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Mark Hamill (Star Wars) and Annie Potts (Ghostbusters) star in this tepid comedy-romance about a car-obsessed Los Angeles high school senior (Hamill) who travels to Las Vegas to reclaim his auto club’s stolen, restored Corvette. He’s aided by a forthright, aspiring hooker (Potts) who aids him in his search and lets him spend the nights in her tricked-out van. Things come to a head when Hamill is pressured to give up the quest after making a dark discovery about the identity of the car thief.
Corvette Summer‘s PG rating keeps it from ever getting raunchy or lewd, which is a shame since it’s about two young people making an adventurous go at life in the City of Sin. Neither the comedy nor a smattering of chase sequences are memorable, though it is fun to see Las Vegas circa 1977 showcased throughout the movie. Hamill and Potts are commendable in their efforts to bring these characters to life, but the film doesn’t give either of them enough depth or development. If anything, Hamill’s obsession with the Corvette quickly becomes annoying. The best scenes (by far) are the few quiet, intimate ones between the two stars — especially when Potts asks Hamill to her van-bed, but he’s too much of a shy virgin to oblige.
Feature film directorial debut of Matthew Robbins (Dragonslayer, Batteries Not Included). With Eugene Roche, Kim Milford, Danny Bonaduce, Brion James, and Dick Miller.