Watch Under the Boardwalk

Under the Boardwalk is a 1989 coming-of-age movie directed by Fritz Kiersch, with a cast that includes Richard Joseph Paul, Danielle von Zerneck, and Keith Coogan. The film is set at the legendary Venice Beach boardwalk in Southern California, a place typically associated with laid-back counterculture and surfing, and follows a group of teenagers as they navigate their way through making sense of their lives, from romance to family struggles.

The central character in the movie is Nick, played by Richard Joseph Paul, who's an avid surfer and skater. Nick dreams of making it big in the surf scene and is desperate to leave his local area for greener pastures. His best friend Hector, played by Keith Coogan, is in a similar position, as he wants to make his way as a musician. The two friends spend their time hanging out at the boardwalk, practicing their respective skills, and attempting to impress the girls.

Danielle von Zerneck plays Alison, a wealthy girl vacationing in the area with her family. Alison is in the midst of an existential crisis and appears unsure of what she wants to do with her life. She's intrigued by Nick and his friends and finds herself drawn to them, despite their apparent lack of ambition. Alison's perspective is challenged when she attends a swanky party attended by upper-class kids and realizes that their lives are not all they cracked up to be.

Another key player in the movie is Rosanna, played by Roxana Zal. Rosanna is Nick's ex-girlfriend, and the two have a complicated relationship. Rosanna has been seeing another guy but realizes that she still has feelings for Nick. This sets up a love triangle, which is a central plot point of the movie.

The setting of the boardwalk plays an essential role in the film. The Venice Beach boardwalk is an iconic location that has served as a backdrop for many movies and TV shows. Kiersch makes great use of the setting, capturing the gritty, vibrant energy of the area. The boardwalk is populated by various eclectic characters, from street performers to tattoo artists, which adds to the film's overall sense of world-building.

Under the Boardwalk is a beautifully shot movie with a lot of heart. The movie is characterized by a sense of innocence and nostalgic longing for a bygone era. The film's direction, cinematography, and production design are all top-notch, creating a look and feel that's entirely its own. The musical score is also excellent, with a mix of classic pop hits and original tracks that fit the movie's mood perfectly.

Under the Boardwalk is a film that perfectly captures the spirit of youth culture in the late 1980s. The movie's themes of finding one's place in the world, figuring out who you are, and learning to let go of childhood dreams are timeless, making the film just as relevant today as it was over thirty years ago. The movie may not have been a box office smash, but it has developed a cult following over the years, becoming a beloved classic of the genre.

In conclusion, Under the Boardwalk is an engaging and nostalgic coming-of-age film that's well worth watching. The cast is excellent, the direction is superb, and the setting is iconic, making the movie an essential piece of pop culture. Under the Boardwalk is a film that successfully captures a moment in time and presents it in a fresh and engaging way. Whether you're a fan of 80s movies or coming-of-age films in general, Under the Boardwalk is a must-see.

Under the Boardwalk is a 1989 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.3.