Baywatch is a fun, light comedy that attempts to unite comedy, action, and nostalgia, embodying the sun-tanned romance of the popular television series. Although it borders on absurd humour and over-the-top characters, it finds a way to balance these with some of sincere camaraderie and heart. The film is very dynamic and silly in nature, and it draws mostly on slapstick comedies and extreme acting, hit or miss, but generally it gives the viewer a light, fun feeling, and invites them to sit back and have fun.
Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron shine through the roles and provide charisma and energy to the film much higher than the nonsensical plot. Johnson plays Mitch Buchannon, a funny portrayal, and unexpectedly compassionate, giving the film its more absurd scenes a sense of sincerity. The energetic performance by Efron as the new recruit gives the film a new twist and the other side characters provide caricatured characters that enhance the light-hearted tone of the film. Direction, cinematography and the production design aptly reflect the colorful beach mood with the use of neon colors and sun rays, plunging the viewers into the exaggerated world of Emerald Bay. The energetic music also helps to enhance the energy of the film making it seem like a raving, sun-soaked partying session throughout.
Although not all jokes work and the plot tends to be overshadowed by jokes and action, Baywatch provides a surprisingly heartwarming take on the importance of working as a team, being your own person, and doing what is right. It is a movie that despite all the silly stuff, honors friendship and heroism and leaves me smiling and that it was fun. But after all it is a ridiculous, unpremeditated adventure that is best undertaken with easy mind and light spirits–evidence that a small share of sun, sand, and laughter will at times serve to lift a man up.
