nelsfresnoca
Surfing channels I came across this film when my eyes recognized Torrance's, Rolling Hills Estates and south Redondo beach. I was a teen when this movie was made and surprised I never heard or seen the film as my summers were spent at Redondo & Hermosa beach as a visiting New York-er. My first thoughts were the film was the beginning framework from which Bay Watch was created. My second thought was Sam Elliott, a dynamic actor did not fit the role. Lifeguards were blonde, blue eyed back then, hence my skepticism to continue watching. But the nostalgia of viewing and recalling my early beach experiences kept me glued to the screen. I would like to mention that the US economy in the 70's was depressed and employment as a county lifeguard had a respectable position contrary to the film. By today's standards the same position in CA would be considered a professional job. As for the film I found it to be a bit cheesy but had the quality of presenting a message about life's career options as an adult. I read the reviews on this site for this film and found each one equally interesting. I gave it a low rating because although I can relate to the films objectivity it had a shallow story line. Clearly one of Sam Elliott's B listed movies.
elshikh4
Well, it's not unusual to have a small and cute movie. These are the movies which we pilgrimage to, escaping from Hollywood's big and loud movies. The thing is, this time, it is unusual to have a unique hero; with new solution for his conflict. So how is that ? Simply because this hero we watched didn't eventually choose the teenage girl who materializes his impetuosity for life, as well as his dive into it. And he also didn't choose the mature woman / his old love who materializes rationality and stability. The man preferred to choose his freedom, his self with its own defects. He preferred to work what he really loves, succeeds in, and can't forbid himself of doing (his work as a daily Life Guard at the beach), so maybe he could find someday that love which would harmonize with his status, and not the status which would harmonize with his love ! He is an interesting type of hero, who achieved his victory on circumstances for his invariability. And his very success was nothing but realizing that his happiness and his immutability were one thing, which if he tried to change; he would lose the thing he loved the most : his selfsame, or his precious nature. Although he knew very well that he is losing a lot in the same time "I know that I'm losing.. more than you could imagine !" but he selected not to select anything of what was in front of him.. and that – in itself – is a selection. In fact, we aren't used to watch this kind of heroes in the movies but rarely. That's why this movie isn't small and cute only, but rare too.
slapborisday
This is a movie I can never get tired of. You can watch it again and again, all day long. It's laid-back and entertaining, and doesn't ask much or expect much of you, the viewer. The story involves a thirty-something lifeguard who is naturally slick with the ladies, on and off the beach, and oh, saves lives too. Sam Elliot is a very cool actor and delivers otherwise simple lines with slow-burn perfection. Parker Stevenson is his young protégé who is in the film JUST enough, Anne Archer his perfect lady, and Kathleen Quinlin is a young girl, supposedly a teenager, who represents the last of Elliot's 'conquests' before settling down with Anne, who is his age. There is a part in the middle of the film that centers on Elliot's character feeling old and, after attending a 15 year high school reunion, trying to get a job selling cars. This is when he starts dating Archer, realizing she is someone he can settle down with and NOT just for 'fun'. In most films this part of the film would hinder the otherwise kickback feel, but in this movie's case, it flows along just as good as the beach scenes. It's a relaxing movie and you can play it on a loop on your DVD machine (now that it's finally on DVD) and I bet you won't get tired of it. If you do, just swim to shore a while... and I'm sure, soon enough, you'll want to see it again... and again... and again... LIFEGUARD!
RNMorton
Quintessential seventies claptrap features Sam Elliott as thirty-something LA lifeguard facing career and other life choices. Morality seems dated now, but story is still lots of fun if you're into the beach. Elliott is very good in the role, and a young and very charming Kathleen Quinlan has a substantial part as infatuated teen.
AD
