🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Brian Gilbert
- Genre: Comedy, Fantasy
- Release year: 1988
- Runtime (length): 1h 38min
- IMDb rating: 5.9/10 (11K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 25%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A workaholic dad and his son accidentally use a cursed skull from Thailand to swap bodies, leading to corporate chaos and middle school mayhem.
🍿 Vice Versa: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Introduction to Marshall and Charlie
Marshall Seymour, a divorced executive, is a busy man with little time for his 11-year-old son, Charlie. Charlie is frustrated by his father’s absence and lack of understanding of his life. When Charlie comes to visit, the tension between them is palpable.

The Magical Skull
While on a business trip in Thailand, Marshall unknowingly acquires a magical skull. Upon his return, the skull becomes the catalyst for a life-altering event. During an argument, both Marshall and Charlie express a wish to be in each other’s shoes while simultaneously touching the skull.

The Body Swap
The skull’s magic works, and Marshall and Charlie find themselves in each other’s bodies. Chaos ensues as they try to navigate each other’s lives. Charlie, in Marshall’s body, must handle corporate responsibilities, while Marshall, in Charlie’s body, has to face the trials of middle school.

Navigating Each Other’s Lives
Charlie struggles to maintain Marshall’s professional image while dealing with his girlfriend, Sam. Marshall, as Charlie, confronts school bullies and attempts to adjust to pre-teen life. The experience forces them to understand and appreciate each other’s challenges.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Marshall (Judge Reinhold): A divorced, workaholic executive who switches bodies with his son after touching a magical skull.
- Charlie (Fred Savage): Marshall’s 11-year-old son who finds himself in his father’s body and dealing with adult responsibilities.
- Sam (Corinne Bohrer): Marshall’s girlfriend who is caught in the middle of the body-switching chaos and tries to understand the changes in ‘Marshall’.
- Turk (David Proval): A bumbling smuggler who is after the magical skull that caused the body switch.
- Tina (Swoosie Kurtz): Turk’s boss, also a smuggler, determined to retrieve the valuable Tibetan skull.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Charlie: “For Charlie, love Malice, party ’till you puke.” – Charlie, in Marshall’s body, tries to explain his tastes when he is at his Dad’s work.
- Marshall: “We’ve been offered very favorable interest rates from King Kong.” – Marshall mishears Charlie’s message about interest rates from *Hong* Kong, leading to a comedic misunderstanding.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $10,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $13,664,060
- Worldwide Gross: $13,664,060
💥 Vice Versa Reviews
Personal Review
I remember watching ‘Vice Versa’ as a kid and being completely captivated by the idea of switching bodies with my dad. Fred Savage and Judge Reinhold really sold the whole concept. I loved the scene where Reinhold, as Charlie, rocks out on the drums. It’s a feel-good movie that still makes me smile, even though it’s a bit cheesy!
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of 80s comedies”
- “Families looking for light-hearted entertainment”
- “Those who enjoy body-swap movies”
- “Fans of Fred Savage and Judge Reinhold”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Mild language”
- “Some thematic elements related to divorce”
- “Brief scenes of school bullying”
Professional Reviews
- FilmFanatic: “While ‘Vice Versa’ treads familiar body-swap territory, Judge Reinhold and Fred Savage deliver surprisingly convincing performances. The humor is predictable, but the heart is genuine, making it a decent family-friendly flick.
- NerdView: “A decent 80s body swap comedy. Fred Savage and Judge Reinhold sell the premise well, although the plot itself is generic, it’s a fun time for those who love 80s comedies.
Audience Reactions
Fred Savage’s portrayal of the dad was surprisingly convincing and hilarious.: Audiences loved the chemistry between Judge Reinhold and Fred Savage.
Overall Consensus: ‘Vice Versa’ is a light-hearted and enjoyable body-swap comedy, elevated by the charming performances of its leads, but somewhat let down by its predictable plot.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Judge Reinhold has said that this movie was the beginning of a career decline for him, combined with a reputation of being difficult to work with. He said “That’s when the phone stopped ringing.””
- “This is one of several body-swap films released around the same time, including ‘Big,’ ‘Like Father Like Son,’ and ’18 Again!'”
🖥️ How to Watch Vice Versa?
Vice Versa (1988) is available for rent or purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check your preferred streaming service for current availability as offerings may change.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Vice Versa, you might like these similar films:
- Big (1988): Shares the body-swap theme with an adult in a child’s world, exploring similar themes of growing up and responsibility.
- Like Father Like Son (1987): Similar father-son body swap scenario, exploring their relationship and understanding each other’s lives.
- Freaky Friday (2003): Mother and daughter swap bodies, leading to humorous situations and a better understanding of each other’s lives.
🛒 Vice Versa Related Products
- The Wonder Years: The Complete Series: Relive Fred Savage’s breakout role in this beloved coming-of-age TV series, available as a digital download.
- 80s Movie Soundtrack Collection: Relive the greatest hits from the 80s movies including tracks with the feel of the Vice Versa soundtrack
- Rubik’s Cube: A classic 80’s puzzle and an instantly recognizable visual icon of the era.
- Vintage 80s T-Shirt: Show off your love for the 80s era with this nostalgic tee.
🎧 Soundtrack
Vice Versa features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Vice Versa is a comedy about a divorced executive and his son who switch bodies after touching a magical skull, leading to humorous situations as they navigate each other’s lives.
The main actors are Judge Reinhold, who plays the father Marshall, and Fred Savage, who plays his son Charlie.
Vice Versa (1988) is available for rent or purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Availability may vary.
Yes, Vice Versa is often compared to ‘Big’ as both are body-swap comedies released around the same time, but Vice Versa involves a father and son switching bodies.
🔥 Bonus Content
a history of body swap films: from vice versa to freaky (review) 🔪🩸🔄
Ever wondered where ‘Vice Versa’ fits into the body swap movie universe? This video breaks down the history of the genre, from classics to modern flicks, and gives a solid review. I found it super insightful!
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