Sunday, February 1, 2009

Awesomely Awful February Flick: Back to the Beach

Here it is gang, the highly-anticipated inaugural pick in our awesomely awful movie experiment. Hang on to your board shorts for 1987's Back to the Beach.

This movie has it all, including several cameos by major B-list stars, a spectacular wipe out montage, more day-glo spandex than you can handle, and musical numbers so cheesy you will need a bag of Tostitos.

Don't get me wrong -- it is awful, awesomely awful. From the first moment when we meet our troubled pre-teen hero (who in classic 80's style narrates directly to the camera), you will be thinking "oh good lord -- this movie is unwatchable." But just when you are about to lose all hope, OJ Simpson shows up with a pig-skin suitcase.

This pattern continues for the duration of the movie (spaces of less-interesting, but necessary storyline propelling scenes peppered with moments of brilliantness), culminating in the big surf off - the best part of the movie. Seriously, after seeing the cutting-edge surfing special effects, you will cry -- tears of joy. Hold out for it and the Humunga Cowabunga From Down Unda will not disappoint!

I will spare you guys a detailed plot summary. Just watch the trailer, available on Amazon.com video on demand. (And, yes, that is Wolfman Jack doing the voiceover.) I am also purposely leaving out a list of cameos, it will be more fun to discover them yourselves.

In conclusion, I gave this pick a lot of thought. I am confident that I have selected a cinematic masterpiece that embodies the spirit of what we are striving for here. So let me just go ahead and say this in advance, you're welcome.

Enjoy.