The Bikini Shop

This film most definitely belongs in the so-bad-it's-almost-good category. Very much a product of its time (1985), the hairstyles, fashions and soundtrack songs are hysterical to those of us who were fortunate (?!) enough to grow up in the 80s. There are embarrassing dance sequences, bikinis that are testament to the aerobics craze - and of course there's lots of flesh on display. Hmmm, must be a guy thing... Bruce Greenwood is the only actor in the cast who has moved on to bigger and better things - I bet a clip of this will come to haunt him one day on The Tonight Show!

Two bothers, business oriented Alan, & the more fun loving, skirt-chasing Todd (Bruce Greenwood) inherit a bikini shop in Malibu and attempt to make the failing business profitable. At first in order to sell it. Meanwhile Alan (whom is engaged to the stunning, but whiny, spoiled Jane) is falling for Ronnie, a sexy worker at the shop.

This is a typically lightweight '80's teen sex comedy that's a tad light in the nudity department when compared to other films of it's ilk, yet still holds a place in my heart, simply because it was a staple of USA's now sadly defunct "Up All Night" series which in turn was a big part of my formative years. Choice nudity from the stunning Bobbi Pavis doesn't hurt in the least, and it's always nice to see the late great Frank Nelson at work (sadly younger generations only know of him through his caricature on a few episodes of "The Simpsons") So if you're in the mood for stuffy 'old fogies' getting shocked at the 'hijinks' of teens, big hair, natural boobs, light escapism & other staples of the more innocent 1980's comedies, give this one a watch. (although the lengthy dance number & cheesy hot tub scenes still makes me cringe a bit whenever i see them)

Eye Candy: Bobbi Pavis, Jeana Loring, Barbara Horan, & about 8 or 9 extras fleetingly get topless; one extra shows her ass

My Grade: C+

The plot of two brothers trying to save their inherited bikini shop doesn't matter. The unending MTV moments doesn't matter. The only thing that matters is that "Malibu Bikini Shop" is a beach bunny voyeur's delight. There are dozens and dozens of bikini closeups, a cute plot, adequate acting, and authentic beach front atmosphere. A couple of outrageous moments, involving a two way mirror in the girls dressing room, are highlights. Naturally there is some tasteful nudity too. Sure some scenes go on way too long, stretching the 80 minutes of material to 98 minutes, but that is a so what, since the tedious musical numbers all involve bikinis. This is a lighthearted fun beach frolic that stands above almost all of it's similar competition. - MERK

I can't believe this movie has an overall rating of 4.0. This is a classic 80's movie. OK so maybe it's a over dramatic and the acting isn't the best I've ever seen, but it is thoroughly entertaining. This is the kind of movie you just sit back and relax to, you don't look into or try to find inner meaning. Instead you kick back and relax and take it for what it is. I found this movie to be not only funny, but quite reminscient of some people I know. I know there isn't much character development here, but the contrast between the uptight and openly laid back brothers are just great. When the uptight brother finds out what he's been missing all his life, he realizes that there is a lot more fun to be had outside his inner bubble of sanctity and security.

WATCH THIS MOVIE~!

Just a fun movie set in the 80's before political correctness, which has driven movies to be largely manufactured with the same plots, and with a single developed character (supporting actors with real roles has become a thing of the past). The feminists will scream exploitation, but it's harmless fun, and extremely tame compared to what teenagers now watch on the internet by comparison - just bikinis and a few boobs. It's a fact of life that men will always look at women, especially good looking ones; and this film has a number of them, plus some good music. The plot was never meant to be drama, but just a light weight comedy about two boys inheriting a bikini shop - every guys dream; and their attempts to save it with marketing initiatives worth seeing. It was never attempting to win an academy award - the film doesn't take itself seriously; but rather just providing light titillation with a few chuckles & smiles. No murders or gratuitous violence; you just end up with a grin after watching it. Our world could do worse.