Psycho Beach Party
It's 1962 and Florence Forest is sweet sixteen and never been kissed. She lives with her mother, Mrs. Forest and a Swedish exchange student named Lars. At the local drive-in, Florence and her friend actually watch the film, while Starcat, heartthrob of the surfer set, flirts with perky babe Marvel Ann. When Florence visits the concession stand wheelchair-bound meanie Rhonda torments her until screams interrupt their nasty exchange. Someone at the drive-in has had her throat slashed! Captain Monica Stark has a number of suspects, including Florence and Mrs. Forest. But the grisly event does not keep the gang from the beach!
Member Reviews
Entertaining but could have been better - rnhaas
Yes, this is very, very campy. And often it works really well. But there are things that don't work so well (most obviously the soundtrack, which sounds like too modern surf music, rather than classic surf music) and some of the jokes (especially early on) fall flat. But the ending is pretty fabulous and the whole movie improves in entertainment value as it goes on.Camp done right - eoguy
Fans of Amy Adams will want to see this early role and campy movie buffs won't be able to deny what is decidedly a film not for everyone -- but it sure does try to cover as many bases as possible.
The cast is solid throughout and the tone is pitch perfect, but its weirdness may repel some viewers. Still, it's hard not to appreciate what theatre cult writer Charles Busch did here, which was create a nod to beach party movies, slash films and also a little noir, all while not getting lost in parody.
The movie shook up Sundance back in 2000 and didn't find much of an audience afterwards, so if you like hunting down hidden gems give this one a try.Hip and entertaining - Cworks
A camp sensibility is mandatory for watching this movie. If you've got that, this film is a lot of fun. Great performances from actors who are clearly having a lot of fun, bang-on "period" set design and cinematography, and a script full of zingers will keep you happily entertained until the final go-go dancing, surf n' sand guitar-filled minute.
Member Reviews
Read All...
Entertaining but could have been better - rnhaas
Yes, this is very, very campy. And often it works really well. But there are things that don't work so well (most obviously the soundtrack, which sounds like too modern surf music, rather than classic surf music) and some of the jokes (especially early on) ...Camp done right - eoguy
Fans of Amy Adams will want to see this early role and campy movie buffs won't be able to deny what is decidedly a film not for everyone -- but it sure does try to cover as many bases as possible.
The cast is solid throughout and the tone is pitch perfect, ...Hip and entertaining - Cworks
A camp sensibility is mandatory for watching this movie. If you've got that, this film is a lot of fun. Great performances from actors who are clearly having a lot of fun, bang-on "period" set design and cinematography, and a script full of zingers will keep ...