The Best Feel-Good Movies Vol. 1: Streets of Fire

Jay here. I've never been big on traditional feel-good movies. My comfort food is Jaws, Aliens, Lethal Weapon, Halloween, Star Wars and flicks like that. They entertain me like no other kind of movie can.

But there are some movies that don't fit that bill, yet they do make me feel good. I'm in a funk, and they lift my spirits. Even make me physically feel better. One of those flicks is Walter Hill's Streets of Fire.

One part Western, one part sci-fi flick, this is the story of a former soldier, Tom Cody, who comes home to rescue his ex-girlfriend, rock star Ellen Aim, from the clutches of a creepy motorcycle gang. Only this world is infused with 1950s style, no one is over the age of 30, and it's drenched in rain and neon. And the music is all rock and roll, baby.

The best way to describe it is The Leader of the Pack kidnaps The Queen of the Hop and Soldier Boy comes after her.

This movie is fun! You've got a great, young cast that includes Michael Pare, Diane Lane, Rick Moranis, Willem DaFoe and Amy Madigan, and they're all having a blast. The action is tight, the visuals eye popping and the plot fast moving. There's a bit of a love story, but it doesn't overshadow the movie.

Tom Cody, as played by Michael Pare, is a great, old-school tough guy, Diane Lane never looked hotter, and Willem DaFoe just oozes intensity as the bad guy. They're great archetypes, which is Walter Hill's speciality.

Then there's the music. I was never big on 80s pop music, even at the time, but this soundtrack owns. It gets your toes tapping and your head bobbing. Tonight Is What It Means to be Young and Nowhere Fast are great rock anthems, and two of my favourite songs of all time... says the metal head!

If you haven't seen this movie yet, please do. It's not for everyone but, if you get it, I guarantee you'll love it.

Comments

Justin Cider welcomes a Homewrecker to the Fanily

COVID-19 has impacted pretty much everything and, although some industries have slowly been able to get rolling again, sport is one that remains in limbo. This holds true for the world of Thrash Wrestling, which we in The Basement are a proud sponsor of. But the men and woman of Thrash Wrestling continue to challenge each other, and entertain fans, in a creative way. Which is why Jason and Shawn welcome Thrash Wrestler Justin Cider into the ring... err, Basement, when From The Basements takes over the Radio NL 610 AM airwaves at 6:05 tonight! Cider will update listeners on how Thrash Wrestling continues with social distancing in place. And he'll shed some light on the future of the sport, how people can support his Fanily, and more! And stick with us, as Justin joins The Basement Boys for a review of the new horror/comedy Homewrecker starring Alex Essoe and Precious Chong. Does this female-focused comedic thriller deliver the goods? Tune in after the 6 o'clock news ...

Top 5 quotes from the Rambo franchise

It's Rambo Day, which means it's a day we celebrate all things Rambo. And no, we didn't make that up. It's a real thing, and part of the lead in to Rambo: Last Blood coming out on Friday. We were going to celebrate by doing a Top 5 favourite Rambo kills, but the fine folks at Arrow in the Head already did something like that, so I figured why not share our favourite Rambo quotes. I like quotes. Quotes are good. Anyway, here we go with our Top 5, in no particular order: 5) "They drew first blood." - John Rambo, First Blood (1982) Because it's always cool when the hero references the title of the movie in a quote. 4) "Live for nothing, or die for something. Your call." - John Rambo, Rambo (2008) Because it's 100-per-cent truth, and is the exclamation mark on a great monologue by Stallone. 3) "I could have killed 'em all. I could kill you. In town, you're the law. Out here, it's me. Don't push it, or I'l...

Grace Victoria Patterson returns

What's this? Two podcasts From The Basement in less than nine months? Has the world gone mad!?! No, but when past Basement guest Grace Victoria Patterson asked nicely if she could return to this fine podcast, Jason and Shawn -- agreeable sorts that they are -- said yes. Hence we have this new episode for your ear holes! Grace provides an update on her career, which has seen the cheerleader-turned-actress appear in no fewer than eight films plus a TV series, with more projects on the way. She and Jason talk all about this, plus some other stuff. What kind of stuff? Stick with us! And stay tuned, as The Basement Boys discuss a whole slew of movies and television, including the Netflix Jimmy Savile documentary, The Batman, the horror romp The Cellar and more! It's podcasting that's so awesome, you'll be awesomed out by its awesomeness! What are you waiting for? Push play and enjoy!

Search This Blog