Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Gidget Goes Hawaiian (1961)


Gidget Goes Hawaiian is the sequel to Gidget, with almost entirely different actors. This time Deborah Walley jumps on the surfboard as redheaded Gidget (and although I love both the original and this sequel, it's hard to say who whines more!). Gidget has gotten in a ridiculous argument with boyfriend Moondoggie (James Darren again) and goes on a Hawaiian holiday with her parents to clear her mind. He follows her there, she meets the bitchy and jealous Abby and the suave Eddie Horner, and drama ensues!

This movie is pretty campy at times, and focuses more on Gidget's relationships with those around her than surfing, although there's a bit of that too. There are a few memorable musical moments (Michael Callan as Eddie Horner has a whole dance number) and Moondoggie sings again, *swoon*! The main thing I really like about this film is that Gidget's parents (Carl Reiner and Jeff Donnell) (Jeff Donnell is a woman, calm down) have a LOT of screentime. While her parents were mere cardboard cutouts in the first Gidget film, they have a lot of personality and provide plenty of laughs in this installment.

So yes, it's silly, it's campy, but it's a fun little summer movie. And now I feel like taking a plane to Hawaii, don't you?
Quick aside, ladies: give some love to Abby's wardrobe. It's darling!





No comments:

Post a Comment