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Side Out (1990)

Rate: 6
Viewed: 1/24

SideO
1/24: Like Over the Top, Side Out is the only major Hollywood film of its genre: competitive beach volleyball, and no...Top Gun doesn't count.

That being said, there's so much one can do with the game. Hence, it's easy to see why the writers had to stretch the thin plot as much as possible to fill in the rest. At least, the editing is good, enough to make the championship match exciting to watch. However, there's a moment in the final play when Monroe illegally carried the ball over to his teammate when he was supposed to tap it. Then again, the ref was blind during the whole time, missing a boatload of calls.

Well, well, well...what do you know? C. Thomas Howell has Bernie Lomax for an uncle. This time, his performance is better as compared to how corny he was in The Outsiders. On the other hand, Peter Horton is okay who mostly relies on his Bodhi looks to pass muster. Legendary real-life volleyball players Randy Stoklos and Sinjin Smith almost steal the limelight from them. There are others as well.

Things move along in a brisk manner despite the impossible premise because there's no way Monroe, a newcomer who's too short, is able to defeat six-four-plus tall world-class volleyball players with at least fifteen years of playing experience. Zack Barnes might be able to, but he's too out of shape to last long enough for high-level tournament play.

All in all, Side Out may be unbelievable and predictable, but name me another beach volleyball movie from the 80's or the 90's.