I wonder if Sonny Bono last thoughts before he hit that tree in the snow was that my last movie would be this stinker on massive proportions. Did Sonny get paid a lot to star in this movie or did he do it as a favour for one of the producers maybe?

Getting back to this lackluster production of a stinker it must have been written as a story plot in less than a day. There really isn't much to give away because the only drama in the whole movie was when the gang bag gets washed out by the waves while a couple are having sexy time.

Seriously the scenes seem rushed and the actors look bored as well as embarrassed just dishing out their lines. One whole fight scene and guess what the Juliet of the movie saves her Romeo so yeah go figure!

Avoid this movie like the tree Sonny Bono should have avoided.

This story opens 20 years into the "future", where one surfer is regaling another with the tale of Nick (Richard Joseph Paul, "Oblivion" 1 and 2), an amiable dude who could clearly aspire to a lot, although he's currently content with his lot in life. He catches the eye of Allie (Danielle von Zerneck, "My Science Project"), another serious sort who is otherwise tired of dating surfers. The trouble? They belong to different warring factions in the Southern California surfing community, "Vals" and "Lokes". Keith Coogan ("Adventures in Babysitting") plays Andy, Allies' sweet natured, naive cousin from the sticks.

Overall, "Under the Boardwalk" is nothing special, but it entertains in capable enough fashion, thanks to director Fritz Kiersch ("Children of the Corn" '84) and a talented crew including cinematographer Don Burgess ("Forrest Gump"). The "Romeo and Juliet" 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 ("Clueless"), and the soundtrack features an eclectic and catchy assortment of pop and rock, including an appearance by Surf Punks.

The young cast is quite engaging. Also putting in appearances are Roxana Zal ("River's Edge"), Stuart Fratkin ("Teen Wolf Too"), Steve Monarque ('Friday the 13th: The Series'), Hunter von Leer ("Halloween II" '81), Brian Wimmer ('China Beach'), Christopher Rydell ("Trauma"), Wallace Langham ('CSI'), Elizabeth Kaitan ("Silent Night, Deadly Night 2"), Greta Blackburn ("Chained Heat"), Kurt Fuller ("No Holds Barred"), and Paul Carr ("The Bat People"). 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 "ancient" surfer. Tracey Walter once again steals every scene he's in, playing a philosophical beach bum who calls to mind his similar role in "Repo Man". He even croons "Amazing Grace" at one point!

This probably wouldn't have nearly as much resonance for viewers who aren't part of the culture depicted here (certainly, there's a ton of So Cal jargon tossed around), yet it does have some charm.

Seven out of 10.

...and frankly, I'm amazed at how highly it's rated by the few IMDB users who have seen it. But then despite playing an unnamed surfer in the film, I don't have much interest in surfing or surf movies.

The plot is very pedestrian, alternating between a surfing competition and light romance. Pretty bland fare. During filming (under the working title "Wipeout") most of the crew knew they were creating bad cinema.

Note: the day shots were filmed in Seal Beach, and the night shots were filmed in Manhattan Beach, although they are supposed to be the same place in the film.