I think VH1 Classics seems to be one of the biggest influences on this site.
While watching it recently, they had a video for a song from Depeche Mode, “But Not Tonight”. The video was made up of clips from the 1986 film MODERN GIRLS.
I realized I had either forgotten or never seen the film. I happened to notice it was going to be playing on cable in the next few weeks and I set the Tivo.
MODERN GIRLS is another night in the life tale with three friends (Virginia Madsen, Daphne Zuniga, and Cynthia Gibb) spending the night going from club to club. They are joined by a male friend (Clayton Rohner), meet a rock star (also played by Clayton Rohner for some reason), and Madsen is twice almost raped. Oh, and it is a comedy too. Allegedly a comedy. It isn’t funny.
I have a soft spot for 80’s films as you can probably guess.
I could barely make it through this.
The film is only 84 minutes, yet I think I watched it in five sittings. I could barely make it through more than ten minutes without becoming bored silly.
The music for the film is good. That Depeche Mode song is better than the film itself. I’m going to have to look for the soundtrack.
At the beginning, when the girls are getting ready to go out, it is like an 80’s fashion show, with all sorts of different styles that today, you can’t believe people wore. That was kind of fun. But that is all the positive I can really say about it. And if I'm talking about fashion in a film? You know something is wrong with it.
The cast seems to be bored. It is like they have nothing to do. I doubt there was much of a script for them to work with. Cynthia Gibb comes off the best. I always thought she would have a bigger career. (And an aside, is it the best career move for Virginia Madsen to be doing ads for Botox like she is today?)
The film was directed by Jerry Kramer, a music video director (Michael Jackson’s MOONWALKER) and producer. This is probably his best known film. The writer Laurie Craig would go on to write ELLA ENCHANTED.
Released by Atlantic, it hasn’t made it to DVD. The rights are most likely with MGM. I don’t believe there is any reason to release it.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
FORGOTTEN FILM: MODERN GIRLS (1986)
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4 comments:
I have a vague memory of this film as well, it seems to be just one of those watch it and forget it type of movies from the 1980's.
Although I have to say it's funny that the only good thing you could find (aside from the soundtrack) is the fashion.
I know I have the vinyl from this buried somewhere in my records-I always was (and still am) a Depeche fan (I was actually just listening to "Strangelove" on my ipod this morning).
I remember thinking this was a cute, fun movie back in the day, but I'm sure you are totally right in your criticism. I have such a soft spot for 80's anything.
Do you remember the truly awful remake of WHERE THE BOYS ARE (called WHERE THE BOYS ARE '84?)?
I would love to see that again-it's just godawful, but I have fond memories of it because it was loaded with 80's beefcake-which, of course, in my eary teen years, just loved...
I always had a thing for Cynthia Gibb. She was so adorable and has aged quite well over the years. Always remember her in YOUNGBLOOD. Rob Lowe, Patrick Swayze and hockey!
William, I have a very vague memory of it, and I only saw it a few days ago!! It is that kind of movie.
Jeff, believe it or not, I have never seen WHERE THE BOYS ARE 84!! I remember when it came out, remember the trailers and when it played on cable. But, even though it stars Lorna Luft of GREASE 2 and Lynn Holly Johnson of FOR YOUR EYES ONLY, I never got around to it. It would make a great Forgotten Film entry though. I will have to look for it.
And J.D., after watching MODERN GIRLS, I added YOUNGBLOOD to my Netflix queue. I haven't seen it in years.
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