The first time I watched the trailer for this film was before watching “Us;” so, while “The Beach Bum” was already about to release, I hadn’t heard anything about it at all. However, it clearly had a “stoner movie” vibe to it that was only exacerbated with shots of such high-profile features as Zac Efron, Martin Lawrence, Jonah Hill and the legendary Snoop Dogg. I decided to watch it strictly hoping to get some senseless laughs out of the experience; but, I came across much more than that.
The Beach Bum follows the rather tumultuous life of a fictional character by the name of Moondog (played by Matthew McConaughey), who is married to Minnie(played by the stunning Isla Fisher, who many will remember from her over-the-top, yet sweet portrayal of Rachel McAdam’s younger sister in “Wedding Crashers”). Though Moondog has a gifted mind that produces some wonderfully worded poetry when under the influence of any plethora of drugs, Minnie’s family fortune allows Moondog to literally float through life rather aimlessly, often pushing the limits of his own mortality. He jumps from one irresponsible decision to the next, dropping literary gems along the way; but which never prove enough for him to leave his party lifestyle behind and focus on building a more structured future.
When, after one of his many benders, a life development forces his hand and he must come face-to-face with not only his present, but more importantly, his future (if he wants to have one), Moondog sets out on a mission of rediscovery. From this point forward, the film becomes a sort of collection of hilariously orchestrated mini episodes, as we see Moondog interact with one of the aforementioned celebrity features to the next in a way that only Moondog knows how to maximize to its fullest potential. While hilarity ensues, Moondog is also maturing in a way necessary for him to refocus on what’s important to him.
While The Beach Bum is most certainly, at least to some extent, a “stoner movie,” it actually gets the audience to invest in the development of its central character for his own betterment and for the sake of those who love him. In fact, the film is also likely to lead several of its viewers on their own mini journeys of rediscovery, a trait that not many other “stoner movies” can lay claim to. The Beach Bum runs a mere hour and a half long, while the laughs, highs and lows come fast and often. Despite some plot leaps, the Beach Bum is a ball of fun and laughter that carries more gravitas than we’re used to seeing from comedies. And it is for these reasons that I give the movie 3 reps out of 5. The Beach Bum doesn’t have to be seen in theatres; but, if you do go, especially, with a group of close friends, good times will most certainly be had. It won’t win many awards; but, this movie will almost certainly make more fans out of unsuspecting viewers than one might initially suspect it even could. And, if you’re looking for a fun way to pass the time, this one certainly fits the bill.
Have you met The Beach Bum yet? How much fun did you have with him?! Let me know your thoughts in the comments section. Don’t be shy- let the good vibes flow like Moondog does!
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