In America, the series "Rescuers Malibu", which appeared on the screens in the 90s, has long acquired the status of a cult. On the one hand, there was a plot without much deep meaning, and on the other, an easy entertaining story with elements of a melodrama was unfolding on the screen. This was enough to win high ratings and attract the attention of millions of viewers. In Russia, the series also at one time enjoyed some popularity. So older viewers are likely to remember that unusual sight that was happening in the evenings on the screens of one of the central television channels.
And now, after so many years, a major Hollywood studio finally decided to release a restart of this story. But this time, “Rescuers Malibu” gained the status of a movie blockbuster. A lot of money and effort was invested in the creation of this comedy action movie. But did the final result live up to the expectations of the audience? We will try to understand this in detail by talking about the process of creating this project.
What is the movie about?
For starters, it makes sense to briefly recall the plot of the movie "Rescuers Malibu." At the center of events is an experienced lifeguard who has gone through many serious trials in his life. And now he works at one of the most colorful and expensive resorts in the country. He is the head of his own squad, which includes extremely beautiful girls. They have not only an incredible stunning appearance, but also well prepared physically. They made an excellent, well-coordinated team, ready at any moment to come to the rescue. But one day everything changes ...
A young, narcissistic guy who considers himself the best swimmer on the planet falls into their squad. And from the very first day of his arrival on the beach truly awkward things begin to happen. This man brings the main character a lot of trouble. And when it seemed that the boss’s patience was coming to an end, a criminal group appeared on the beach, which posed a serious threat to all vacationers. The police do not believe the main characters. And now the rescuers have no choice but to personally deal with the villains. Can they do it?
Directing the film "Rescuers Malibu"
Seth Gordon is a really talented and relatively young American director who has already managed to establish himself as a connoisseur of this genre. So there is nothing surprising in the fact that this comedy was offered to be directed to him. But none of the producers took into account the fact that on Gordon’s account mainly work on series, and not large blockbusters. Of the really noticeable works in the cinema, one can distinguish only the picture "Unbearable Bosses" of 2011. This director was not noted for anything special. But, despite this, he enthusiastically approached the creation of the film "Rescuers Malibu." Throughout the filming process, he and his team regularly posted all kinds of photos and videos from the site on social networks. It was noticeable that work on the film was a great occasion for everyone to have fun and have a good time.
That's just in fact, “Rescue Malibu” directed by Seth Gordon turned out to be somewhat ambiguous. Yes, it’s clear that the creators put their soul into “Rescuers”, and did not try to just cut down the money on the popular name. However, the plot itself, and some jokes, turned out to be frankly doubtful, which was noted not only by the audience, but also by critics. In particular, there was too much sorted humor and vulgarity that did not appeal to even the most trained viewers. But it’s hardly the director’s fault in all this. Like it or not, a completely different person was responsible for the script. Unfortunately, Seth Gordon himself, frankly, did not betray a masterpiece.
Dwayne Johnson - starring
The cast in the movie "Rescuers Malibu" was more than impressive. This is what forced many people to go to premieres and personally see the much-anticipated film on the big screen.
This brilliant Hollywood actor has long managed to prove to critics that he can work in any genre. Yes, initially the former wrestler appeared on the screen exclusively in the images of brave heroes, ready to deal with an army of opponents alone. But over the years, he began to try his hand at many other genres, such as drama or comedy. In the latter case, he succeeded in particular. As it turned out, this massive, pumped-up man can make the audience laugh and give out smart jokes. So the main role in the film was given exactly to those who need it.
In the movie "Rescue Malibu," Dwayne Johnson played a brave guy who can go through anything to save the drowning. Yes, in some places the actor resembled a typical self a decade ago. But between the numerous action scenes, the emphasis was on humor. And here the actor of the film “Rescue Malibu” again fully demonstrated his talent, having pleased us with a lot of funny situations with his participation.
Zac Efron
He is one hundred percent comedian, which he repeatedly proved throughout his, so far not the longest, career. He managed to perform about a dozen roles in good films, highly praised by critics and viewers. However, he is still far from a real star. But in this case, the actor of the movie “Rescuers Malibu” did an excellent job with his role as a narcissistic guy, now and then getting confused and getting into trouble. From him and Dwayne Johnson, a contrasting on-screen duo came out, which definitely became the decoration of the whole film. It also makes sense to note the amazing physical form that the actor acquired just a few months before the start of the shooting of the film “Rescuers Malibu”. Zac Efron with his modest dimensions clearly looked awkward against Johnson's background.
Alexandra Daddario
This actress is not as famous as the main characters in the movie "Rescuers Malibu." Alexandra Daddario, however, in her account has several extremely good roles. Many modern viewers remember her well due to the appearance on the screen in the series "True Detective". Also, television connoisseurs could remember her by a small role. played in the cult "Clan Soprano". Unfortunately, so far there is nothing to single out of the films. Unless in 2015, she already managed to star along with the same Dwayne Johnson in the disaster film "San Andreas Rift". There she got the role of the daughter of the protagonist. That's just outstanding it can hardly be called. But, despite not the most impressive experience, she fit perfectly into the cast of “Rescue Malibu”. Alexandra Daddario is the owner of a spectacular appearance and this played an important role.
Kelly rohrbach
She also played one of the minor female roles in the film. Unlike the aforementioned actress, Kelly has decent work experience in America. So her image turned out to be much more memorable and appropriate. As in the case of Daddario, her role was reduced mainly to walking on the beach in a rescue suit with a neckline. But in terms of acting, she coped with her task quite tolerably.
Priyanka Chopra
This Indian actress is still little known to European and American audiences. She, perhaps, was the least distinguished from the rest of the cast. This is not to say that Priyanka Chopra played poorly or did not possess charisma. It’s just that the role of this actress was not clearly defined. Priyanka Chopra also played one of the rescue girls on the beach. There is nothing more to remember about her role.
John bass
He was perhaps the most comedic hero in the entire film. It was he who was mocked by everyone. Yes, and his not the most athletic figure looked more than funny against the background of Zac Efron and Dwayne Johnson. Such types are considered common for this genre. So the actor of the film “Rescue Malibu” John Bass fit into what is happening on the screen quite successfully. His small appearances throughout the film have become one of the clear advantages. Comedy fans will definitely appreciate his play.
Movie making
The filming process itself took a long time. The start of work on the project was announced back in 2012. However, over the course of several years, the producers now and then faced all sorts of difficulties. For some period of time no information was heard at all. And only after 2 years, the studio reported the news that Dwayne Johnson got the main role in the film adaptation of “Rescue Malibu”. It was after this that many viewers turned their attention to the movie. Soon a script was written and all other major actors joined the casting.
Filming began in 2015 and took place mainly in Miami. Production was completed in 2016. A year later, the "Rescuers" finally went on sale worldwide. The film's fees, despite the not-so-high-profile premiere, exceeded $ 100 million. A pretty good indicator for a standard American summer comedy. So the studio producers were quite satisfied with the final result.
Criticism
Reviews for the movie “Rescuers of Malibu” (2017) were somewhat mixed. And this is not surprising - the comedy was really designed for not the widest range of people. This is precisely what led to the fact that enough people were not impressed by the film at all. Viewers criticized the movie for the lack of really funny jokes and an abundance of vulgarity. Also, few were impressed by the classic plot without any obvious intrigue. But everyone, without exception, liked the unsuccessful doubles that were shown during the credits. They actually turned out to be incredibly funny.
As for the critics, they were also not enthusiastic about what they saw on the screen. Of the minuses, they note the weak director, the faded play of the actors and the weak disclosure of the characters' characters. Abroad, many smashed the movie to smithereens. But, as it seems to us, they came to an assessment of such a frivolous entertaining movie too seriously. Only the most notorious optimists could expect something out of the ordinary from the “Rescuers of Malibu”.
References to the original
Of course, the film “Rescuers of Malibu” (2017) could not do without numerous nods in the direction of the original television series. But they were not as many as we would like. A pleasant bonus for fans was the unexpected appearance of stars such as David Hasselhoff and Pamela Anderson. Otherwise, the references were either insignificant or simply incomprehensible to the mass audience.
Continuation
Long before the filming of the comedy "Rescue Malibu", the producers were confident that the production of the sequel would be launched. But only after the premiere screenings their enthusiasm clearly diminished. It is not only criticism that is to blame, but also the realization that it simply makes no sense to develop such a story. And the actors themselves are currently busy in many other projects. The same Dwayne Johnson in the schedule now does not have time to spend it on another comedy of such a plan. So the sequel was eventually postponed indefinitely.
Finally
As a result, we got an average American comedy, shot for a lot of money, but clearly not live up to expectations. Yes, the film is perfect to pass the evening. Also, the comedy "Rescuers Malibu" can be watched in a noisy company and even laugh. But this film does not pretend to be more. Most likely, after a few years no one will really remember about her. But connoisseurs of the original should still get acquainted. Perhaps this will give you a feeling of nostalgia and make you reconsider a couple of episodes of the first seasons of “Rescue Malibu”.