A group of friends start a rock band, but as they start their rise in the music world, they get mixed up with drugs.
Reviews
Very well executed
It is a performances centric movie
A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.
There are moments in this movie where the great movie it could've been peek out... They're fleeting, here, but they're worth savoring, and they happen often enough to make it worth your while.
I have been looking for this movie - I had a VHS of it and lost it. I love the songs, and it makes me all misty-eyed. Seeing that it came out in the 80's when everyone I know wanted to be in a band, and it features just a regular bunch of teens trying to make it. I have always wanted the songs played by the bands "Magic" and "Surgical Steel". I have often wondered if the actors actually performed the songs themselves. I first saw the film on late night television in 1989, and every Internet search I have made for the film have come up empty. Clancy Brown is great as the roadie, and he shows the talent that has made him one of the best character actors today. Leif Garret even appears as a swam rocker-wannabe who will step on anyone to get to the top.
This movie holds a special place in my heart for several reasons.1) it's pretty accurate about many things2) if you have been in a band, the travails of "Magic" may seem familiar3) it was filmed in Tucson, AZ. when I lived there, and 15 days of extra work paid for my move to Minnesota.4) I actually get a closeup during the big climax. (fat guy with single tall mohawk)I love this movie, but I don't claim it's all that good. The soap opera that passes for plot might be accurate, but it's not very well done. Some of the best scenes never made it into the movie, (another song, by another band apparently was totally cut.) It was fun to watch all the groupie chicks lining up outside Leif Garrett's dressing room every day, not to mention his frequent terrible cocaine jokes. When I moved here, it showed up on a local TV station, and the radio ads were hilarious ("They're putting their dreams on the line...for one night... in Thunder Alley")! I denied all involvement for years, but I'm past that now. Notable for a rare performance by Leif Garrett, and the only footage I know of, featuring Phoenix metal stalwarts "Surgical Steel" who manage some actual heavy metal (before the hair-metal glam took over). I can't say that it is all that well done, but Clancy Brown (before "Highlander"! nice guy too) does some nice work as a surprisingly forthright road manager.--Judex.1--
I just finished watching it again. I recorded it from HBO about 15 years ago. The tape is almost shot, but the movie still rocks. I'd love to find it on DVD. It's a classic rock and roll story. Band rises to the top...band member dies of a drug overdose....rest of band overcomes the loss and still rocks the big concert. Anyone who played rock and roll in the 80's will love this movie. Current teens may find the 80's attire and hair humorous.
I have seen that movie like a 100 times! And I must say that I love it! That is not because it is the biggest movie, but 4 the actors and the music in it! I loved it from the start when the bell rings in the morning 2 the end!!!!!!! If some one has the soundtrack-album, (if there is one) 4 this movie.... Please contact me! I would love 2 buy it!!!!!!Thats all........