More surfing going on in Tan Lines. The basic plot idea is the same as Shelter: young Midget Hollows (Jack Baxter) falls for his best friend Dan’s (Jed Clark) older brother Cass (Daniel O’Leary) and they hang around the beach and surf. But in Australia. That’s where the similarities end. Shelter is by far a better film. Tan Lines is in places unbearably slow, so if you watch, a remote with fast forward kept handy is a good idea. I just couldn’t develop any liking for the characters, although the talking religious icons in Cass’ bedroom were kinda funny.
Big Wednesday
When Big Wednesday comes, a trio of former “hot dog” surfers re-unite for one last big wave. Matt Johnson (Jan-Michael Vincent) was the hottest surfer on the beach that all the rest looked up to. He and his responsible buddy, Jack Barlow (Willam Katt), and his not so responsible buddy Leroy Smith (Gary Busey) ruled the beach in their younger days. The film follows them in the 1960’s & 1970’s as they attempt to dodge the draft (except Barlow) and earn a living. Reb Brown is “The Enforcer” who runs around shirtless tossing out party crashers.
Shelter
In Shelter, Zach (Trevor Wright) is a young man struggling to help his nephew since his sister can’t get her act together to really take care of the boy. His best friend Gabe (Ross Thomas) has moved away to school and he’s got only on again off again feelings for his girlfriend. Then Gabe’s big brother Shaun (Brad Rowe) returns to town and the two strike up a friendship as surfing buddies which leads to more. Of course, this causes Zach no end of confusion, but all work’s out in the end.