Surf II: The End of the Trilogy #7 of the 150 Movies of 1984

Surf II: The End of the Trilogy is a gonzo comedy from 1984 that parodies old beach-party films. The film, written and directed by Randall M. Badat, stars Eric Stoltz, Eddie Deezen, Linda Kerridge, Jeffrey Rodgers, and Peter Isacksen. The movie features a combination of camp, sci-fi, horror, and adult situations. It also incorporates Southern California surf culture. It was released to theaters in the US on January 11th, 1984, and then again later in the year with the title Surf II: The Nerds Strike Back. Clearly looking to capitalize on the Revenge of the Nerds popularity considering that film had been released in the summer.

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I may be a bit biased when it comes to surfing movies. I love surfing. When I was younger I had a 9 foot board and loved catching waves off the coast of Santa Monica or on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. It’s a serene experience. So a comedy about surfing, set in Los Angeles, featuring freak zombie surf punks is going to be all the way up my alley. And I would be lying if I said I wasn’t excited about finding this gem.

Menlo Schwartzer, an evil scientist who despises surfers, creates a special Buzz Soda that transforms anyone who drinks it into a zomboid sleazo surfer who preys on other surfers. Two stoners must locate the source of the bad soda and stop its production permanently.

There is virtually no emphasis on acting here. Eddie Deezen has the most demanding character traits and even that’s not reaching very far. The screenplay isn’t much. A simple and easy to follow story that has a few Troma-esq scenes of absurdity. A weirdness that translated into the characters. Strange off-the-wall stereotypes that have extremely unique looks and personalities. I think that's why I have such an affinity for '80s Punk style in films. It's so exaggerated. Surf II is no exception. Punks, Jocks, Dorks, Dweebs, Sluts, and Surfers are all on display in bright neon colors dressed in the weirdest threads the costume designer could find. I can’t say it doesn’t fit the era.

Also speaking to the times is the outstanding soundtrack. Much like Valley Girl from 1983, this soundtrack is a mix of new wave, punk, and surf rock including songs from The Beach Boys, Dick Dale, The Circle Jerks, Wall of Voodoo, and Oingo Boingo! Love me some Danny Elfman and Oingo Boingo. I can’t think of any music that would fit the surfing scenes any better. Big KROQ vibes that only exacerbate the Los Angeles feeling more and more. I think I am in love with this movie.

There is definitely a charm to this movie. The jokes are written pretty well and I found myself chuckling more than a few times. However, overall the writing doesn’t do enough. I like the banter and characters, but I really wanted them to push the absurdity harder and lean more into the comedy duo of Eric Stoltz and Jeffrey Rogers. They are truly an unappreciated stoner duo. They hilariously spit bullshit while cruising the coast in their orange VW bug. The scene where they are scamming with two chicks in the lifeguard tower is gold. Really based on this role alone I would have put Eric Stoltz into more films. It's a shame he’s apparently hard to work with. Eddie Deezen’s Menlo Schwartzer character isn’t a far reach but he’s got some great scenes. I loved the Cleavon Little cameo. He’s pretty funny as Principal Daddy-O! and they utilize him well.

This one grew on me. I started out rolling my eyes and by the end I was laughing and smiling. It’s so much fun and a perfect movie to watch as we edge closer and closer to summer. It’s not trying to be something that it isn’t. This is a campy time-waster that is better than most of the schlock we are used to. I’ve seen a lot of people that just didn’t get it or didn’t understand the humor. And truth be told, it’s an acquired taste. But RottenPop is safely putting this one at Three and a half stars.

Surf II: The End of the Trilogy

Release Date: January 11th, 1984

RottenPop Rating: ★★★½

Director: Randall M. Badat | Writer: Randall M. Badat | Starring: Eric Stoltz, Eddie Deezen, Linda Kerridge, Jeffrey Rodgers, and Peter Isacksen

Studios: Arista Films

Country: USA

Genres: Comedy