Farm kid hoping to make it big as a skier picks up a feisty hitchhiker on his way to the big ski tournament in Squaw Valley, California. The two begin to fall for each other but are driven apart by a cocky German ski champion and a beautiful blonde. Better than it has any right being, it's an 80s movie that includes many sex comedy clichés but actually takes the time to invest in its main characters a little bit. Of course there's a lot of cheese and some nudity, most notably from former Playboy Playmate Shannon Tweed. The slower parts work better than the comedy. The skiing stuff did little for me but the scenery is certainly attractive. Of the cast, lead Patrick Houser is outshined at every turn, whether it be by cutie Tracy Smith or by David Naughton, who effortlessly steals every scene he's in. He's really better than this type of movie but I guess he had bills to pay. If you're looking for a really outrageous and offensive teen comedy, this isn't it. There are far better and funnier examples of those types of movies out there. This one does have something going for it that makes it stand out from other movies of its type. Unfortunately, after the decent first half-hour, things go downhill and it becomes more of a traditional lame comedy.
Review of Hot Dog... The Movie
