The ‘80s were filled with teen comedies. It was actually when the genre was born. However, few have substance like “Risky Business.” I have to start out with a warning this movie is not for kids and for those of
The ‘80s were filled with teen comedies. It was actually when the genre was born. However, few have substance like “Risky Business.”
I have to start out with a warning this movie is not for kids and for those of age to see it, it was made pre-safe-sex era. So please, be safe.
The story is simple. Joel (Tom Cruise) had all the normal teenage fantasies — cars, girls, money. Then his parents left for a week, and all his fantasies came true. However while his parents are away, the situation quickly gets out of hand The movie goes beyond a raunchy teen comedy and delivers a message about ethics, life choices, being yourself and, most of all, learning to say “what the…”
This movie has the key scene that would launch Cruise (Jerry Maguire) to the next level. I won’t spoil it, but one fun scene as he dances to classic rock made him viable enough to explode into our consciousness with 1986’s “Top Gun.” It was this film that set up after “Top Gun” he’d earn his acting respect two to three years later with “Rain Man” (1988) and “Born on the Fourth of July” (1989).
In “Risky Business” we can’t forget the hilarious friend Miles played by Curtis Armstrong from the famed character “Booger” in “Revenge of the Nerds,” although “Nerds” came out a year after “Risky Business.” The real show stopper is a young Rebecca Demornay who plays “Lana,” a male-entertainment escort. The film is not as bad is it might sound. I mean the content. What makes this film so fun is it takes us back to the ripe age of 17. The pressures of school and parents and more importantly society with the age-old question “what are you going to become?”
Let’s not forget the film’s incredible soundtrack, most importantly it preserves the master bluesman Muddy Waters, whose song “Rolling Stone” was the inspiration for one of the world’s most-famous rock bands. The film is jam-packed with great music, great one-liners and is entertaining for all ages 17 and above.
I first saw this film, well let’s say I was too young (thanks older brother). As the years have passed I’ve been able to apply life experience with each viewing and there are some deep meanings to the film, which is why I believe it holds up 27 years later. I watched it this past weekend and it’s better than last time.
Most importantly the film gave us two things and I believe it’s what film should do: 1) It allows us to look at ourselves and relate; 2) it stands the test of time. It’s like I always say “respectfully,” in 2027, will we be watching half the movies made today? Not for me to decide. May every viewer enjoy the journey of “Risky Business.”
Year: 1983
Director: Paul Brickman
Studio: Warner Brothers
Starring: Tom Cruise, Curtis Armstrong, Rebecca Demornay
1. The Big Sleep (1946)
2. Treasure of Sierra Madre (1948)
3. The Searchers (1956)
4. Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)
5. The Pawnbroker (1964)
6. Alfie (1966)
7. Straw Dogs (1971)
8. Lenny (1974)
9. The Breakfast Club (1985)
10. Ferris Bueller’s Day off (1986)
