Under the Boardwalk

Story

In Jersey Shore, a tight-knit community of beach hermit crabs lives together in a beach crab town. Every summer, their beach is overrun by sea hermit crabs on holiday. This frustrates the beach crabs, who want to keep the beach to themselves. Among the beach crabs is Armen (voice of Michael Cera), a shy and introverted crab who’s reluctant to come out of his shell. But when his friend Bobby (voice of Bobby Cannavale) carries him to the club, he forms a connection with a sea crab named Ramona (voice of Keke Palmer). Their friendship angers another sea crab named Mako (voice of Russell Brand), who attacks Armen on the beach and steals his shell. When Ramona tries to intervene, a large wave hits the shore, destroying the beach crab town and sweeping Armen and Ramona away.

Armen and Ramona end up far from home. As they journey back, they begin to open up with each other and a relationship blossoms, despite the fact that they come from two different worlds. Meanwhile, back in the beach crab town, the disappearance of Ramona and Armen deepens the divide between the beach and sea crabs, pushing both sides toward all-out conflict. Will Armen and Ramona overcome the many obstacles in their path and make it back in time to stop a war that could tear their communities apart forever?

Themes

Family death; war; racism; class; disability; homelessness

Violence

Under the Boardwalk has some violence. For example:

Beach and sea crabs get into a fight inside a club.
Sea crabs rip Armen from his shell.
Crabs climb and attack a human crab collector.
A beach crab is water-boarded by a sea crab. The sea crab then chokes the beach crab, crushing his neck with his claw. The sea crab’s claw is then ripped off his body by another beach crab who comes to his friend’s aid.
The beach and sea crabs gear up for war, armed in makeshift armour. The two sides charge at each other and begin attacking each other with their weapons, often made from human garbage like cotton buds.
The beach and sea crabs end up at war.

Sexual references

Under the Boardwalk has some sexual references. For example:

Armen says he doesn’t want to go to the club with Bobby and watch him meet girls.
Mako says, ‘I can see your bum’, after ripping Armen from his shell.
A mother crab says, ‘Don’t wait up girls’ to her daughters after she begins dancing with another crab.

Alcohol, drugs and other substances

Under the Boardwalk has some substance use – for example, a crab says, ‘Mama needs a cocktail!’

Nudity and sexual activity

Under the Boardwalk has some nudity and sexual activity. For example:

A crab shows off and flexes his abdominal muscles.
One crab kisses another on the claw.
Two crabs kiss and embrace.

Product placement

There’s no product placement in Under the Boardwalk.

Coarse language

Under the Boardwalk has some coarse language – for example, ‘that’s bullshark’. Insults include ‘drop dead’, ‘meathead’, ‘idiot’ and ‘dumb’.

Ideas to discuss with your children

Under the Boardwalk (2023) is a Romeo and Juliet-esque animated musical, produced by Paramount Pictures. The movie tackles many socio-cultural issues, including class, race, and disability. Due to mild violence and themes, the movie is unsuitable for children under 5 years, and parental guidance is recommended for children aged 5-7 years.

The main messages from Under the Boardwalk are about love and connection despite differences, and how relationships can challenge deep-rooted divisions between communities. The movie also encourages coming out of your shell, both literally and emotionally, and shows that personal growth comes when you step outside of your comfort zone.

Values in Under the Boardwalk that you could reinforce with your children include love, friendship, community, courage, empathy and authenticity.

Under the Boardwalk could also give you the chance to talk with your children about:

Misconceptions about and prejudice against people with disabilities.
The harm of cultural stereotypes and the role of the media.