MovieChat Forums > Return to the Blue Lagoon (1991) Discussion > I don't understand all the hate

I don't understand all the hate

posted 11 years ago by hexedd
4 replies | jump to latest

I'm not going to post and say this movie is one of the best ever. Certainly it's not even close. And yes, compared to the Blue Lagoon it's not as good. Nevertheless, I think it's decent and a fun Sunday afternoon watch. The scenery is beautiful. Also, as much as people hate on the acting I don't think it's actually that bad. Part of why I think the acting feels forced at times is because they were supposed to be portraying naive and innocent teens who were more like children from growing up away from civilization, so I excused a lot of it on that thought. The soundtrack is also pleasant, and the scenery and feel evokes a very fun and innocent tropical paradise. I guess what I'm saying is, for fans of the books I can understand their frustration, but as a standalone movie I think this is a fun one. I remember seeing this as a kid on T.V. on the Movie Network and I loved it. I re-watched it after many many years and I still don't think it's a bad film. Again, I'm not saying it's a 10, but I don't understand all the hate. It's a 5 for me, or even a 6.

[–] Hollywoodshack 10 years ago

Films always need an edge to offend, or no one thinks they're any good. What can you say about young sweethearts on a desert island that does not feature tawdry standards of drugs, crime, violence et cetera? The film made by good sports will always finish last. Agree with your comments.

[–] hexedd 10 years ago

"The film made by good sports will always finish last."

Well said, and an unfortunate truth in our hedonist, decadent, and voyeuristic world.

[–] jake85-1 9 years ago

Agreed with all 3 of you!

[–] Wuchak (8076) 3 years ago

Unlike it's 1980 predecessor, it bombed at the box office, likely because it’s basically a retread. I prefer this one for various reasons; including the entertaining last act and the simple fact that I favor Milla over Brooke Shields (the latter never did anything for me). Both movies were based on Henry De Vere Stacpoole’s trilogy, although this one deviates more than the first.

There are similarities to Edgar Rice Burroughs’ “Tarzan of the Apes,” which suggests that Burroughs was influenced by “The Blue Lagoon” since it debuted in 1908, four years before “Tarzan” (although Burroughs claims that his only inspiration was the Roman myth of Romulus and Remus). (Why Sure!).

This is a well done and realistic island drama/adventure/romance and doesn’t deserve its bad rap. For those who like movies involving castaways, like “Mysterious Island” (1961), “Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan” (1984) and “Six Days Seven Nights” (1998), it’s a must. This one just lacks the fantasy or farcical elements and is more akin to “Crusoe” (1988) and “Lord of the Flies” (1990).