Under the Boardwalk (1988)

Under the Boardwalk (1988). 1h 43m | R

“This story opens 20 years into the u0026quot;futureu0026quot;, where one surfer is regaling another with the tale of Nick (Richard Joseph Paul, u0026quot;Oblivionu0026quot; 1 and 2), an amiable dude who could clearly aspire to a lot, although heu0026#39;s currently content with his lot in life. He catches the eye of Allie (Danielle von Zerneck, u0026quot;My Science Projectu0026quot;), another serious sort who is otherwise tired of dating surfers. The trouble? They belong to different warring factions in the Southern California surfing community, u0026quot;Valsu0026quot; and u0026quot;Lokesu0026quot;. Keith Coogan (u0026quot;Adventures in Babysittingu0026quot;) plays Andy, Alliesu0026#39; sweet natured, naive cousin from the sticks.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eOverall, u0026quot;Under the Boardwalku0026quot; is nothing special, but it entertains in capable enough fashion, thanks to director Fritz Kiersch (u0026quot;Children of the Cornu0026quot; u0026#39;84) and a talented crew including cinematographer Don Burgess (u0026quot;Forrest Gumpu0026quot;). The u0026quot;Romeo and Julietu0026quot; inspired story allows for a fair amount of predictability, yet the movie remains appealing. It gets by thanks to its combination of comedy and drama, and its well chosen cast. The waves, of course, are out of sight, and the surfing sequences are very well executed. The score is by David Kitay (u0026quot;Cluelessu0026quot;), and the soundtrack features an eclectic and catchy assortment of pop and rock, including an appearance by Surf Punks.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe young cast is quite engaging. Also putting in appearances are Roxana Zal (u0026quot;Riveru0026#39;s Edgeu0026quot;), Stuart Fratkin (u0026quot;Teen Wolf Toou0026quot;), Steve Monarque (u0026#39;Friday the 13th: The Seriesu0026#39;), Hunter von Leer (u0026quot;Halloween IIu0026quot; u0026#39;81), Brian Wimmer (u0026#39;China Beachu0026#39;), Christopher Rydell (u0026quot;Traumau0026quot;), Wallace Langham (u0026#39;CSIu0026#39;), Elizabeth Kaitan (u0026quot;Silent Night, Deadly Night 2u0026quot;), Greta Blackburn (u0026quot;Chained Heatu0026quot;), Kurt Fuller (u0026quot;No Holds Barredu0026quot;), and Paul Carr (u0026quot;The Bat Peopleu0026quot;). How nice it is to see the always welcome Dick Miller, in a small role as an official, and what a hoot to see Sonny Bono in a couple of scenes as an u0026quot;ancientu0026quot; surfer. Tracey Walter once again steals every scene heu0026#39;s in, playing a philosophical beach bum who calls to mind his similar role in u0026quot;Repo Manu0026quot;. He even croons u0026quot;Amazing Graceu0026quot; at one point!u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThis probably wouldnu0026#39;t have nearly as much resonance for viewers who arenu0026#39;t part of the culture depicted here (certainly, thereu0026#39;s a ton of So Cal jargon tossed around), yet it does have some charm.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eSeven out of 10.”