The late ’70s into the early ‘80s was riddled with sexually charged Comedies that would make a more prudish individual blush. Some may call it crass, others raunchy, but there is no question that these films had an audience who enjoyed these light-hearted romps.
Looking back, this was a time before mega box office hits like 1999’s American Pie, and arguably one that had a list of features a lot less polished. A period where political correctness was not even a part of anyone’s vocabulary, you had successful films like 1981’s Porky’s, 1982’s The Last American Virgin, 1983’s Losin’ It, plus 1984’s Hot Moves, to name just a few. Each having their own unique quirks, it was an era when Hollywood pumped out quite a few films similar in their scope and stylistic approach. While many are memorable, others are easily forgotten, but some come with a whole different level of interest when you look more closely. One of these would be the film entitled Homework, which hit theaters in August of 1982.
Homework, a motion picture directed by James Beshears, and featuring the legendary Joan Collins, is chalked full of backstory that is nothing less than compelling. First and foremost, Homework (also known sometimes as Growing Pains) was actually filmed in 1979, but not released until three years later in late 1982. Interesting, because when you watch it, you can immediately pin it as a ‘70s flick just looking at the overall atmosphere and fashions, apparently the success of similar styled films such as 1981’s Private Lessons prompted a release.
Simply enough, and probably a practice done often to strike a core market while it was hot… here is where it gets very interesting. Looking to capitalize and attract even more viewers, reportedly there were new scenes edited into Homework which feature more nudity, however, not just any, but something that was passed off as Joan Collins. Clearly not her, the new scenes employed a body double, used this said double in promotional advertisements, and naturally, infuriated the dignified Ms. Collins. This ordeal resulted in Collins bringing up a lawsuit against the film’s production company Jensen Farley Pictures. Winning the case, the promotion of Homework was to immediately cease usage of ads that depicted Collins nude. This is not to mention that other film stars – the Academy nominated Carrie Snodgress, Betty Thomas (famed director of films like 1997’s Private Parts), and the seasoned, accomplished Lee Purcell – also brought up their own lawsuits against Homework on the grounds that the film released was far different than the one they were led to believe was being made.
All factors that make you either wonder what exactly Homework is all about, or simply find no interest in the film at all, it is really up to the individual to decide where they stand. There is no denying what was done to Joan Collins, as well as to the others who had grievances with the film, was underhanded and wrong; plain and simple. That being said, Homework still managed to find success at the box office upon its release. Also, while sometimes possessing the production aesthetic of a late ’70s/early ’80s pornographic feature flick, Homework is not without some more serious, striking messages. What this is saying is that Homework’s mood is not completely irresponsible; because there are some heavier, real-to-life moments. Looking at this aspect, some of the film’s characters, such as Shell Kepler’s Lisa, get hit with some hard life lessons that alter an entire perspective.
Everything considered, Homework is not one of the best films of its ilk released during the ‘80s, but also is not one of the worst. Some may think knowing all the controversy swirling around the film would make it border on raunchy, but in truth, it’s approach is far more in-line with the heavy-hearted emotions of those like The Last American Virgin, rather than the bit sleazier Hardbodies from 1984, but also while bearing a similar vibe to 1983’s My Tutor starring Caren Kaye. Which leads us to how and where you check out Homework… that is if you are interested. To begin with, you can probably land a copy of it on DVD; but that pressing is from 2013, and is long out of print. Beyond this, you can actually rent or purchase a digital copy of the film through Amazon Video, but for those wanting more, Unearthed Films recently put Homework out both on DVD and Blu-ray.
Hands down the most pristine visual quality physical format edition of Homework ever produced, the DVD and Blu-ray copies arrived on June 25, 2024. Looking at the Blu-ray, it is offered with the original drawn out theatrical art (both as the cover and slipcase), plus an interview with Producer Max Rosenberg as the bonus content. Pretty light on the special features, it is better than nothing, and the overall presentation, for at this point a rather obscure film, is top notch. That is why if you are looking for some chuckles in a late night viewing, Cryptic Rock gives this special edition release of Homework 4 out of 5 stars.
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