Zapped! Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A nerd becomes a pervert with superpowers, causing high school chaos by ripping clothes off, which, according to 80’s logic, is a path to true love.

🍿 Zapped!: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Accidental Discovery

Barney Springboro, a high school science nerd, accidentally discovers telekinetic powers in his lab while experimenting with mice. This event sets the stage for a series of comedic escapades as Barney grapples with his newfound abilities. His friend, Peyton, quickly sees opportunities for exploiting these powers, leading to both humorous and ethically questionable situations.

Telekinetic Mayhem

Barney’s powers manifest in increasingly chaotic ways, from manipulating baseball games to disrupting social gatherings. The film explores the typical teenage fantasy of having extraordinary abilities and the temptations that come with them. Barney’s attempts to control his powers often result in public embarrassment and awkward situations, played for comedic effect.

Romantic Entanglements

Amidst the chaos, Barney develops a connection with Bernadette, a fellow student who appreciates his intelligence and moral compass. Simultaneously, Peyton pursues Jane, a popular girl, leading to a subplot of romantic rivalries and questionable seduction tactics. These relationships highlight the contrast between genuine affection and superficial attraction.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Barney Springboro (Scott Baio): A high school science nerd who accidentally gains telekinetic powers.
• Peyton Nichols (Willie Aames): Barney’s best friend and confidant, who encourages him to use his powers.
• Bernice Springboro (Sue Ane Langdon): Barney’s somewhat eccentric and supportive mother.
• Dexter Jones (Greg Bradford): The main bully at school, who becomes a target for Barney’s telekinetic abilities.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Peyton Nichols: “Barn, sometimes life is like an onion. When you peel it, it makes you cry.” – Peyton says this to Barney, during a moment of introspection, after Barney has obtained telekinetic powers.
• Barney Springboro: “Are you talking to me? Are you talking to me? Well, I don’t see anyone else here, so you must be talking to me.” – Barney delivers this line, in a mocking tone, as a nod to ‘Taxi Driver’, while Peyton is standing right next to him, highlighting the film’s comedic style.
• Dexter Jones: “I found your pepperoni – you bowl-legged son of a…” – The coach says it after being under the influence of marijuana and having hallucinations.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: $16,897,768
• Worldwide Gross: $16,897,768

💥 Zapped! Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, let’s be honest, ‘Zapped!’ is a mess, but it’s my kind of mess. I remember renting this as a kid and being both horrified and strangely entertained by the whole thing. The special effects are hilariously bad, the story makes zero sense, and some of the humor definitely hasn’t aged well. But, there’s a certain nostalgic charm. The scene where Scatman Crothers gets high and imagines bizarre scenarios had me in stitches. It’s a total guilty pleasure that I’ll probably watch again someday despite its flaws.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of 1980s teen comedies”
  • “Those who enjoy campy humor”
  • “Viewers interested in films with telekinetic themes”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Nudity”
  • “Sexual references”
  • “Drug use (marijuana)”
  • “Suggestive themes”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “While not high art, Zapped! delivers exactly what it promises: a raunchy, low-brow comedy with plenty of 80s cheese. Baio’s performance is surprisingly charismatic, and the supporting cast adds to the overall silliness. If you’re looking for a nostalgic trip back to a simpler (and more sexist) time, this might be up your alley. Just don’t expect any profound insights.
• AllMovie: “Zapped! aims for Porky’s-style humor but falls short due to its weak script and predictable gags. The special effects are dated, and the plot meanders. Crothers provides some comic relief, but even his talent can’t fully salvage this forgettable teen flick. Best viewed as a time capsule of 80s teen comedies.

Audience Reactions

The sheer absurdity of the plot and special effects provides a unique form of entertainment.: Viewers generally agree that Zapped! is a ‘so bad it’s good’ kind of movie, a nostalgic and silly trip back to the 80s.

Scatman Crothers’ performance as the pot-smoking coach is considered a highlight.: Fans appreciate the comedic talent of Crothers and consider his scenes the most memorable parts of the movie.

Overall Consensus: Zapped! is largely considered a guilty pleasure, a cheesy and silly 80s teen comedy that is best enjoyed for its nostalgia factor and over-the-top absurdity.

Awards

1. Golden Raspberry Award (Worst Actor)- 1983
2. Golden Raspberry Award (Worst Musical Score)- 1983

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The movie was originally rated PG, but additional scenes featuring nudity were filmed to secure an R rating, capitalizing on the success of similar raunchy comedies.”
• “The prom scene is a comedic parody of the prom scene in Brian De Palma’s ‘Carrie,’ with the telekinetic chaos played for laughs instead of horror.”
• “A body double was used for Heather Thomas (Jane) in her nude scenes and in the photograph, but the double was not credited in the movie billings.”
• “Several scenes include references to other films, like ‘Taxi Driver’, ‘Carrie’, and ‘The Exorcist,’ adding layers of humor for cinephiles.”

🖥️ How to Watch Zapped!?

As of today, ‘Zapped!’ (1982) is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for potential broadcast options or physical media availability at online retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Zapped!, you might like these similar films:

• Carrie (1976): Thematic similarities in high school revenge, culminating in a chaotic prom scene triggered by telekinetic powers, albeit with a comedic twist.
• Weird Science (1985): Shares the theme of high schoolers using extraordinary means (in this case, science) to overcome social awkwardness and gain popularity.
• Porky’s (1981): Both are raunchy teen comedies from the early 1980s, focusing on the sexual escapades and misadventures of high school students.
• American Pie (1999): A modern equivalent of the raunchy teen comedy, focusing on the embarrassing and humorous experiences of teenagers trying to lose their virginity.

🛒 Zapped! Related Products

• 80s Retro Party Decorations, Neon Party Supplies: Create an authentic 80s vibe with these neon decorations, perfect for a Zapped! themed party. Features vibrant colors and iconic 80s designs.
• Rubik’s Cube: The classic 80s puzzle. This helps promote concentration and helps problem solving. Featured in movies from that era.
• Charles in Charge: The Complete Series: Relive the comedic genius of Scott Baio and Willie Aames in their popular TV series. Includes all seasons and bonus features.
• Telekinesis Power Kit: This kit shows you ways to learn telekinesis. Contains several tools.

🎧 Soundtrack

Zapped! features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Shoot the Moon” – performed by Plain Jane
• “Got To Believe In Magic” – performed by David Pomeranz

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Heather Thomas Didn’t Know She Was in R-Rated Scenes in Zapped!

Ever wonder what it’s like for an actress to find out she was in an R-rated scene without her consent? Heather Thomas reveals her shock and frustration about her experience filming Zapped! – you won’t believe what happened!

✨ Rate