Vice Versa

Vice Versa is an exhilarating and heartwarming family comedy released in 1988. Directed by Brian Gilbert, it's a standout film among the popular body-switching movies of the late '80s, with a light-hearted approach that blends humor, adventure, and family values. Vice Versa explores the lives of its main characters, Marshall Seymour and his son Chuck who mysteriously switch bodies, leading to hilarious and insightful experiences as they walk in each other's shoes.

Marshall Seymour, played by the multitalented Judge Reinhold, is an executive for a major Chicago department store chain, striving to climb the corporate ladder. He is caught up in the hustle-bustle of his career, leaving little time for his personal life. Marshall's ambitious endeavors often create a distance between him and his 11-year-old son, Charlie, played with charming wit by Fred Savage, known for his iconic performance in The Wonder Years.

Charlie, on the other hand, is a typical preteen who watches his father's busy, grown-up world from afar. He often wishes for a closer relationship with his father, an intimacy affected by Marshall's loaded schedule and the fallout from Marshall and his mother's divorce. The narrative takes an interesting turn when a mysterious antique skull comes into Marshall's possession, evoking the magic that would drastically turn their lives upside down.

With the calming ambience of a Tibetan monastery as the backdrop, the beautiful opening sequence carries an air of mystery with monks delivering an antique bronze skull to a buyer. This skull possesses a power that would not only alter the course of the film but also the lives of its leading characters. The essence of an old body-switching curse encompasses the intriguing artifact. Marshall and Charlie, oblivious to this truth, come in contact with the skull and are suddenly subject to its powers, exchanging bodies startlingly.

The fun begins when Marshall and Charlie, trapped in each other's bodies, are forced to navigate each other's worlds. Marshall finds himself back in grade school, dealing with demanding teachers, bullies, homework, and Charlie's crush. Charlie, conversely, faces the challenges of an adult's life: handling job responsibilities, managing relationships, and missing out on familiar youthful activities.

Vice Versa brims with comedy, laughter, and genuine heartfelt moments as both characters fumble hilariously, struggling to pretend to be each other while trying to reverse their predicament, leading to plenty of misunderstandings and comic mix-ups. It's amusing to watch Charlie, inside his dad's body, bringing a child's intuition to corporate meetings, and Marshall, trapped inside Charlie's body, using his adult wisdom in the schoolyard.

The main characters' excellent performances underpin this film. Reinhold's sublime acting and his believable transformation into an 11-year-old boy are commendable. Savage, too, brilliantly embodies the persona of an adult trapped in a child's body. The duo's chemistry is engaging and provides most of the film's laughs.

Corinne Bohrer plays Sam, Marshall's co-worker and love interest, who unwittingly falls into a complex triangle of sorts due to the switch. Her sweet and caring disposition stands in contrast to her other suspicious and conniving colleagues, adding another layer of complexity to the plot.

The film's script, skillfully penned by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, cleverly ranges from touching family scenes to pure comedic chaos. The soundtrack, directed by David Shire, captures the narrative's labyrinthine mix of action, comedy, and sentiment, perfectly accentuating the characters' dramatic moments.

Vice Versa is a stirring family-oriented movie laced in comedy. The film provides thought-provoking commentary on the adversity and the often underappreciated complexities faced in both adult and childhood life roles. The message lies in understanding and appreciation; both father and son learn valuable lessons about each other's lives, responsibilities, and challenges. Their unique journey brings them closer, mending the gap their busy lives had created.

In summary, Vice Versa is a charming piece of filmography that's truly compelling and entertaining, presenting an unconventional father-son relationship. Its style, mood, and narrative make it a choice pick for a light, fun-filled family movie night.