Shag
Summer of 1963. Carson is getting married to her boyfriend so her friends Melaina, Pudge and Luanne take her to Myrtle Beach for one last irresponsible weekend.
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- Cast:
- Phoebe Cates , Scott Coffey , Bridget Fonda , Annabeth Gish , Page Hannah , Robert Rusler , Tyrone Power Jr.
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Reviews
Truly Dreadful Film
The Worst Film Ever
Powerful
I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.
I honestly could not believe when I read the other reviews of this movie about how they loved it. This movie was awful. This movie takes place in a bygone era, but that doesn't excuse the awful behavior of the protagonist girls as they take a trip to Myrtle Beach for some retro, old fashioned manhunting and retro fun, yet remaining strangely stuck up. Also, I don't care when a movie takes place, but no means no! One character in particular allows herself to constantly be pushed into romantic situations with a man despite being engaged, and is eventually won over by his ignoring of her requests to not kiss her, to put his shirt back on, that it's wrong, etc, etc. Another character, desperate to be the southern sweety in some boardwalk beauty pageant, actually puts on a bikini and does a sexy dance with a confederate flag, and in another scene a girl is on stage in a stars-and-bars swimsuit. The movie opens with the word "SHAG" with a confederate flag background. There are also huge plot holes. For example, the girl who's house they are staying at instructs the others not to use the phone because the house is supposed to be empty and her father will see the phone bill, even though her parents know she is on a trip. But they still freely use electricity and water and other utilities throughout the movie, even throwing a massive drinking party and trashing the house. Think of it like a retro "From Justin to Kelly" without music but just as terrible, or really any other archetypal boy meets girl summer flick. I could go on and on with the ways this movie fell short but it is not even worth it. Another note I'd like to make, this is not a movie that is so bad that it's funny which is why this is rated a two instead of a one, because it's really just mediocre and annoying.
This has been a classic, for me, since I was about 12 years old. It was popular slumber party fare back then, but it's aged well and I still enjoy watching it today. The story follows a group of high school grads as they set off for one last weekend together in Myrtle Beach. It's your basic friendship/coming of age story with a backdrop of 1963 beach life in South Carolina. The film has fantastic eye candy; the actors, the clothes, the hair, and the scenery come to life in lollipop-colored fun. There's just enough plot to keep it interesting, and the right balance of humor without too much sentimentality. All of this, combined with good performances from a strong ensemble cast, makes for easy repeat-watching. My only problem with the film was the soundtrack tampering that took place with the VHS (second) version. Luckily, the original soundtrack has been restored for the DVD version (or most of it, as I can recall). The music is perfect and really adds to the enjoyment of the film and the sense of time period. It may look a bit cheesy, and probably is, but it's a fabulous popcorn flick that will put you in a good mood, guaranteed.
I am from Myrtle Beach, SC ( where Shag takes place ) and I find the movie to be absolutely delightful. It takes place in the 60's with 4 young high school graduates just wanting to have a final hoo-rah before one of their best buds enters wedlock. The story follows the four girls through their very different weekends at the beach. All the while mingling the title of the movie with the actual dance that was and is all the craze on the Grand Strand. This movie is only rated PG but deals with a few stronger elements. It involves bad language, teen drinking and loss of virginity. Most will skim over children's heads, but parents still use caution. I watched the film a million times as a child and continue as an adult too. The movie is a perfect mix of scandal, mischief, young love, and music. Highly recommended as an all time favorite film.
I absolutely love this film. I first saw it 10 years ago, and I still think it is by far the best summer movie about love, coming of age, and friendship! If you like Fried Green Tomatoes, Ya-ya Sisterhood, or any other story about strong Southern women, you will enjoy this fun young and fresh story!