild Weekend.
Originally titled The Great American Girl Robbery, Cheerleaders’ Wild Weekend is a bit of a mixed bag where, at times, it feels like a light-hearted Comedy and often a bit like a campy Horror film. It is hard to figure out which way you should feel, but the story follows a former star quarterback named Wayne Matthews down on his life after a career-ending injury. In his mind having nothing to lose, he and a few other jocks decide to intercept a bus full of fifteen cheerleaders on their way to a competition to kidnap them for ransom!
Sounding extremely harsh, the tone of Cheerleaders’ Wild Weekend is relatively loose where – while you know these young ladies are being held against their will – they also show themselves highly capable in these less-than-ideal situations. Are there bundles of nudity? Yes. But do the women involved possess empty personalities? Absolutely not. In fact, you come to appreciate each of their fiery personalities as the film moves forward.
With a cast led by Kristine DeBell (who would go on a lengthy, successful career in both film and television) as the charismatic Debbie Williams, you also have Jason Williams (known for films like 1974’s Flesh Gordon) as the lead kidnapper Wayne Matthews. There are also other recognizable faces such as Marilyn Joi (under the name Tracy King who is famous for many titles including 1977’s Black Samurai and The Kentucky Fried Movie), plus Lenka Novak (from films like 1978’s Vampire Hookers and 1987’s Slaughterhouse Rock), Janie Squire (from 1978’s Piranha, among others), Leslie King (the writer of Horror films such as 1988’s To Die For), Lachelle Chamberlain (who appeared in many series including CHiPs), plus Wally Ann Wharton (known for 1978’s Up in Smoke and 1986’s Last Resort) all as cheerleaders.
Beyond this, it is directed by the award-winning Jeff Werner and produced by Chuck Russell (known for mega-hits like 1987’s A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors and 2002’s The Scorpion King).
Very enticing, and if you have yet to see Cheerleaders’ Wild Weekend… it certainly is not the full-blown comedy you may expect, but it is also not without a few laughs and plenty of entertainment value that keeps you engaged. That is why it is fun for those who miss the days of video store treasure hunting to learn that a new Blu-ray edition will be available in 2024. Released through MVD Visual as part of their MVD Rewind Collection on December 17th, it is the first physical format release of the title in nearly a decade. All other editions long out of print, MVD’s offers you Cheerleaders’ Wild Weekend in the clarified high definition (1080p) format. Highly recommended; the quality is far superior to any older DVD copies.
Furthermore, the single-disc release includes fun interviews with Kristine DeBell, Jason Marilyn Joi, and Leon Isaac Kennedy, along with a really nice collectible mini-poster. Complete with a very retro vibe, including a print of a tattered Comedy category video store sticker; it is a perfect presentation in every way. Also, if you do not have a Blu-ray player, MVD released it to DVD on the same day as this special edition.
So, if you are ready to let go, enjoy a cheerleader with a chainsaw, among other off-the-wall moments, pick up this new MVD Rewind Collection Blu-ray of Cheerleaders’ Wild Weekend because Cryptic Rock gives it 4 out of 5 stars.
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