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that
can't be missed.
The
box cover described this movie as "an outrageous,
coming-of-age comedy"
Anthony Michael Hall
comes of age.
I love
it!
I
was amazed how many lines were dubbed into this movie. It
was as if the producers knew that nothing funny was happening
so they added in their stock of "never fail" punch
lines. Much of the post-speak was dropped in to explain
jokes that were happening but happening poorly.
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JOHNNY BE GOOD
1988
Starring:
Anthony Michael Hall, Robert Downey Jr, Uma Thurman / Director:
Bud Smith
Special appearances by Jim McMahon and Howard Cosell (How'd they
get these two heavyweights?!)
Before I begin the review of this movie I'd
like to make it clear that I will be referring to the lead character
(Johnny Walker) as Anthony Michael Hall. I am doing this because
I believe this to be, not the story of Johnny Walker, but a true
glimpse into the psyche of Anthony
Michael Hall. Let's begin...
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Anthony
Michael Hall is the star Quarterback for his high school football
team. He loves his "Mama", wishes to support his
family, and likes to play drums while watching pro-football
on TV. It is clear early on that everyone wants a piece of
Anthony, coaches, cheerleaders and hordes of plaid-clad football
scouts. It doesn't take long before he is taken in by the
many temptations that ruin so many of the Greats today (1988).
Temptations
like strip clubs!
You
see, back in the 80's it was nearly impossible to see naked
girls. Video rental was not widespread, few could afford a
VCR, and the internet was years away. So it took just the
smallest amount of cleavage or cheek to send men into an uncontrollable
fit of lust hysteria. "Strip club" scenes were a
staple of any R rated comedy and a guaranteed ticket seller.
This
was one of those strip clubs where none of the girls undressed
any less than pasties and G-strings, yet the men are going absolutely
berserk!
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There
is one priceless clip here of Anthony Michael Hall losing
his mind. He's behaving as if his family is being chopped
to bits by a circus clown.
Anthony
incorporates absolute terror, indescribable bliss and
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What's this about? |
It's about this. |
the most hopeless of sorrow into one 5 second clip, and all
because a girl is in a G-string. It's a highlight of the film
for me because he doesn't seem to be acting. This is most definitely
how Anthony Michael Hall behaves in a strip club.
During
one of Anthony's celebratory bashes he is confronted by the
reality of his sport. An ex-pro football player is pumping
gas for the convertible of wasted jocks. Anthony is clearly
affected by this brief encounter. As the car drives off, Anthony
is looking over his shoulder at the once famed halfback. Food
for thought Anthony... food for thought.
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When
Anthony returns home, he has changed. This is the greatest
part of the film for me. He's strutin' down his suburban
street in his slick new duds. His silk shirt unbuttoned
to his navel, black cowboy boots, shiny purple slacks
and gold jewelry as far as the eye can see.
He's wavin' his hands in the air, jiggin' clappin' and-a-snappin'.
Anthony Michael Hall now owns this two bit town!I know
that Anthony dug this scene big time! |
His
girlfriend (Uma Thurman) does not like the new person that he
has become. The most believable part in this movie is Uma calling
Anthony Michael Hall an "asshole!". It was so real
that I felt as if I were there.
Then
suddenly the movie ends. Don't get me wrong, I was thrilled,
but it's quick and to the point. Anthony sees the error of
his ways and decides to go to another college with less bad
people.
The
teaming up of Robert Downey Jr. and Anthony Michael Hall is
genius! When they put their heads together to pull the ultimate
prank on their evil coach, the "funny" overflows
in oceans. The prank begins with two dozen pizzas being delivered
followed by Hare Krishnas, elephants, a male stripper and
a roach exterminator in full space suit gear. They all arrive
at the same time and snot blew out of my nose.
I
have to admit that half the fun in this movie is watching
Anthony Michael Hall acting "cool". I'm sure that
he saw this role as a turning point from geek to jock...and
it was. Unfortunately there is less demand for jocks in Hollywood
than there is for circus geeks.
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