BW Media Spotlight

David Hasselhoff as the character Mitch Buchannon. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

You may recall a recent commentary from yours truly (because I’m the only contributor to this site) in which I discussed the concept of “not-stalgia” movies and TV shows, ones that use an old name and characters but bears no resemblance to the original concept whatsoever. Well, there’s a mild trend I’m seeing start up on this field, a variation if you will. The nostalgic parody. It’s still just starting but I promise you it’s out there, and it’s Baywatch that made me realize it.

This is usually the part where I post the latest trailer to the movie remake/demake of Baywatch, but it’s the movie trailer so they left in the swearing. I’ll link to Screen Crush’s posting of it though and assume you’ve watched it. But if you haven’t, the new version stars Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in David Hasslehoff’s role of Mitch Bucannon, head lifeguard on some California beach. The original series, first airing on NBC and later revived for syndication, is about lifeguards on the beach, their personal lives, and rescuing beach goers and boaters. The show was known for lighter writing, even during “very special episodes”, and beautiful people on the beach. Because a 500+ pound lifeguard would have been a good idea. I’ve never seen an unattractive lifeguard on a beach. They aren’t all as beautiful or handsome as the ones on the show, but a good body comes with the job.

The Screen Crush writer called the movie “self-aware”. In the trailer a woman runs on the beach and two charactera say she always looks like she’s running in slow motion, a reference to the “music video” montages and the intro I imagine. Another character refers to whatever situation is forming the movie’s plot as an entertaining but unrealistic TV show, or words to that effect. And there’s a lot of explosions and a dance party, and the like. It makes me think this will be a parody of the original show, and if you think I’m assuming things, I might be–but with good reason.

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