Dennis Christopher ("Fade to Black") has the central role here as T. T., an ultra-nerdy kid newly relocated to California from Chicago. Taken under the wing of genial bar owner Duke (the always reliable Seymour Cassel, "Faces"), T. T. yearns to be a part of the local young crowd. Unfortunately, he just doesn't understand that these surfers and beach bums just aren't very interesting people and he shouldn't consider them role models in any way. In the meantime, there are subplots such as the romantic relationship between Stephanie (Tanya Roberts, 'Charlie's Angels') and airhead surfer jock Rick (John Calvin, 'The Paul Lynde Show').
"California Dreaming" was written by co-star Ned Wynn, who plays the garage mechanic who takes the bet that he can't live in his car for an extended amount of time. It plays like a late 70s update of the beach party movies of the 1960s (also from A. I. P.), except with an ultimately more serious mind and more subtle comedy. Overall, it's a reasonably engaging movie that gets by due to a very capable cast, some poignant moments, outta-sight surfing scenes, and a good soundtrack (with America covering that old Mamas and the Papas title song). Directed by John D. Hancock ("Let's Scare Jessica to Death", "Bang the Drum Slowly"), it's wonderfully shot by Bobby Byrne, and is largely light-hearted stuff, with a standout characterization by Cassel as an enthusiastic tale-spinner, intent on rehashing the glory days of his youth. It ends up blindsiding you with a devastating turn of events late in the game, adding some weight to the story.
Christophers' performance may be a matter of taste, as he lays on the awkwardness rather thick. But the lovely Glynnis O'Connor ("Ode to Billy Joe") is enchanting as Dukes' daughter and a requisite love interest who finds T. T. a turnoff at first. A steady parade of familiar faces fill out supporting and character roles with style: Dorothy Tristan ("Klute"), a.k.a. Mrs. John D. Hancock, as Dukes' ex-wife, Todd Susman ("The Loners"), Alice Playten ("Legend"), James Van Patten ("Roller Boogie"), Stacey Nelkin ("Halloween III: Season of the Witch"), Barton Heyman ("The Exorcist"), Kirsten Baker ("Friday the 13th Part 2"), and Bonnie Bartlett ("Love Letters").
Somewhat forgotten over time, "California Dreaming" is certain to make some viewers very nostalgic for this time and place in American pop culture.
Eight out of 10.
"California Dreaming" was written by co-star Ned Wynn, who plays the garage mechanic who takes the bet that he can't live in his car for an extended amount of time. It plays like a late 70s update of the beach party movies of the 1960s (also from A. I. P.), except with an ultimately more serious mind and more subtle comedy. Overall, it's a reasonably engaging movie that gets by due to a very capable cast, some poignant moments, outta-sight surfing scenes, and a good soundtrack (with America covering that old Mamas and the Papas title song). Directed by John D. Hancock ("Let's Scare Jessica to Death", "Bang the Drum Slowly"), it's wonderfully shot by Bobby Byrne, and is largely light-hearted stuff, with a standout characterization by Cassel as an enthusiastic tale-spinner, intent on rehashing the glory days of his youth. It ends up blindsiding you with a devastating turn of events late in the game, adding some weight to the story.
Christophers' performance may be a matter of taste, as he lays on the awkwardness rather thick. But the lovely Glynnis O'Connor ("Ode to Billy Joe") is enchanting as Dukes' daughter and a requisite love interest who finds T. T. a turnoff at first. A steady parade of familiar faces fill out supporting and character roles with style: Dorothy Tristan ("Klute"), a.k.a. Mrs. John D. Hancock, as Dukes' ex-wife, Todd Susman ("The Loners"), Alice Playten ("Legend"), James Van Patten ("Roller Boogie"), Stacey Nelkin ("Halloween III: Season of the Witch"), Barton Heyman ("The Exorcist"), Kirsten Baker ("Friday the 13th Part 2"), and Bonnie Bartlett ("Love Letters").
Somewhat forgotten over time, "California Dreaming" is certain to make some viewers very nostalgic for this time and place in American pop culture.
Eight out of 10.