Shag (1989)

Pretty good movie overall. First half was nothing special but it got better as it went along.

The acting in this movie is really good.

The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.

This movie feels like it was made purely to piss off people who want good shows

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.

Four friends head to Myrtle Beach, SC after high school graduation. There they meet boys, have a party (hellacious for 1963), and enter a fabulous dancing contest. This movie is fun, keeps your attention, and is wonderful to be able to see the period (early 1960s) cars, hotels, dancing pavilion, etc. in Myrtle Beach. I would recommend this movie for a nice evening to just feel good. The only bit of concern is that the original VHS that was released in 1989 and the DVD versions are fine-- but somewhere in between there was a version released on VHS for about $10 that was a disappointment-- it had deleted/changes music. Beware of this version. The new DVD version is intact. The original music is nice and adds to the era in which this movie takes place. Young and old alike will like this movie.

My motivation for watching this movie was that it was actually filmed in Myrtle Beach. Growing up going to Myrtle in the summer, and of course going for the virtual spring break that goes on there all summer long for people of college age made me curious enough to view this film. After viewing it, I realized that it is true...there are a select few buildings that haven't changed since the 60's, and this movie used them well as props (in 89').Unfortunately now that Myrtle Beach is the country's largest and fastest growing tourist area, most of the nostalgic buildings are going, but as of this summer, there are still a few drive ins and shops in original 50's condition, as well as the original Theme Park with the wooden roller coaster still standing (and in use). As a matter of fact, I have stayed twice at the Sea Palms motel in the "shag room" as it is called. The reason they call it this is because the movie actually used it to film a couple scenes (not for the reason you are thinking). Yes, it still looks like the 50's in this motel too...probably because that was the last time it was remodeled (unfortunately I am not joking). Either way, if you like Shag, and actually want to see all of the places on the strip where the scenes were shot, go to Myrtle on your next vacation (since you will likely be going there anyway). Note, you still won't get any sleep if you stay at a motel on Ocean Blvd (the strip)...that much hasn't changed since the 50's!

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!