SIDE OUT

US, 1990, 100 minutes, Colour.
C. Thomas Howell, Peter Horton, Courtney Thorne- Smith, Harley Jane Kozak, Christopher Rydell, Terry Kiser, Kathy Ireland.
Directed by Peter Israelson.

This is a film about volleyball – and a very American, Californian film, plenty of sport on the beach, plenty of girls on the beach. C. Thomas Howell plays a young law student who comes to California for the summer, ends up watching the girls, playing volleyball and befriending a faded veteran. There are competitions, there are girls in bikinis, there is sun and surf. A formulaic film – designed very much for lovers of the sport (although some of the expert commentators thought that the central characters did not know some of the skills of volleyball). Perhaps a niche film.

1. The formula that was popularised by Rocky, the success of the underdog?

2. California, sun and surf? The musical score, the range of songs?

3. American sports films, playing, achievement, issues of money, buddies, integrity?

4. The title, volleyball, the filmed games, the excitement of the games and competition?

5. California, sex and sand stereotypes, the beaches?

6. Monroe Clark, from Wisconsin, law student, meeting Samantha, the volleyball, the friendship with Zack, sport, experience, the law? Work, play? Wiley, the competition? Winning? Swimming? The decision, the court? Anger, Wiley? Partnership, training, Samantha and love, the uncle, integrity? The final?

7. Zack Barnes, once a champion, relationship with Kate, noticing Monroe, coaching? Sexual encounters? Sharing the house? The temptation, the game, winning? Samantha and her independence? Kate and manipulation?

8. The players, tough, ego, anger, skills?

9. Wiley, the bar, fans?

10. Opportunities rising and taken?