Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello co-produced this nostalgic romp about two swingin' teen sweethearts from the '60s now married and middle-aged, coping with the passing of time (not good material for a comedy) and the problems of their own punk kids. It has guest spots and musical numbers galore but, unlike the themes in "Grease", for instance, this doesn't have the impact or widespread appeal to be wildly successful; it just doesn't work. The film has a very weak script, which certainly was no help to the director, and the scenes don't build any momentum. Even the nostalgia-factor in seeing Avalon and Funicello together again is low (where's the chemistry? All they do here is bicker). A lot of people put their time and talent into this picture, but it doesn't soar, doesn't spark fond memories. It's a wash-out. *1/2 from ****
Review of Back to the Beach
