Having a family that owned and operated a video store back in the 80s we chose what movies would be on the shelf. Of course we would order the most recent blockbusters but the shelves also needed filler on the chance those big titles were all rented. You looked for interesting sounding titles and trust me there were plenty of them. We ordered SURF NAZIS MUST DIE because of the title and the connection to Troma Films which had had a nice hit with THE TOXIC AVENGER. It was a terrible mistake.
In a future time period a major earthquake has turned California into a wasteland. Not quite Mad Max level but a land fueled by anarchy. Controlling various areas are gangs that vie to take over one another’s territories. Among these is a neo-Nazi group with a self-proclaimed Fuhrer of the beach who calls himself Adolf.
One of the victims of violence perpetrated by the gang is a man named Leroy who they kill. When his mother “Mama” Washington hears about this, she escapes from her nursing home, arms herself with handguns and grenades and seeks revenge.
Yes, the story here is actually that simple. And the worst part is the film is filled with filler. Speeches by Adolf, fights between gangs that look sloppy and silly and smoke filled sets that are supposed to look like the world has crumbled but with no reason for the smoke. Scenes on the beach, surfing shots used to fill out the meager 83 minute running time and more result in a movie that is more boring that one would expect.
Troma Films is known for its low to no budget films and outrageous and offensive storylines. But this movie really doesn’t even qualify for being one of their better films. It gained notoriety based on its title alone. That and the artwork for the posters were the only good things to come from this movie.
The acting is some of the worst ever, the cinematography leaves much to be desired and if there was directing going on here it doesn’t show. The story is weak at best and uninvolving. This is one of those movies that video store fans will likely have fond memories of until they watch it again and then realize just how much weed they smoked back then.
The movie is being released with a newly restored high definition version of the film on Blu-ray, but that can’t help make it look any better than it did on video. There are a number of extras as well including a new introduction to the film by Troma found Lloyd Kaufman, an interview with director Peter George, an interview with producer Robin Tinnell, deleted scenes, The Projection Booth Podcast with guest George, scenes from Tromaville Café, “The Soul of Troma” featurette, the Troma short BLOOD STAB and promos for other Troma releases.
I truly found that this film was an incredible waste of time
that I can never reclaim. Troma has done better and made much more enjoyable
films. Even the trailer for this film was better than the feature. If for some
reason you are incredibly wealthy and can afford to toss money down the drain
you might want to buy this one. Otherwise find something worthy of your hard earned
cash.
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