 | |
List Price: $6.99 | | Label: Platinum Disc
Salesrank: 105541
Released: August 12, 2003 |
| Our Price: $1.49 |
| Used Price: $0.95 |
|
MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Media: DVD |
|
Editorial Review:
Mel Gibson's film debut is a low-budget Australian beach movie with a heart of darkness (an alternate title is Coast of Terror). Set in the 1950s, the film follows the exploits of four youths on a holiday road trip that takes an ugly turn. The end product is a sort of Beach Blanket Bingo in hell. Panoramic Endless Summer-type shots of Mel and the boys hanging 10 and scenes of teens bopping at a rock & roll hop frame a plot involving statutory rape and murder. Gibson plays Scollop, the carefree, sweet one in the group. He's a genuine beach boy: blond and tan and obsessed with surfing. Sandy (John Jarratt), a dour fellow on a last fling before marriage, asks Scollop what he's going to be doing in 10 years' time. Scollop replies: "I'll be doing something in 10 years' time. So I guess in 10 years' time that's what I'll be doing." It's logic worthy of Jeff Spicoli from Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Scollop's twin in spirit. Gibson's ease in front of the camera and natural acting talent shine through even here. He brings his trademark breezy charm and a surprising emotional range to this beach bum role. It's no wonder that he went on to become an international superstar. --Laura Mirsky
Summer City Reviews:
Dull city 
2003-12-20 - The main selling point of this DVD is that it stars Mel Gibson. This has to be one of Gibson's very first films - even before the ROAD WARRIOR movies. The shot of Gibson that is on the cover is dated much later than the young, skinny actor who appears in this movie. Also, Gibson only has a supporting role in the film. To surmise that he's the leading actor would be incorrect.
Not a whole lot happens with the plot, so they seemingly stretch just about every scene out to make it "feature length." They also throw in a lot of scenes apparently at random without any thought to story cohesion.
Of course, the film is also about as low budget as low-budget movies get. I swear at times I thought I was watching a film made by a bunch of high schoolers. The picture quality is pretty rough - even by 1970s standards.
The only people who just might like to pick up this DVD are die-hard Gibson fans. There are those who might enjoy seeing him in a movie filmed in his native Australia where he still has his thick native accent. So, with that in mind, there are perhaps some who might find some nostalgia in buying this one.
If Gibson had not starred in this movie, I very much doubt it would have ever made it to DVD in the 1st place. This is an obscure movie, and clearly there is a REASON it's obscure: it's dull, bland & boring!
The best debut I've ever seen 
2001-08-10 - A very interesting movie and great acting for a debut film, if you can get past the very odd camera angles and ocasional dumb old joke this is a worth while great film Mel Gibson all the way
1973 filming
2001-05-25 - The plot of the story was, i admit, enticing and well thought out. However, the film quality is horrible. Mel Gibson himself stated that he wished the film never saw daylight. It's a cheap flick you can find in bargain bins for a buck fifty, i know, thats where i got mine. The only reason it's part of my collection is because im a die hard and dedicated mel fan...thats it. You can't get through the entire movie without turning it off...the sound is horrible, and the picture is very unclear. Very low grade flick.
Tim 
2000-08-16 - This was by far the best Mel Gibson performance I have ever seen. His depth and breadth of character was amazing. I have to admit I giggled through the first viewing(did we really dress like that in the 70's?) but I've seen it six times and read the book by Colleen McCullough. By the way, a 24 year old Mel in short shorts is a bonus!
Mel and Piper Laurie put forth great performances as a mildly retarded handyman and an emotionally retarded middle-aged spinster. Tim sees the world simply as made up of beautiful details, while Mary views it from afar inside her coccoon of solitude. Tim brings out emotion and caring in Mary that she had lived without her entire life, while she awakens intellectual freedom within him by teaching him to read and write. Their friendship begins quite platonically, and it is refreshing to experience innocent love and mutual respect rather than what we have put before us today on video. Their friendship develops and deepens as they spend more and more time together. Truly a sweet, sweet movie and a great performance by Mel who's Adonis-like looks are overwhelming.
Piper Laurie is great as Mary who evolves from a matriarchal frump into a loving, sharing woman all due to this person who puts no demands on her and loves and respects her simply for who she is. It will make you reminisce about your first kiss and all the innocence and inner discovery that led up to it.
