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.
I'm not the least bit surprised
ReplyDeletethat we have a doo-wop beach party movie from E-Howell. I just hope
the beach dancing will be enough to save the old community center... we'll have to watch and find out!
Doo-wop?!?!?!
ReplyDeleteYou have obviously underestimated the hard-core rocktagiousness of this film's music my friend.
Let me illustrate with a quote from the movie:
Michael: It's a little pick-me-up. Keith Richards lives on these.
Frankie: Keith?
Michael: Richards! The Rolling Stones -- trust me.
Looks like we are underway! The Jumpers watched for the first time last night (yes, I said first, they will want to rewatch this gem) and I have been informed that it is on the Morehans' agenda for this weekend.
ReplyDeleteHere are the text messages I received last night from Russ:
7:02 -- Britt and I are starting back to the beach. Or btb as I call it.
7:08 -- Did we get the right movie? The dad is a car dealer?
7:11 -- This movie is truly awful.
7:58 -- Holy fucking shit! Stevie Ray Vaughn!!!! He just saved this movie.
The last message was before the big surf-off. I assume Russ was unable to express his delight adequately in a text message.
I first saw this movie within a few months of meeting Emily. To be honest, on my first viewing, I had my doubts about the cinematic genius of this film, and even more serious doubts about Emily's taste in movies.
ReplyDeleteAfter several dozen viewings, though, I have changed my tune. There are dozens of reasons why I consider this to be one of the greatest beach-movie-nostalgia films of the 80's, but I would like to focus on one: its vision.
"Vision?" you say incredulously... "This film focused exclusively on the past." Ah, but, what about the little dance tune "Jamaican Ska" performed by Annette along with Fishbone. Sure, Fishbone did have some commercial success before this, but the real vision here came from B2B's introduction of ska as a genre to the American scene... several years before No Doubt, Reel Big Fish and others burst on to the scene in the mid-90's.
For better or worse, the seeds of ska were planted by Annette Funicello in B2B, and though she may humbly deny it, Annette was hip to this form of music long before any of the rest of us.