Corvette Summer (1978)

"I don't wanna hear any jokes about my car." - Kenny

A young man spends the summer in Las Vegas, trying to find his stolen corvette.
Starring: Mark Hamill, Annie Potts, Eugene Roche, Kim Milford

Link to IMDB

Kenny Dantley is just finishing high school, busy restoring a corvette he rescued from the scrapyard as the final project of auto-shop class. Despite it being a group project under the guidance of his teacher and mentor, Mr. McGrath, Kenny loves the car like it was his own and puts all his passion into the restoration. His hard work pays off, because the car becomes a turbo-charged masterpiece when he's done with it.

Unfortunately, on their first night of celebratory joyrides, the car gets stolen! The police think the corvette has likely been chopped-up and sold, but Kenny's determined to find it himself. He gets a tip that his car was spotted in Las Vegas, so with just a pocketful of dollars he starts hitchhiking his way across the desert. Kenny gets a ride from the saucy Vanessa, a hooker in training (her words, not mine.) Neither of them realize how rough the streets of Vegas will be, and after a string of bad luck they decide to stick together, living in Vanessa's van.



It's clear to see these two goofballs are probably going to spark some romance, and the chemistry they have is both hilarious and genuine.
Kenny spots the corvette a few times on the busy streets but it always eludes him, so he and Vanessa get daytime jobs where they can keep their eyes open for the car. When Kenny finally follows the car to the garage of some thieves, he discovers much more than he expected, and even Mr. McGrath has to come sort things out.

The movie soon takes a change here I won't spoil, but Kenny's life is turned upside down when he is faced with the truth and scope of the situation. There's more going on with his car than expected, and Kenny's forced to make the hardest decision of his life.
Can his obsession for the corvette be forgotten, or will it his be his undoing? Will he follow his dreams or will he become his own greatest enemy?

"Why don't you write a letter to the car? Dear car, I miss you so much..." - Vanessa

Corvette Summer is a fun adventure about growing up and chasing your dreams, but also tinged bittersweet with the loss of innocence in a world that can be so cruel. Hamill's not especially known for his acting skills, but he's great here! Kenny and Vanessa are both likable characters, with humour and layers that make them feel real. It's a good story that is smart enough to know when to have fun and when to keep it serious, and even has some high-speed chase scenes for the cars to been shown in action.

The corvette

Be sure not to miss:
- The kiss from his mom was weird.
- It seems like we can't go a month without a cameo from Brion James. And there's Dick Miller, too!
- Tico makes Kenny ride in the trunk when he's all dirty.
- The same director as The Legend of Billie Jean.

Internet review:
"This gloriously addictive curio keeps on rolling." - Gill

Should I watch it?
Recommended!

Where can I find it?
I used the vidzi link here.

Corvette Summer gets...