Malibu Rescue: The Next Wave
Performance & Direction: Malibu Rescue: The Next Wave Review
Last updated: February 3, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Malibu Rescue: The Next Wave (2020) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.2/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Malibu Rescue: The Next Wave features a noteworthy lineup led by Ricardo Hurtado . Supported by the likes of Breanna Yde and Jackie R. Jacobson , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Malibu Rescue: The Next Wave
Quick Plot Summary: Malibu Rescue: The Next Wave is a Comedy film that brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The comedic structure relies on both situational humor and character-based comedy. It’s summer again, and everyone’s favorite Junior Rescuers, The Flounders, are back at Tower 2. With the International Junior Rescue Championships headed to Southern California, the eyes of the entire planet are on Malibu Beach. But when Team USA falls victim to a bout of food poisoning, it’s up to Tyler, Dylan, Eric, Lizzie and Gina to represent their country in the world's most extreme lifeguard challenge! The film finds humor in relatable situations while maintaining narrative momentum. The jokes serve the story, with callbacks and running gags that reward attentive viewers.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The opening establishes the comedic tone and introduces the central conflict through humor and character quirks.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The comedic climax ties together recurring jokes and character arcs, delivering both laughs and emotional satisfaction.
Ending Explained: Malibu Rescue: The Next Wave
Ending Breakdown: Malibu Rescue: The Next Wave concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Malibu Rescue: The Next Wave reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Malibu Rescue: The Next Wave?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
Top Cast: Malibu Rescue: The Next Wave
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Where to Watch Malibu Rescue: The Next Wave Online?
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NetflixMalibu Rescue: The Next Wave Parents Guide & Age Rating
2020 AdvisoryWondering about Malibu Rescue: The Next Wave age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Malibu Rescue: The Next Wave is 70 minutes (1h 10m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.2/10, and global performance metrics, Malibu Rescue: The Next Wave is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2020 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Malibu Rescue: The Next Wave worth watching?
Malibu Rescue: The Next Wave is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 6.2/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Malibu Rescue: The Next Wave parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Malibu Rescue: The Next Wave identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Malibu Rescue: The Next Wave?
The total duration of Malibu Rescue: The Next Wave is 70 minutes, which is approximately 1h 10m long.
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Critic Reviews for Malibu Rescue: The Next Wave
Really good watch, probably won't watch again, but can recommend if you've seen the first one. I'll start by saying this sequel is just as good as the first, it's like a natural extension, but I can't imagine anyone who hasn't seen the first one is going to enjoy this half as much as people who have. It's the same great cast enjoying their characters along with the audience, with a new event and lots of new characters to keep everything fresh. I like the approach they took, but it's so ridiculously monumental that I can't imagine anything they could do to follow it up. It is literally like, "Well, we're not getting another one, let's get crazy!". There isn't a lot to complain about, but there just is a ceiling on how good this can be for me, and likely most adults. Generally recommended for younger audiences.
An improvement on the original, which is unexpected. I noted in my review of 2019's 'Malibu Rescue' that I probably wouldn't bother watching the television series in between - I actually did. It's still not good, but that too bettered the first film. I'd say 'Malibu Rescue: The Next Wave' is superior to both, so the series as a whole is on an - admittedly slow - upward trajectory. Listen, it still isn't something I enjoyed. It has undeniable issues, but I honestly don't dislike it either. The cast are pleasant, if not necessarily good. They work well together. Alkoya Brunson is the standout, but they all bounce off each other in truth. I approve of them bringing that Jeffy (Michael Mourra) kid back, they create fairly funny gags with him in the films - could possibly do with him in the show? It's made for a specific demographic and, I guess, works in that respect. They could definitely do better though, to make it a fun film to watch for more viewers. Intrigued to see if this gets renewed further, I assume it will.
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This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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