Is Under the Boardwalk Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1989)

📖 The Core Premise

Under the Boardwalk returns to the screen in 1989, bringing a fresh narrative to the Comedy, Romance genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "It is the final weekend of summer and a group of Californian teenagers are looking forward to an upcoming surf contest. Rival gangs the 'Vals' and the 'Lowks' are confident that they will take home the trophy, but things become complicated when Reef Yorpin - leader of the Lawks - discovers his sister Allie has fallen in love with 'Val' surfer Nick after meeting at a beach party."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In Under the Boardwalk, even the presence of Keith Coogan struggles to save a script that feels disjointed. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Comedy. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Under the Boardwalk worth your time? If you appreciate Comedy, Romance films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Under the Boardwalk misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 102 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.