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Narration scenes and ending ruined this movie

posted 12 years ago by savaslikesmovies
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The ending scene seemed like a teaser for a wall street movie or something... How this kid experienced the wilderness then said "suck it!" and instead made millions in the stock market.

The narration scenes in between the movie all result to nothing, but just so the final scene makes sense..

We could relate to Alan as being a kid and simply just not liking what he's experiencing or going through. Vic's methods seem a bit reckless and maybe it's the 80's culture or it's the film ignoring all the typical not-to-do things when out in the wilderness.

I think everyone kind of understands Alan and gives him a break. Until the ending narration, where we find out he still doesn't get what Vic was trying to do and he's turned into an *beep*

I don't know about you, but I would respect what Vic was trying to do and show the kids what is important to them individually. Alan to not be a braveless, and the others to work as a group. It seems like someone changed the direction of this movie to do this, and be different. Bad decision.

[–] SeanJoyce 12 years ago

The superfluous Ferris Bueller-inspired scene commentary (clearly added to pad the film's brief running time) and cockeyed ending (Alan's experiences should have at least inculcated an appreciation for the outdoors and his self-sufficiency), there are a couple things that could vastly improve White Water Summer:

- Flesh out the Kevin Bacon character. This is the movie's biggest shortcoming, as we never know just who the guy is and what his motivations are. Is he a latent sadist slowly losing his sanity, or is he exercising "tough love" by using questionable methods? We're clearly meant to sympathize with Alan, but the interpretation of Vick is too ambiguous (a fault of lazy screenwriting, not Bacon's performance. He's one of the best things about the film.) A denouement with a more humble and mature Alan would have at least illustrated that Vick accomplished something positive. If White Water Summer is a "rite of passage" or "coming-of-age" tale, Alan should learn something crucial in the process...not just a temporary conquering of his fears to overcome a psychotic wilderness guide.

- Extend the running time. Even with the pointless story interruptions, the movie stands at a short 85 mins. Jettison those intrusions and insert some more nature action. It's not imperative, but personally speaking, I was disappointed to not see any forms of wildlife beyond fish. They're traipsing through the woods and don't encounter any animals? We could have easily gotten a majestic moose that the group gazes at while Vick quietly elaborates on its hunting habits. Or a soaring bald eagle. A surly mountain lion. Best yet, a bear that turns ferocious when a straggling Alan unwittingly wanders into its den. Bears make everything better.

Despite these proposed revisions which I think would result in a better film, White Water Summer is one of those glorious, "pure 80s" movies that has attracted a sizable following over the years. It maintains an interesting balance between genuine appeal and 80s cheesiness, with Bacon and the rugged scenery struggling to triumph over any storytelling deficiencies. With some more care and tweaking, we could be talking about a truly memorable film, and not a decent to moderately-good one that survives mostly as a piece of nostalgic fluff.

...if that was off, I'd be whoopin' your ass up and down this street. ~ an irate Tarantino