Revenge of the Nerds IV: Nerds in Love (1994)

Booger's getting married! However, the in-laws are none too happy about their acquisition. At this point, there is no revenge left. The nerds have won.

What's startling about watching these so-called "raunchy" movies all these years later is how tame they actually turned out to be compared to modern times. Somehow, this series does a complete 180 and comes out sweet and wholesome on the other side; from a movie about underdogs to the nerds eventually coming out on top. There's nowhere else for it to go but down.

Carradine and Armstrong are the gatekeepers of this franchise, and honestly any points this film gets is credited towards their incredible chemistry and commitment to the bit. When these films are over, you tend to miss them.

1½ nouveau riche out of 5

Note: When this first aired on TV in 1994, the gimmick was that it was in 3-D. You could use one of those old red-and-blue glasses in order to view it in "Nerd-O-Vision." Watching it 30 years later no longer has that same novelty.

Revenge of the Nerds III: The Next Generation (1992)

Wow, this feels like a far cry from the original. It's got that cheap made-for-TV feeling all over it. A few of the stars return, so it's not totally disconnected from the franchise, even though it's heavily watered down from the first two.

Lewis (Robert Carradine) has now become a rich yuppie asshole with a hot wife. His nerdy nephew and friend are the latest pledges to Lambda Lambda Lambda, which has now become one of the most popular frats on campus. Meanwhile the jocks are now the ones who are out for revenge, in order to get back on top. On paper, this all sounds good, but the execution is lacking. 

1½ stifled nerd laughs out of 5

Note: This was intended as a "backdoor" pilot to a TV series, but it fell through.

Revenge of the Nerds (1984)

After being forced out of their fraternity, the nerds, losers and other rejects of society quietly plot their revenge against the Alpha Beta jocks who seek to oppress them. This is pure '80s cheese and I love it. Politically incorrect to the max, and with a rockin' soundtrack, it's a true product of its time. It doesn't hold back and lives up to its name. In recent years, people have found plenty to be offended by in this movie, and all I'll say is...that's the damn point. Get over yourselves. Back in the day, this was considered our "representation." It's not meant to be taken seriously or out of context; it's an extremely unrealistic fantasy and meant to be an escape from the harsh realities of life. It's silly and doesn't take itself seriously. You shouldn't either. Let the nerds have their day.

3 panty raids out of 5