
Classic 80s cult
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
After being ignored during its intial theatrical release (and drawing little attention after coming to home video) it took cable to help bring this rock n' roll gem to the masses.
After a eighties revival sparks interest in a classic one album wonder rock and roll band a reporter, taking a hint from Citizen Kane, interviews former bandmates of Eddie Wilson in an attempt to understand what led him to take his own life by driving his car off the side of a bridge and what could have happened to the missing recording tapes from the bands last session. Her interview with Frank Ridgeway sparks memories that lead to him to seek out his old friends and he learns that most have been recently ransacked and one has been in contact with a person claiming to the be the deceased singer. Could Eddie have escaped from his watery grave or is someone else behind the phone calls?
The film Features a strong cast of up and coming actors including Tom Berenger, Ellen Barkin, Joey Pantoliano and the under appreciated Michael Pare and it manages to tell its slight story very effectively but the real selling point is the Springsteen lite songs by John Cafferty. Shortly after the film made its cable debut the soundtrack album began to fly off the shelfs leading to the surprise chart success of the previously ignored 'On the dark side'. Every song is excellent and does a great job of capturing the spirit of the time. Unfortunately Cafferty has been unable to transfer the soundtracks large fan base over to his non-Eddie work despite releasing some very good albums.
After the films belated success the studio attempted to re-release the it theatrically but audiences already had their own copies and it was once again passed over. A belated sequel did little to add to the films mystic although it did once again feature some great music.
This is a terrific film and I would be very surprised if anyone picks up the DVD without immediatly ordering the CD soundtrack. The two go together perfectly.
Review ID: 10000000005439668

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