ZAPPED at HOLLYWOOD TEEN MOVIES

In "Zapped", Scott Baio, Chachi from the Happy Days television series stars in his first big screen teen comedy, where Scott was the main attraction. This time round Baio shakes off his cool TV image to play a teen science nerd called Barney.

Barney spends most of his spare time working in the school chemistry lab & one day accidentally creates a substance which gives him super powers. This leads to Barney & his friends using this ability to pop undone girls blouses & create general havoc where ever they go.

Barney's friend, Peyton, is played by Willie Aames, who a few years later went on to star with Baio in the long running hit television series "Charles in Charge".

The film is strictly formula, basic 80's teen comedy, trying to cash in on the science fiction craze, but it is nevertheless a lot of fun, particularly if you are a fan of Baio & Aames. Scott Baio does have what it takes to be a big screen star & does his best with the material available, but unfortunately this film was not very successful at the box office.

I hadn't seen "Zapped" for a longtime, so I bought a copy recently & watched it again. I still found it entertaining as it has its fair share of amusing moments. The tagline on the video case cover says it all "A comedy that won't let you down!". In 1990 a sequel titled "Zapped Again" was released but this time round the film featured an entirely different cast.

TITLE : Zapped
YEAR OF RELEASE : 1982
CLASSIFICATION : M
DIRECTOR : Robert J. Rosenthal

STARRING : Scott Baio, Willie Aames, Heather Thomas, Scatman Crothers, Robert Mandan

TAGLINES:
* They're Getting A Little Behind In Their Classwork
* The comedy that won't let you down!

Zapped! (1982)/Making The Grade [DVD](1984) DVD
Two-disc set includes "Zapped!" and "Making the Grade."
Zapped! [DVD](1982) DVD
Scott Baio is a high school chemistry whiz who stumbles upon a formula that gives him telekinetic powers. With help from pal Willie Aames, Baio begins to put his newfound abilities to their best uses: getting money and undressing girls. Heather Thomas, Felice Schacter, Robert Mandan, and Scatman Crothers co-star in this sci-fi-flavored teen comedy. 98 min. Standard and Widescreen; Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital stereo, Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, Spanish, French.

Zapped Again! [DVD](1989) DVD
Just when you thought it was safe to wear short skirts...a teenager stumbles on to the infamous telekinesis potion and turns his school upside-down with laughs, unbuttoning blouses and putting the bullies in their place. Zany, racy fun with Todd Eric Andrews, Kelli Williams, Linda Blair, and Lyle Alzado. 92 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English; photo gallery; theatrical trailer.