Cathardincu Surprisingly incoherent and boring

Invaderbank The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.

Iseerphia All that we are seeing on the screen is happening with real people, real action sequences in the background, forcing the eye to watch as if we were there.

Sammy-Jo Cervantes There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.

sol- Opening with majestic aerial shots that capture the serene beauty of the beach where the title character works, this low key yet potent drama revolves around a thirtysomething lifeguard who begins to question the viability of the job that he loves amid mounting family pressure and a new girlfriend with a young boy to support. "I still wonder what you're going to be when you grow up" announces the main character's father at an uncomfortable family dinner in which the camera tracks back and forth across the table, perfectly capturing the ease and tension in the air at a key point. Thoughtfully shot as the film may be, and thought-provoking as the screenplay by 'Into the Night' screenwriter Ron Koslow certainly is, the key element that drives the film is Sam Elliott's towering lead performance. The way he simply shyly smiles at many points conveys more than words possibly could and fans of 'The Big Lebowski' will likely be interested to see Elliott younger than ever but still possessing the same very natural charisma. Having fallen into obscurity over the years, 'Lifeguard' is a far from flawless film with the drawn-out montages set to maudlin music the most obvious vice, but most aspects of the film work - even an initially awkward romance that develops between Elliott and a teenage beachgoer set on seducing him. There is a lot to be said about the effectiveness of the final few shots of the film too; while one might not necessarily agree with his decisions by the end of the film, it is easy every step of the way to sympathise with the choices he makes.

BeagleBuddy Ahh, the 1970s...the decade that gets no respect, the decade when "nothing happened". Am I the only person who remembers that time with fondness and nostalgia? Maybe it's because I was in my twenties then, or maybe it's because it was back then that I had my first real love affair (Hi Marci! I haven't forgotten you!). Or maybe it's because it was the last decade before Reagan and the crazy right-wingers were able to get their greedy claws into this country and...uh, but I'm getting off topic. Well, whatever the reason, this low-budget, largely forgotten film really strikes a chord with me.When this film was first released in 1976, I remember that it was promoted as one of those idiotic beach and bikini comedies aimed primarily at teenagers. Those who went expecting that kind of movie must have been disappointed, because it's nothing of the kind. Oh, it has some skin and comic-relief moments, but mostly it's a fairly straight, serious drama about a thirty-something guy, Rick Carlson (Sam Elliott), who has reached a time in his life when he has to make some very important decisions. Up to this point he has been happily spending his life as a professional lifeguard at a southern California beach, but a little voice inside him is telling him he can't do this forever, and maybe he should start getting serious about life. He is starting to feel pressure , too, from others...family, friends, younger co-workers...all who want Rick to grow up and move on. But it takes a re-kindled romance with his recently divorced high-school sweetheart to get Rick to start seriously thinking about making some life-altering decisions. And that's the crux of the movie: should he follow his head or his heart? For such a low-budget film the acting is pretty decent. Elliott gives a respectable low-key performance in his first "serious" role (prior to "Lifeguard" he was known chiefly as a TV character actor), and the rest of the cast is also pretty good. The standout is a young Kathleen Quinlan as Wendy, a lonely alienated 17-year-old who, in one of the film's subplots, develops a serious crush on Rick. When he finally succumbs to her advances and takes her into his lifeguard shack, a scene that could have been crude and exploitative is instead handled with tact and even tenderness, thanks to her skillful and nuanced performance.The screenplay is thoughtful and doesn't insult the viewer's intelligence, and the director keeps the film moving along at a good pace and focused on the main character and his story. There is very little in the way of fluff and non-essential elements, and though it may seem like you have to deal with a number of clichéd situations, don't assume you've got this film figured out. The ending may surprise you.And the atmosphere is pure 1970s...the real thing, not some stereotype-laden cartoonish costume-drama version of the 1970s. The cars, the clothes, the hairstyles, the slang, the music...even the hokey theme song by Paul Williams (remember him?!)...somehow it all seems just right. Take it from someone who was there.I was a five years or so younger than Rick in 1976, but I could certainly relate to his predicament, and I'll be willing to bet that there are a lot of young people out there right now who could do the same. Check this movie out if you get a chance. Not a great work of art, maybe, but a fine little film with a message that will resonate with young people of every generation.

wes-connors Torrance, California lifeguard Sam Elliott (as Rick "Ricky" Carlson) starts to feel his advancing years, after receiving an invitation to his Del Mar High School "Class of 1960" fifteen year reunion. Tanned, handsome and hairy, Mr. Elliott keeps up with the young and enjoys pleasing different women. He's a stud in the shack, but avoids commitment. Arriving on the beach, cute wavy-haired student Parker Stevenson (as Chris Randall) receives instruction in life-guarding and becomes Elliott's partner. They pontificate about how often aroused Steve Burns (as Harold) masturbates. The horny lad is called "Machine Gun" because he "holds the international record for jerking off." After the scene with topless stewardess Sharon Clark (as Tina), he'll have company... Both Elliott and Mr. Stevenson contemplate sex with mature but underage Kathleen Quinlan (as Wendy). Stevenson would do her. However, Elliott doesn't want to risk the statutory rape complications. Still, Ms. Quinlan is determined to get it on with Elliott, and won't take no for an answer. Also making the beach scene is Elliott's old school chum Stephen Young (as Larry), who encourages his reluctant pal not only to attend his high school reunion, but also join to him as a Porsche salesman. At the reunion, Elliott meets still attractive art gallery hostess Anne Archer (as Cathy) and thinks about giving up his lifeguard duties for a more socially respectable lifestyle. With more realistic situations and a cool cast, "Lifeguard" arouses new interest in beach movies.******* Lifeguard (7/23/76) Daniel Petrie ~ Sam Elliott, Kathleen Quinlan, Anne Archer, Parker Stevenson

RNMorton Quintessential seventies claptrap features Sam Elliott as thirty-something LA lifeguard facing career and other life choices. Morality seems dated now, but story is still lots of fun if you're into the beach. Elliott is very good in the role, and a young and very charming Kathleen Quinlan has a substantial part as infatuated teen.