It's a Bikini World seems to be one of those films that viewers either love or hate. For me, it was definitely 'love', with Tommy Kirk and Deborah Walley returning as the leads. Or were they debuting as the leads? Well, that's a bit of a story, since sources indicate that Bikini World was filmed in 1965 but not released until 67 for some reason, and The Ghost in the Invisible Bikini, which also featured Tommy and Deborah as the leads, was 66. Either way, they're good together and more than capable of carrying an enjoyable film.
It's a Bikini World is well-directed, with striking shots and elements that really are artistic and interesting, well-acted and framed, and while there are some odd points (such as the autumnal foliage and holiday decorations at times), it's a fun film that really grabbed me when I turned it on to pass the time. I ended up drawn in by the plot and wanting to see more. I actually find the later 'beach party' films to be much more engaging than the earlier ones, because they tended to be more imaginative and diverse with interests, as well as somewhat more mature in their depiction of interpersonal relationships. Tommy Kirk is also much more believable and likable in the sort of role that, in the hands of Frankie Avalon, tended to be obnoxious and puerile.
The two leads are both strong-willed and stubborn, and their ambitions and deceptions soon end up getting the better of them. There's a lesson to be learned, but it's not hammered into viewers. The plot is much more driven than most of the beach party fare, but it's still ultimately a film that will relax and amuse and not require all that much mental investment. It's silly, light, and it has some really superb musical numbers, although I will confess the Gentrys and their song were not to my taste; it still got in my head though! It's a real time capsule of a film, and there are elements that make it really far ahead of its time, such as the prominent inclusion of skateboarding.
Most of its detractors focus on things that make me wonder if they understood what kind of film this was from the start. If you like the beach party type of film, light and silly and full of hijinks, you'll most likely enjoy this. I must admit that I found some of the humour especially good and laughed out loud at some of the jokes. And as for snide comments about Tommy Kirk's physique -- give me a break! He looks perfectly athletic. Real athletes don't always have bodies sculpted like Greek statues. I get the feeling some of the people making the comments don't understand how muscles and bodies work.
It's a Bikini World is worth watching. It's a pity that it hasn't seen much in the way of formal releases. We can hope that perhaps, one day, it will. It's an entertaining film that also does a great job of presenting a time capsule of a time long past.
It's a Bikini World is well-directed, with striking shots and elements that really are artistic and interesting, well-acted and framed, and while there are some odd points (such as the autumnal foliage and holiday decorations at times), it's a fun film that really grabbed me when I turned it on to pass the time. I ended up drawn in by the plot and wanting to see more. I actually find the later 'beach party' films to be much more engaging than the earlier ones, because they tended to be more imaginative and diverse with interests, as well as somewhat more mature in their depiction of interpersonal relationships. Tommy Kirk is also much more believable and likable in the sort of role that, in the hands of Frankie Avalon, tended to be obnoxious and puerile.
The two leads are both strong-willed and stubborn, and their ambitions and deceptions soon end up getting the better of them. There's a lesson to be learned, but it's not hammered into viewers. The plot is much more driven than most of the beach party fare, but it's still ultimately a film that will relax and amuse and not require all that much mental investment. It's silly, light, and it has some really superb musical numbers, although I will confess the Gentrys and their song were not to my taste; it still got in my head though! It's a real time capsule of a film, and there are elements that make it really far ahead of its time, such as the prominent inclusion of skateboarding.
Most of its detractors focus on things that make me wonder if they understood what kind of film this was from the start. If you like the beach party type of film, light and silly and full of hijinks, you'll most likely enjoy this. I must admit that I found some of the humour especially good and laughed out loud at some of the jokes. And as for snide comments about Tommy Kirk's physique -- give me a break! He looks perfectly athletic. Real athletes don't always have bodies sculpted like Greek statues. I get the feeling some of the people making the comments don't understand how muscles and bodies work.
It's a Bikini World is worth watching. It's a pity that it hasn't seen much in the way of formal releases. We can hope that perhaps, one day, it will. It's an entertaining film that also does a great job of presenting a time capsule of a time long past.