Side Out

Set amidst the cherry blossoms, endless sandy beaches, and shimmering Pacific waves of Southern California, the 1990 comedy-drama film Side Out tells the story of an unlikely duo that sprouts a shared bond over the popular beach sport, volleyball. Directed by Peter Israelson, the film stars the engaging C. Thomas Howell, the effortlessly charming Peter Horton, and the blossoming Courtney Thorne-Smith set against a sizzling backdrop of intense beach volleyball tournaments, teenage frisson, and personal growth.

The film's lead, Monroe Clark (C. Thomas Howell), is an ambitious law student hailing from the Midwest, eager to make his mark in the world. As the film opens, he arrives in LA to intern for his uncles’ law firm with his mind set on the professional world of Law. Unbeknownst to him, this launch pad steers him in connection with the world of beach volleyball. As an errand for his uncle, Monroe comes across an evicted volleyball player, Zack Barnes (Peter Horton), who once dominated the courts of the prime summer sport but has lost his way and is overshadowed by a new and fresh volley-superstar.

Despite their vastly contrasting personalities and philosophies, the pawn-student and the former-volley champ form an unlikely alliance. On one hand, Monroe sees the opportunity to introduce the sun-kissed, energetic, and seemingly carefree world of beach volleyball to his otherwise by-the-book, career-focused life. On the other hand, Zack sees this newfound friendship as a chance to regain his lost glory in the sport that he loves and once ruled.

Their companionship unravels Monroe's unprecedented talent for the sport, leading the duo to enter the highly competitive realm of professional beach volleyball. The film pours you into the deeply satisfying sports-drama tension that hitches on every service, block, and spike, as the pair duke it out with the champions of the volleyball world.

Courtney Thorne-Smith portrays the role of Monroe's love interest, Samantha. She effortlessly essays the part of a successful single woman who is attracted to Monroe's down-to-earth midwestern values that offset her experience with the superficial LA dating scene.

Monroe’s LA visit, initially planned as a stepping stone towards a promising legal career, delicately morphs into a transformative, self-realizing journey. Side Out beautifully outlines the allegories of personal growth, cultural differences, and the unleashed spirit of competition, offset with humour and the sun-soaked Californian lifestyle. Volleyball, in this narrative, becomes not just a sport, but a vibrant backdrop that serves as a metaphor for life's challenges, failures, and victories.

In terms of visuals, the film is a homage to the 90's Southern California aesthetic. The exquisite cinematography captures the vibrant hues of beach sunsets, the pulsating life of Venice Beach, and the arid beauty of LA. The film essentially brings the quintessence of Californian culture alive on screen, almost making it a character in the narrative.

In addition to powerful performances from the lead actors, Side Out contains a great ensemble cast that adds depth and color to the narrative, including Harley Jane Kozak, Christopher Rydell, and Terry Kiser.

Side Out is also known for its impressive volleyball choreography. The games are engaging and thrilling, pumping adrenaline into the viewers' veins every time the ball kisses the sand. Each shot, each play is woven efficiently into the narrative, contributing not just to the sports drama but also to the overall storyline.

With a thoughtful blend of comedy, coming-of-age drama, sports excitement and romance, Side Out excels as an engaging movie that showcases the sport of beach volleyball in a light never seen before. This film takes the viewers on a journey where they can enjoy the spectacle of the game, the thrill of competition and the classic 90s aesthetics while simultaneously giving a thoughtful commentary on personal growth and ambition.

The satisfying narrative, spot-on humor, seamless interplay of volleyball sequences, and the allure of 90's Southern California make Side Out a memorable and enjoyable film. It beautifully reminds us that the game of life is not merely about winning but also about values, spirit, and most importantly, never giving up.