Like the first Beach Party, this movie is fun when it’s about partying and surfing, less so when it leans on its story, which grows very thin by the end of the film. The story here is dumber and the script less delightfully PG-horny, yet you can tell the production team is starting to lean into campy absurdity in a fun way.
Unfortunately the energy of the beach vibe is lagging somewhat in comparison to the original, though the Stevie Wonder and Peter Lorre cameos are fun. I did like the addition of the male Adonis figures and the subsequent homoerotic undertones.
Ultimately, the experience is a step down from the original, but I’m hoping and expecting future sequels to amp up the cartoonish fun.
Is It Good?
Nearly Good (4/8)
Note: This capsule review was originally published elsewhere. If I watch this movie again, I might expand this to a full-length review.
Dan is the founder and head critic of The Goods. Follow Dan on Letterboxd. Join the Discord for updates and discussion.