The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes (1995 film)

The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes is a 1995 American made-for-television science fiction comedy film directed by Peyton Reed (in his feature directorial debut) and written by Joseph L. McEveety and Ryan Rowe. The film is a remake of the 1969 film of the same name. It premiered on ABC as an ABC Family Movie on February 18, 1995. It is the second in a series of four remakes of Disney live-action films produced for broadcast on the network during the 1994–95 television season, the other three being The Shaggy Dog, Escape to Witch Mountain, and Freaky Friday.[1]

The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes
Official advertisement poster
Genre
Based onThe Computer Wore Tennis Shoes
by Joseph L. McEveety
Written by
  • Joseph L. McEveety
  • Ryan Rowe
Directed byPeyton Reed
StarringKirk Cameron
Music byPhilip Giffin
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
Production
Executive producers
ProducerJoseph B. Wallenstein
CinematographyRuss Alsobrook
EditorJeff Gourson
Running time87 minutes
Production companies
Release
Original networkABC
Original release
  • February 18, 1995 (1995-02-18)

The film stars Kirk Cameron in the lead role of Dexter Riley, a boy who becomes an instant genius, with encyclopedic knowledge. The film also co-stars Larry Miller and Dean Jones plays the role of an evil dean from a competing school.[2]

Plot

Dexter, a once lazy and underachieving student at Medfield College, becomes an instant genius when a freak computer lab accident transfers an entire online encyclopedia to his brain. He uses his newfound intellect to ace a physics midterm in under ten minutes. The dean of Medfield College wishes to capitalize on Dexter’s superb intelligence by placing him on the school's quiz bowl team and allowing him to recruit his friends as teammates.[3]

Medfield College wins several quiz bowls matches with Dexter exclusively answering every question. He receives national recognition and generates positive publicity for Medfield College. Dexter's success also has a negative impact. His friends believe he is becoming too conceited and contemplate leaving the quiz bowl team. Norwood Gill, a child prodigy and computer hacker from a rival school, develops an obsession with Dexter, and probes into his background. Government agents also investigate Dexter as a potential computer hacker known as "Viper".[3]

Norwood ultimately uncovers the origin of Dexter's intellect. He exposes the information during a quiz bowl broadcast, but the revelation is largely dismissed by the audience. As Norwood prepares to compete against Dexter in the quiz bowl championship, he infects him with a computer virus that negates his encyclopedic knowledge. The virus takes full-effect midway through the championship, forcing Dexter to rely on his teammates for support. Medfield College ultimately wins the championship and celebrates. Norwood is apprehended by government agents for committing several cybercrimes.[3]

Cast

Cast as listed in end credits
  • Christin Hinojosa as Penelope
  • Eric Schaeffer as Rich Prentiss
  • Jeff Garlin as Agent Reese
  • Eddie Deezen as Agent Tucker
  • Norris Young as Rathouser #7
  • John Wesley as Dr. Freeman
  • Sean Gavigan as Prof. Knowlton
  • Janet Rotblatt as Prof. Goldstein
  • Adrian Ricard as Mrs. Weaver
  • Joe Minjares as Brazilian
  • Iqbal Theba as Sri Lankan
  • Darshanie Bruite as Princess Ahmiri
  • John Petlock as Maitre'D
  • Paul Barselou as Regent Mears
  • Frank Bausmith as Gent
  • Renee Ridgeley as Mother
  • Josh Wolford as Boy
  • Lelia Goldoni as Hale Club Woman
  • Jeffrey Lampert as Stage Manager
  • Peyton Reed as Policeman
Uncredited

Reception

Variety gave the film a moderately positive review, calling it an "utterly silly yarn" that "lacks the zaniness of the original", and complimented Larry Miller's performance.[3] People gave it a B+ rating and called it a "fun, facile remake" with a good cast.[4]

References
  1. Barbara De Witt, "For New Role, Cameron Puts Shoes On", Los Angeles Daily News, February 7, 1995.
  2. Susan King, "Retro: Mr. Jones: No Longer Mr. Nice Guy", Los Angeles Times, February 12, 1995.
  3. McCarthy, John (February 15, 1995). "The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes". Variety. Retrieved July 15, 2023.
  4. David Hiltbrand, "Picks and Pans Review: The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes", People, February 20, 1995.
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