Troop Beverly Hills (1989) User Reviews (48)

The Girl Scouts...Beverly Hills style.

[vertigo_14 · 6/10 · 14 April 2004]

Troop Beverly Hills is a funny movie for pre-teen girls. Goofy Shelly Long plays eccentric Beverly Hills mom, Phyllis Nefler, who decides to get involved with her daughter's life and prove that she can do things for herself (sort of), so she becomes troop leader of her daughter's Wilderness Girl's squad.

This proves to be an embarrassing experience for the young girls, seeking some much needed leadership from their mother who can't seem to gain independence from the luxuries of her Beverly Hills lifestyle. But, once the pack is forced to compete with an aggressive, survival squad of hard core rival troopers, Phyllis and her team, tired of being a laughing stock (and also because Phyllis wants to gain her daughter's confidence and respect) are going to prove that they're not just a bunch of whiny rich girls from Beverly Hills.

80s fans will probably recognize many of the young troopers (from Jenny Lewis to Kelli Martin to Tori Spelling), and I'm sure pre-teen girls are sure to like the movie for it's silly story, young female cast, and the goofy antics of Shelly Long. It's a hilarious little movie with a good message for kids about the importance of female independence (Phyllis doesn't want her husband to think she can't fend for herself without a man's guidance) as well as individual confidence. It's bona fide family fun.

Hollywoodland Adventure!

[robinpoe · 7/10 · 5 July 2005]

Family fare for an entertaining evening at home. The problem of divorce is posed in this film without detracting from the value of marriage. Shelley Long portrays a bored Beverly Hills wife whose husband is leaving her for another woman. Deciding to make something of her life she volunteers to be the leader for her daughter's "wilderness girls" troop (I guess they couldn't get the rights to girl scouts). Shelley Long is a hoot as she tries to make it through a camp-out without getting her nails ruined. Both her and her troop of pampered Beverly Hills princesses learn valuable lessons in character, courage, and friendship with a super happy ending (no spoiler). Great mother-daughter movie.

Shelley Long is Underrated!

[Sylviastel · 7/10 · 19 February 2007]

Some actresses are truly under-rated and under-appreciated and Shelley Long is one of them. She is truly a gifted comedic actress who can make you cry at one moment and make you laugh in the next. She didn't leave Cheers because she wanted a film career. She wanted to have a normal family life. Rather she was subjected to be treated like a leper on the set of Cheers. Anyway, I always hoped the best for Shelley. I still think she is one of the best talents out there today but in Hollywood, youth sells and women over 50 or 60 might as well be a hundred years old. Anyway the casting in this film is first rate with Shelley Long and Craig T. Nelson are the divorcing parents. Stephanie Beacham is always a pleasure to watch as one of her friends. Betty Thomas is delicious as the evil foe who tries to outsmart Beverly Hills Troop. Mary Gross is sweet as the unlikely ally in both parties. Audra Lindley is always a treat as well.

adorable!

[Denny · 27 June 1999]

A stereotypical portrayal of a Beverly Hills "Wilderness Girls" troup of pre-adolescent girls and their flighty but maternal leader, Phyllis Neffler, played by Shelley Long. Phyllis is going through a "terribly messy divorce" to her husband Fred the Muffler Man and decides on a whim to take over her daughter, Hannah's troup. The group encounters many problems that spawn from the jealousy of Velda Plender, the organization's leader who resents the rather "untraditional" ways of the Beverly Hills troup. All of these hilarious incidents lead up to the Wilderness jambouree where... oh see for yourself! Although not particularly deep, this movie is sentimental, hilarious, and adorable all rolled into one. The antics of the sheltered Beverly Hills troup are guaranteed to make you laugh. This movie is definitely a must see!

Fine family fare

[Eyeswander-2 · 7/10 · 23 December 1999]

Not a side-splitting hilarious romp, but Shelley Long gives it her all and is quite funny (besides being so CUTE!!) The story involves a self indulged Long who becomes the leader of a dead end Girl Scouts for Beverly Hills. Will she turn this group of misfits around?? The tension doesn't mount but the laughs do-and of course, you can see the predictable ending coming a mile away.

Oh, you know... the usual

[Smells_Like_Cheese · 5/10 · 22 July 2004]

Girl power! Phillis is a single mother raising her daughter is in girl scouts. She lives the basic up keep style of Beverly Hills. But when the scouts need more mothers to be leaders, she steps up to the plates. She now has to learn the rules of the out doors. But being the mall addicted mother she is, she teaches the girls the rules of Beverly Hills instead of what they should know. And of course there always is a mother who disagrees. She must destroy the troops instead of being a good example.

The movie is alright. Don't get me wrong, it's not bad. It has a few laughs. But this is nothing special.

5/10

Cute

[Calicodreamin · 7/10 · 26 July 2021]

A cute fluff movie that indulges all of our wishes to be Beverly Hills debutants while actually portraying a strong message. The tone is light and the storyline is unique. The characters are well cast and have great chemistry, especially the kids, they're awesome. Long is the perfect troop leader and delivers the humor throughout.

Shelley Long wanted a movie career and this is how it turned out

[policy134 · 4/10 · 28 January 2006]

There are really not any words that can properly describe Troop Beverly Hills, except maybe "average", "not great" or perhaps to be more offensive "bomb". Bomb is a little unfair because the movie is really no worse than a lot of mainstream 80's movies that somehow got more popular than this one.

I first saw this when it was just put out on video in Denmark and at the same time the show "Cheers" was still on the air both here and of course in the U.S. We also became aware of Shelley Long's reputation here in DK because of the increasing popularity of tabloid magazines and TV. Long was embarrassed about being typed as a mere TV actress but to leave a hit show like Cheers to do this - well, the whole event speaks for itself.

But just for laughs, let's try to describe the actual movie. Long is actually pretty good but it's a shame that what she is doing was basically the same thing done by Goldie Hawn in Private Benjamin, (there even was a time when I couldn't remember if they were actually one person - don't let that get out - oh, crap it's out now) that means playing a spoiled snob who transforms herself into a caring person. However, Hawn's turn was superior because of one thing, her Benjamin character was really quite unsympathetic in the beginning of "Benjamin". In Troop Beverly Hills we get a lengthy explanation of how Long got the way she is by having her and the husband (played by Craig T. Nelson) argue about it. That was a fatal mistake because Long's character is made out to be more of a victim than simply a snob right from the beginning and it makes her transformation so much more contrived for a lack of a better word. Sorry to get so upset by this. I know you are not supposed to take this so serious but it just annoys me.

Like many comediennes, Long also longs (sorry again) to be taken seriously and therefore there are many sappy scenes between her and her daughter and also other characters that are supposed to be high drama but really just makes you wanna click the off-switch. In the end there isn't really much to either upset you or to get you laughing in this movie. Betty Thomas of Hill Street Blues was born to play the role of the head Wilderness Girl but she is not given a lot to work with. Her role is purely one-dimensional. Mary Gross is also here but she plays the ditz once more and therefore it's not really her day in the sun either.

To say that this is the best film ever gross exaggeration and Long's film career pretty much stagnated until the name "Brady" creeped up. Thank god that she didn't try to make another buddy movie with Bette Midler because that was ten times more creepy than seeing this.

forget the critics; this is a fine family film

[michael_lionel · 10/10 · 16 February 2001]

For those who have forgotten their childhood (and if you want some examples, the film critics serve nicely), this movie is inane and not worth the price of a video rental. For those who *do* remember their childhood -- with its mishmash of heartbreak and joy but never-failing optimism -- then this film is for you and your kids. Its *target* audience (are you listening, critics?) is well served by this comedy, which along with its many laughs gives young people serious lessons in the meaning of loyalty and friendship, the sacrifices we're sometimes called upon to make for those we love, and the need for redemption. Sounds a little too heavy for a comedy? Well, not really. It's all packaged into a frothy romp that makes the lessons go down like a spoonful of sugar, to paraphrase a famous lyric. So what if it's not Noel Coward? It's a light-hearted adventure through the roller-coaster ride of childhood which will delight any youngster, including those of us who still remember those days.

Troop Beverly Hills What a Thrill!

[PredragReviews · 7/10 · 27 December 2016]

"Troop Beverly Hills" is a the story of a Beverly Hills homemaker (who's going through a divorce) that attempts to lead her daughter's wilderness girl troop. Phyllis Nefler (played by "Cheers" star Shelley Long) leads this group of spoiled Beverly Hills princesses. Along their journey, they learn how to be "real wilderness girls" in a non conventional way while fighting the evils of Vesta Plendor (played by the very funny Betty Thomas.) Vesta will stop at nothing to prove Phyllis and her troop are nothing more than a group of pampered Beverly Hills brats. While the survivalist's troop is out skinning skunks and felling trees, the Beverly Hills girls are being taught to appraise diamonds and where to get the best facials by their troop leader, Shelly Long. This battle between the 2 troop leaders is absolutely hysterical with Shelly appearing to be an airhead, who seems to best the survivalist troop leader at every turn.

The movie wasn't bad. I laughed at Shelly Long and didn't realize Craig T Nelson was in it. You will also see a young Tori Spelling in one of her best acting rolls to date. It's an '80's movie with all the color and style of that decade. The story remains the same for any generation. Kids just want to have fun - and want their parents to be proud of them. This tale underscores the need for communication, self esteem and understanding of different perspectives. How does a poor kid survive in the jungle of Beverly Hills when she seems/is/acts more mature than her parents? Quite well actually. Most fun segment is "Cookie Time." Best character interaction: Anything between Betty Thomas and Shelly Long.

Overall rating: 7 out of 10.

"My therapist would say you are definitely blocking reality!"

[moonspinner55 · 3/10 · 23 September 2017]

The wealthy wife of a Beverly Hills business owner, accused by her soon-to-be-ex spouse of never finishing anything she's ever started, applies to be the city-chapter's troop leader of the Wilderness Girls, a dwindling group of which her pre-teen daughter is a member. The pampered rich kids (daughters of various celebrities, an unemployed actor, and at least one dictator) are either in therapy or full of attitude...but with a dismissal order handed down by their outraged commander-in-chief, the troop must work together (in their own colorful way) to bring a good name to Beverly Hills. Unfunny family comedy, written by Pamela Norris and Margaret Grieco Oberman from a story by Ava Ostern Fries, has a fetish for designer labels and its own Theadora Van Runkle costumes. While the first-half of the picture (littered with unnecessary cameos, including Pee-wee Herman on the television) is an almost total washout, the movie does improve in its third act when the troops compete at an outdoor jamboree for trophies (sadly, there's no irony apparent here). Shelley Long dithers and cute-walks her way through the lead; Long was slowly losing her comedic niche about this time, having left her TV hit "Cheers" for the movies. Unable to find material that stretched her proved sitcom persona, Long plays right into that familiar harried-but-hopeful routine without hesitation--the sure sign of an actress desperate for approval (she gets it here on-screen whenever her suddenly-loyal teammates laugh at her 'wise' retorts). As Long's nemesis, Betty Thomas goes all-out with a one-note role--and, indeed, the drill sergeant bit is a wheeze--however, Thomas' brighter moments at least derive from characterization, not from shtick. Unsuccessful in theaters, the film picked up a fan-base from cable and home video. *1/2 from ****

No grit and grime.Just glamour and glitz for Troop Beverly Hills!

[BettieTeese · 9/10 · 12 March 2005]

If only all girls scouts were as fun as Troop Beverly Hills! The film about a down and out divorced house wife with a passion for fashion becoming a girl's scout leader is both hilarious,exciting and thoroughly entertaining.Comedic actress Shelley Long shines as Phyllis Nefler,the woman who dares to make alterations to her daughter's scout uniform,and modify the location of their bushland camping trips to the Beverly Hills Hotel! Phyllis rejects traditional scout activities such as bush walking for manicures and pedicures,preferring her troops to live in the lap of luxury.Needless to say,the girls adore her,the leaders of the other scout groups despise her,and this is all makes the delightful,hilarious and wacky comedy that is Troop Beverly Hills!

Obsessed with it.

[ambitiousbennyboy · 7/10 · 23 August 2021]

Loved it when I was a kid, had it on VHS. Great family film. Funny and a classic.

needs more with the girls and less Shelley Long

[SnoopyStyle · 5/10 · 10 December 2017]

The Wilderness Girls of America is considering closing the Beverly Hills chapter with only 8 active members. Rich wife Phyllis (Shelley Long) is the new troop leader for the sake of her daughter Hannah (Jenny Lewis) and furthest from a wilderness girl. She is about to divorce husband Freddy Nefler (Craig T. Nelson). The girls are from different backgrounds. Phyllis runs afoul of militaristic troop leader Velda Plendor (Betty Thomas) who sends in assistant Annie Herman (Mary Gross) to infiltrate them.

The premise is silly but it could still work as a kids movie. In fact, that's where it falters. It concentrates too much on Shelley Long when it should spend the time with the girls. The best moment is making a birthday party for one of the girls. The movie needs more of those moments and time together for the girls. This really needed to be a true kids movie but the studio made it a Shelley Long vehicle. There are some fascinating stars when they were small girls. Tori Spelling is one of the villains and I'm surprised to see a young Carla Gugino. The story is pretty standard in this family fare. Some of it is enjoyable but it could have been much better.

Brings back great memories

[Monika-5 · 4 March 2000]

Sure, Troop Beverly Hills is cheesy, tacky, and often brainless. Who cares!? I was a Girl Scout for 5 years, and my troop would often watch this movie. Too bad we didn't come with ideas as ingenius as theirs to sell cookies!

Shelley Long is deliriously shallow but good-hearted as the mom who takes over the troop, so she can spend more time with her daughter, and Craig T. Nelson is good as her estranged husband. Betty Thomas is still probably embarrassed about being in this movie.

Great 80s fun!

Enjoyable goofy comedy

[Dougmd1974 · 7/10 · 5 June 2022]

Decent effort at comedy from Shelley. She plays the role of self-centered rich b*itch quite well, buy somehow her transition to wilderness den mother still feels like it was still all about her character. Casting of the young girls felt appropriate; many of these actresses went on to appear in a lot of other things. Cameos were fun, and veteran actors did an adequate job of pulling everything together and making it all work in the end. Light-hearted fun for the family that's worth watching even today.

Unbelievably horrible.

[robert-259-28954 · 1/10 · 8 September 2013]

Rule Number One: NEVER go to a movie with the phrase "Beverly Hills" in it. Particularly if movies with unbelievably droll, stupid, overused, and ridiculous story lines and dialogue don't appeal to you. Let's start with the cast of characters. Poor, poor Shelley Long. Evidently her residuals from "Cheers" have run out long ago. I'd have preferred that she joined Lindsay Lohan at the local rehab than work on this turkey. And what about that phony, red fright wig? A little homage to "Private Benjamin," eh? But as much as it worked for the clearly superior Goldie Hawn, alas, all it succeeded at was making me long for Goldie. As for the rest of the cast—the little girls—what can I say? When will Hollywood ever grow tired of the tired, old Hollywood cliché? One pretty girl, one poor girl, one Latina girl, one black girl, what, no Asian girl?, and the de riguer nerdy girl with the round glasses and creepy disposition (it's called "comic relief," I believe). If you took "Ugly Betty," "Pretty Woman," "The Addams Family," and "Sister Act," and put them all together, you STILL wouldn't have anything but an empty, boring piece of cinematic garbage not worthy of anyone's attention. And speaking of "attention," if you have insomnia, just pick up a copy of this film and put it on. In fifteen minutes, you'll be sound asleep. Trust me. Addendum: Okay, there was one decent line in this entire mess. It was when Shelley was dancing with the dictator of a foreign county. She sez: "So, what do they call you? "Dictator" or just, "Dick"? Okay, I said it.

A boring waste of time.

[masoncheek · 1/10 · 19 July 2020]

My mother forced me to watch this atrocity. Boring dumb and annoying. 1/10

'Troop Beverly Hills' still holds up today and has a lot of heart.

[bryank-04844 · 8/10 · 11 August 2015]

I grew up watching 'Troop Beverly Hills', and even though I wasn't in the Girl Scouts or even a teenage girl, I still fell in love with story and characters in this extremely charming movie. Generally, the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Cub Scouts of America try and teach kids of all ages to make new friends, build relationships, and achieve new skills that will help them have a better and easier time in life. It's not all about the fundraising and parties, which is why 'Troop Beverly Hills' still holds up today and has a lot of heart.

This 1989 film showed us that a group of very privileged and wealthy young girls who have never had to work a day in their lives and who spend most of their time shopping for the newest outfit at the mall, come together and learn the true values and ethics of life, like loyalty, friendship, and helping others. In fact, 'Troop Beverly Hills' was based on a true story. I bet you didn't know that.

Producer and co-writer Ava Ostern Fries had led a Girl Scout troop in Beverly Hills and was the inspiration for this film, which had a gold-digging, unappreciative wife named Phyllis Nefler (Shelley Long), who took up being a Wilderness Girl Scout leader for a troop in Beverly Hills, where she too had to overcome roughing it in the wilderness and help shape these young minds, while dealing with a hard-nosed, angry, and bitter co-leader. With this 'fish-out-of-water' storyline, the laughs and charm come in full.

Phyllis Nefler (Long) is on the verge of divorce from her wealthy and successful husband Freddy (Craig T. Nelson) and their daughter Hannah (Jenny Lewis) is caught in the middle of it. Phyllis can only do one thing, which is shop with her husband's money, but she flips the table and proves that she can lead a troop of young teenage girls to learn and enjoy the more normal things in life, such as things without caviar and a $10,000 price tag. From selling cookies, planning local events, camping, and attending to annual wilderness hike, there is nothing that Phyllis and her Beverly Hills troop can't do.

Director Jeff Kanew ('Revenge of the Nerds') doesn't change the game as far as new comedic stylings or adventure, but he does take a genuine approach with each character, giving every girl their own unique moment to shine. Shelley Long is perfect in this role as the money-grubbing wife who learns to be a better person to herself and to her daughter, while keeping things light-hearted and very humorous. And Betty Thomas as the evil Velda delivers each jab and put down with such comedic ferocity, that you can't help but laugh and hate her all at the same time.

Even though 'Troop Beverly Hills' might be a tiny bit outdated with all the new technology that is out today, but with it's timeless charm, amazing characters, and great life-lessons, this film is surely to stick around for another thirty years.

Troop Beverly Hills

[studioAT · 2/10 · 11 May 2021]

Shelley Long plays her normal sort of role in this cult classic film, that has its moments, but ultimately is fairly forgettable.

Silliness Galore

[mgmphilip · 9/10 · 16 November 2000]

Pure Silliness makes this one a classic. I loved it as a child and continue to watch it as I grow up I recommend this picture to anyone who enjoys a silly good time. Oh and they have to be able to stand Shelly Long, which I've noticed some people can't. Oh well their loss. Beverly Hills What A Thrill!!

Troop Beverly Hills

[oOoBarracuda · 5/10 · 30 May 2016]

Some movies are just fun or try to be anyway. There was no big statement attempting to be made with Jeff Kanew's 1989 film Troop Beverly Hills, and that's OK. Sometimes there doesn't need to be a powerful message driving a film into the hearts of audiences; occasionally, a lighthearted fun film will do that all on its own. Shelley Long and Craig T. Nelson join as a separated married couple attempting to overcome their own problems while Long goes out on a limb leaving high society life to mentor her daughter's wilderness girls group. Although the message is quiet, subtle, and a bit cliché, it rings out that true love conquers all, even a weekend without a credit card.

Phyllis Nefler (Shelley Long) reeling from a broken heart due to the impending divorce with her husband Freddy (Craig T. Nelson) decides to be a troop leader for her daughter's wilderness girls Troop Beverly Hills. The Beverly Hills troop is oft-mocked for their glamorous tastes and apprehensions with the outdoors. The troop is made up of daughters of lawyers, actors, and self-absorbed travelers. Phyllis is able to be there for the girls who would otherwise be neglected, and the girls are there for Phyllis who would otherwise be moping about feeling sorry for herself all through her divorce. The comradery built between the girls and Phyllis allow them to band together and overcome the overbearing district leader Velda Plendor (Betty Thomas). The militant Velda believes Troop Beverly Hills should be disbanded in favor of the rough and tumble wilderness girls which make up the rest of the troops. When Velda sends her troop to sabotage Troop Beverly Hills, it is up to the Beverly Hills girls to prove they belong and to prove what true wilderness girls are.

Troop Beverly Hills is a quintessential cliché-ridden 1980's film. I had already mostly checked out of this film, but it completely lost me when, in an especially depressed state, Phyllis started binging on bottled water. It was Evian, of course, because clearly they made money off this picture, as the brand was displayed prominently throughout the film. The story of a self-centered mother who finally put her daughter first, was nothing special, especially among the sea of other clichéd Beverly Hills parents who equally neglected their children. The mother/daughter relationship was underdeveloped and unmemorable. You won't miss out by ignoring this movie.

I love it! I love it! I love it!

[stephanie_joy84 · 26 May 2002]

I haven't seen this film in at least five years. It was a childhood favourite and my brother and I absolutely adored it. I guess I am slightly afraid that if i rent it again, it could not possibly live up to my memories of it. Shelly Long is hilarious...and totally perfect as Phyllis Nefler. I just think every aspect of the film is so funny...their daughter(Jenny Lewis of The Wizard- another late 80's/early 90's gem) having her own high beam for gymnastics being one of them. The wickedness of Velma Plendor fits perfectly...as does her final sequence, one of my favourite parts, the K-mart scene. Pure fun! Just thinking about this movie makes me want to see it again so I can remember all those classic moments. If you've never seen it, find a video store quickly and rectify your error!!!

Predictable, yet fun (some spoliers ahead)

[labyrinth640 · 10/10 · 10 July 2003]

Ok, so the plot's quite predictable, so what? I was still able to watch it and fully enjoy it. The story is about a lady from Beverly Hills whom decides to take over her daughter's girl scout troop. Some of the lines were absoultley priceless, the acting wasn't top notch, however, Carla Gugino pulls off her scenes really well, especially when her parents forgot her birthday. Sure, the plot was not new, yet, there was something refreshing that I got out of it. This movie made me laugh until I cried, I really enjoyed it. Another cool scene was when the troop was singing cookietime, I was rolling on the floor with laughter. This is, all in all, a family film, and it's in my opinion a classic, a gem of a movie. ********** stars and two thumbs way up, don't pass up an opportunity to see this movie!

hilarious Beverly Hills house wife proves that you don't have to have bad hair, no makeup or discount clothes to be a true wilderness girl...

[aquajock06 · 10/10 · 17 August 2005]

this movie is for anyone who can laugh at their own ridiculousness and still look utterly fabulous doing it. Shelley long is uproarious and reminds us all of what we loved about the 80's...EXCESS!! big hair, big fashion, big money and big fun! i know i wish i had Mrs. Phylis Neffler for my mom. she has the ability to make you laugh till your gut hurts and still let you know that she cares and would do anything for you..even camp with dirt and bugs and rain. many people who have never had money cant appreciate a lot of the comedy because they have never experienced what its like to have nothing to do all day but shop. and some may be offended because they believe that Beverly hills kids really do act as such, but living not too far from Beverly Hills makes it all the more hilarious. this movie is a classic and anyone who says otherwise doesn't have much of a sense of humor..probably a bad childhood or something...whatever...GO TROOP BEVERLY HILLS!