Red Surf

This picture was released straight to video/cable...I can not, for the life of me figure out why! Many may describe this as a guilty pleasure, but I would not. Boos' direction flows in this tale of suspense and intrigue. Shot purposely on what seems to be video, the film can be described as a surfers dream gone pipeline wipe-out nightmare. Is it a heist gone to blunder? I think not! Its a soul searching revenge piece with a twist of Hitchcockian suspense!

Clooney gives one of his most memorable performances...Doug Savant proves he is better than his Melrose Place performances would show...DeeDee Pfeifer is wonderful as usual...Phillip McKeon shows he will be something special.

Look for Gene Simmons in a key role.

*** out of ****

Continuing my plan to watch every George Clooney movie in order, I come to 1989's Red Surf.

I like this movie and I think Clooney is great in it. According to IMDB Quentin Tarantino is a fan of the film and considered George Clooney for a part in Reservoir Dogs after seeing his performance in it.

The plot is cliche (criminals looking for one last score, before getting out of the business), it is low budget and it looks it (a scene on the water at night is awfully lit and it is hard to see what is going on), which may put some people off, as may Clooney's acting (a lot of shouting and swearing) but I can appreciate low budget movies and their limitations and Clooney again brings it.

Michelle Pfeiffer's sister Dede, is also in this, as is Gene Simmons, who kicks all sorts of ass, as Doc. I wonder why he never acted more.

Two young punks (George Clonney and Doug Savant) get more than they baragained for in a drug deal with big money drugs lords. While Clonney's girlfriend( Dedee Pfeiffer) is pregnant and he must make a very big decision whether or not to continue his drug selling habits. As he and Savannt swear this to be their last drug deal it could also be the last of them. Good performance's by all cast members make this watchable enough and is worth seeing espically seeing George in one of his earlier roles and a small part by Kiss singer gene Simmons. ** out of ****

This was the 'b' side of some other film I bought, so it sat around my collection for a bit. It's actually quite good! Clooney's a surfer who sets up coke deals with the local drug baron, picking up the merchandise on his jet ski. Him and all his mates get wasted every night on booze, coke, crack, and anything else they can get their hands on. His girlfriend however is about to change all that when she reveals she's pregnant. Will Clooney clean up his act or will he go all out for one last score?

Clooney's great in this one, portraying a guy who doesn't quite want to face up to reality. He sure cusses some too! The supporting cast are quite good (including Gene Simmons!) and the film gets surprisingly violent at times. Good stuff!

I remember the day I first stumbled upon Red Surf in a pawn shop bargain bin. It looked like a modern day George Clooney film so I decided to give it a shot but surprisingly, it turned out to be some of his very early work. To me, this was a very pleasant surprise indeed. Red Surf has a very cool 70's drive-in movie feel to it and this can be a refreshing change of pace from the mainstream. Okay, Lets get down to the content of this film..........George Clooney and his friends are jet ski drug runners for a kingpin (Gene Simmons no doubt). DeDe Phifer plays his girlfriend and wants him to settle down in order to have a family. The party scenes are hardcore and the rival gang violence is over the top as well so if that kind of stuff turns you off then you may want to head for the Disney section instead. The plot moves at a moderate pace and the acting is well above par for this type of film. I like it mainly because it has a very realistic feel to it and reminds me a lot of the late 70's/early 80's (if you like nostalgia...... this film is oozing with it). Availability is good and its not very expensive so pick up a copy next time you see one and come back to post your thoughts. Its my favorite Clooney film and definitely a mainstay in my collection because the story holds up well for repeat viewings. Clay