Baywatch (2017) Review

When a beloved television series from the 1990s gets reimagined as a feature film, the expectations can vary wildly. Baywatch, the 2017 reboot of the iconic lifeguard drama, takes a humorous and action-packed approach to resurrect the franchise. Directed by Seth Gordon and starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Zac Efron, the film promises a blend of comedy, action, and nostalgia. However, the question remains: does it manage to stay afloat or sink under its own weight?

Plot Summary

The story follows the lifeguards of Emerald Bay, led by the charismatic and dedicated Mitch Buchannon (Dwayne Johnson). Mitch is not just a lifeguard; he’s a local hero revered by the community. His team includes the experienced Stephanie Holden (Ilfenesh Hadera), the bubbly and ambitious Summer Quinn (Alexandra Daddario), and the earnest but clumsy Ronnie Greenbaum (Jon Bass), who dreams of proving himself despite his lack of traditional athletic prowess.

Trouble brews when a new recruit, Matt Brody (Zac Efron), joins the team. A disgraced Olympic swimmer with a cocky attitude and a penchant for partying, Brody is everything Mitch despises in a teammate. As the two clash over their differing approaches to teamwork and responsibility, a larger threat emerges: Victoria Leeds (Priyanka Chopra), a glamorous and ruthless businesswoman who uses her beachside club as a front for drug smuggling and other illicit activities.

The team must put aside their differences to uncover Leeds’ criminal activities and protect their beach, all while navigating hilarious hijinks and thrilling action sequences.

Comedy and Tone

One of the defining features of Baywatch (2017) is its reliance on raunchy comedy and over-the-top humor. The film deviates significantly from the earnest tone of the original TV series, opting instead for a self-aware, irreverent style reminiscent of recent action-comedies like 21 Jump Street. The script is packed with crude jokes, physical gags, and plenty of tongue-in-cheek references to the absurdities of the original show—slow-motion running, anyone?

While the comedic tone provides some genuine laughs, it also tends to be hit-or-miss. The humor often leans heavily on lowbrow jokes, which may alienate viewers seeking smarter or more sophisticated comedy. For instance, Ronnie’s embarrassing encounters, such as getting his privates stuck in a beach chair, are played for laughs but may feel juvenile to some. On the flip side, moments of playful banter between Mitch and Brody showcase the cast’s chemistry and deliver some of the film’s most entertaining scenes.

Performances

Dwayne Johnson is, unsurprisingly, the anchor of the film. His larger-than-life persona and natural charisma shine as Mitch, making him a believable leader and a likable protagonist. Johnson’s ability to balance action heroics with comedic timing elevates the film, even when the script falters.

Zac Efron, as the arrogant Matt Brody, provides a strong counterpoint to Johnson’s Mitch. Efron fully commits to the role, delivering both physical comedy and moments of vulnerability as Brody evolves from a self-absorbed hotshot to a team player. The dynamic between Johnson and Efron forms the heart of the film, with their “odd couple” pairing generating plenty of humor and tension.

Priyanka Chopra’s turn as the villainous Victoria Leeds is a mixed bag. While Chopra brings undeniable glamour and poise to the role, her character lacks depth and nuance. Leeds’ motivations are thinly sketched, and her presence feels more like an afterthought than a fully realized antagonist.

The supporting cast—Alexandra Daddario, Ilfenesh Hadera, and Jon Bass—do their best with the material they’re given. Daddario and Hadera provide capable performances as competent lifeguards, while Bass delivers plenty of comic relief. However, their characters are underdeveloped, often reduced to one-dimensional archetypes.

Action and Visuals

As an action-comedy, Baywatch delivers a handful of well-choreographed set pieces, including daring rescues, jet ski chases, and explosive confrontations. These sequences are energetic and visually appealing, making good use of the sun-soaked beach setting. The cinematography emphasizes the beauty of Emerald Bay, with sweeping shots of the coastline and crystal-clear waters.

However, the action scenes often feel more like obligatory genre tropes than integral parts of the story. The film’s reliance on CGI for certain effects can also be distracting, detracting from the immersive quality of the action. Additionally, the balance between action and comedy sometimes feels uneven, with the film struggling to seamlessly transition between the two.

Nostalgia and Fan Service

For fans of the original Baywatch series, the film includes several nods and winks to its predecessor. The iconic slow-motion running sequences are hilariously exaggerated, and there are cameo appearances by David Hasselhoff and Pamela Anderson, two of the original show’s biggest stars. These moments are sure to elicit smiles from longtime fans, even if they’re fleeting.

However, the film’s heavy reliance on parodying the original series raises the question of whether it’s celebrating or mocking its source material. While the self-aware humor works in some instances, it can also come across as dismissive, potentially alienating die-hard fans who were hoping for a more sincere homage.

Themes and Message

Beneath its comedic and action-packed surface, Baywatch attempts to explore themes of teamwork, redemption, and community. Mitch’s unwavering dedication to his team and his beach serves as a reminder of the importance of selflessness and responsibility. Meanwhile, Brody’s journey from selfishness to camaraderie highlights the value of personal growth and accountability.

However, these themes are often overshadowed by the film’s focus on humor and spectacle. The character arcs feel rushed, and the emotional moments lack the depth needed to leave a lasting impact. As a result, the film’s underlying messages come across as superficial rather than meaningful.

Weaknesses

While Baywatch has its moments of charm and entertainment, it’s far from a perfect film. The biggest flaw lies in its uneven tone. The movie struggles to balance its comedic and action elements, resulting in a disjointed narrative. The humor, though occasionally effective, often relies on juvenile jokes that wear thin over the course of the film’s two-hour runtime.

Another issue is the underdevelopment of the supporting characters and the villain. The focus on Mitch and Brody’s dynamic comes at the expense of giving other characters meaningful arcs. This lack of depth makes it difficult to become fully invested in the story or its stakes.

Final Verdict

Baywatch (2017) is a film that doesn’t take itself too seriously, which is both its greatest strength and its biggest weakness. It succeeds as a lighthearted, escapist comedy with charismatic leads and a few genuinely funny moments. However, its reliance on crude humor, uneven tone, and underdeveloped characters prevent it from reaching its full potential.

For viewers seeking a fun, mindless popcorn flick, Baywatch offers enough laughs and action to keep them entertained. Fans of Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron will likely enjoy their chemistry and comedic performances. However, those hoping for a faithful and heartfelt revival of the original series may be left disappointed.

In the end, Baywatch floats but doesn’t quite make a splash. It’s a film that’s easy to watch but equally easy to forget, leaving audiences with a mixed bag of laughter, nostalgia, and missed opportunities.