Shag
Performance & Direction: Shag Review
Last updated: February 16, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Shag (1989) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.1/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Shag features a noteworthy lineup led by Phoebe Cates . Supported by the likes of Scott Coffey and Bridget Fonda , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Shag
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1989, Shag is a Comedy, Drama, Romance film directed by Zelda Barron. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Phoebe Cates.
Ending Explained: Shag
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Zelda Barron, Shag concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Phoebe Cates, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Shag reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Shag?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Phoebe Cates or the director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
Top Cast: Shag
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Shag Parents Guide & Age Rating
1989 AdvisoryWondering about Shag age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Shag is 98 minutes (1h 38m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.1/10, and global performance metrics, Shag is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1989 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shag worth watching?
Shag is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 6.1/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Shag parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Shag identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Shag?
The total duration of Shag is 98 minutes, which is approximately 1h 38m long.
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How Shag Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Shag
Youths having fun at Myrtle Beach in 1963 RELEASED IN 1989 and directed by Zelda Barron, "Shag” is a teen drama about four girls freshly graduated from high school taking a vacation weekend at Myrtle Beach in 1963. There’s the senator’s daughter, Luanne (Page Hannah); the engaged or encaged Carson (Phoebe Cates); the wannabe Hollywood starlet Malaina (Bridget Fonda); and the thinks-she’s-still-fat-but-she’s-not Pudge (Annabeth Gish). The movie plays like a melding of “American Graffiti” (1973), “Dirty Dancing” (1987) and “Mystic Pizza” (1988). It’s far superior to the overrated “American Graffiti” and lacks the idiot subplot of “Dirty Dancing” (see my reviews of both for details). The script thrusts the four girls into the weekend festivities at Myrtle Beach as quickly as possible wherein the story splits into several vignettes that intertwine. The weekend highpoints include: A beauty contest on the beach, a wild house party at the senator’s vacation home (unbeknownst to him, of course) and a shag dance contest. Thematically, the flick tries to advocate the wise middle ground between life-stifling legalism and foolish libertinism. Some have called this a “chick flick” and I can see why since the focus is on the four girls, but there’s just as much here for dudes to relate. For instance, there are several voluptuous cuties on display, both in the main cast and in the periphery. Kudos to the director for his excellent eye for women. Bridget Fonda is particularly showcased in all her glory with her white bikini scenes being a highlight. She was 23 when the film was shot in 1987. There are also several prominent guys in the cast: Harley (Tyrone Power Jr.), Buzz (Robert Rusler), Chip (Scott Coffey), Jimmy Valentine (Jeff Yagher) and, to a lesser extent, the manager (Paul Lieber) and Big Bob (Jay Baker). Lastly, the movie features a great period soundtrack with excellent cuts like “Stay” by The Voltage Brothers, performed (lip-synced) at The Pavilion. THE FILM RUNS 1 hour, 38 minutes and was shot entirely in South Carolina (Georgetown, Myrtle Beach & Florence). WRITERS: Lanier Laney, Terry Sweeney & Robin Swicord. GRADE: B+
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