Valley Girl
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Movie Reviews of Valley Girl
Movie Review: Great to see this on DVD
Summary: 5 Stars
Despite the complaint from another viewer (above) that this DVD falls short of being the luxury edition the film deserves, I was thrilled to come across "Valley Girl" on DVD. I'd previously only seen this movie on an ex-rental VHS tape, circa early 1980s, because "Valley Girl" appears never to have been re-issued on VHS in Australia. As well as being an obvious improvement on the VHS version in technical terms, the DVD has the added attraction of Martha Coolidge's audio commentary.
Her commentary on this DVD is considerably superior to that of Amy Heckerling and Cameron Crowe on the DVD of "Fast Times at Ridgemont High", which I found overly casual and less informative (sorry Amy, I still love your films). Although I'd seen "Valley Girl" many times, Coolidge's commentary gave me a lot more insight into the film. She communicates at a level that the general public can understand, but doesn't neglect to discuss technical and business factors that importantly influenced the end product. Coolidge's commentary on "Valley Girl" is collected, engaging, detailed and very informative. The insight she provides into matters such as the work put into the film's colour scheme, the organisation of the brilliant party scene and the way budgetary constraints determined some aspects of the film is exemplary. Although this film is without doubt an icon of 1980s popular culture, it's also a remarkable accomplishment in filmmaking more generally: a movie that derives its premise from exploitation film but emerges as a more appealing and ideologically sound piece of youth entertainment than anyone expected of teen movies in that era.
Movie Review: classic coming of age comedy / drama from 1983
Summary: 5 Stars
since my teenage years were spent during the 80's, this film is near and dear to me psychologically (just like the John Hughes' films of the 80's).
this story if sort of a romeo and juliet romance set in the early 80's. Julie is a upper middle class preppy and Randy is a hard-living punk of the streets. It is the classic story of forbidden romance, updated for the 80's. Simple formula: boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy tries to win back the girl.
The film features a young Nicolas Cage, before he became a super-star. Deborah Foreman plays Julie. All the other actors are excellent. In fact, the cast and chemistry between the actors is what makes this such a special film that has stood the test of time. This film is NOT just an adolescent teen movie about dating. It is much deeper than that. Very adult themes of friendship, love, loss, betrayal, conflict, & alcohol abuse are presented.
The film strikes a great balance between drama and comedy. There are funny moments in the film, but the dramatic pieces are very "real" and touching, for anyone who has ever fallen in love with someone and has experienced a break-up.
Also worth noting is the excellent soundtrack. The songs fit perfectly with the script; in fact, some scenes were filmed inside a bar with the actual band "The Plimsouls" performing their music.
The great script, actors, and music makes this a treasure of the past that you must own; especially if you are a Gen-Xer like myself.
** highly, highly recommended **
Movie Review: true 1980s film plus The Plimsouls??!!! Thumbs Up!
Summary: 5 Stars
If you like nostalgia and were a teen in the 80s, you may just love this movie. I distinctly remember the first time I watched this movie - me and my best friend - 15 year old girls wanting to be cool and just aching to find an equally "cool" boyfriend. So, this film was a wonderful piece of escapism for our emotional teenage girl minds!! The film is, like another reviewer said, a classic Romeo and Juliet plot. West Side Story even? But, it's Preppies versus New Wave/Punk. As a story line, perhaps it's not as slick and polished as a John Hughes film but the rawness - that's what makes this film honest! I still watch this movie and get caught up in the main characters' romance and angst - it all rings true, even today. I watch the teenagers are the screen - the way they're dressed, how they act, the music - and I remember - that's how my friends and I lived! Oh, and the music. How can you not like a movie whose soundtrack includes The Plimsouls? And not to mention, this was the first time I ever heard, Modern English sing I'll Melt with You. Not to mention, Pat Travers! The soundtrack itself is reason enough to buy this movie.
If the film is rough around the edges at times, it just adds to the nostalgia. I think this was one of Nicholas Cage's first roles and it just reminds me how far we've all come from those early 80s days.
Compared to any John Hughes movie, I would say this was one of "THE 80s" movies. Checkout "Say Anything", too, if you like 80s films.
Movie Review: 1 of My Favorite Films / 80's Classic
Summary: 5 Stars
Modern day Romeo & Juliet cliche plot boy from the wrong side of the tracks falls for the preppy girl who's friends don't approve. But it's done with such style and a different twist in this 80's classic. Nic Cage's 1st major role as Randy a punk rocker from West Hollywood whos falls head over heels for a preppy valley girl Julie from Southern Cali. I was basically obsessed with Nic Cage's character ( Randy) in this movie for a while being into the punk scene. Everything about this film is so defining of the 80's when he brings her to the punk club and The Plimsouls are playing " A Million Miles Away" and he looks at her and says real quick when can I see you again and then turns his head quick back away. You can just see right there how much he was into her. At the end is amazing when there at the prom and Randy & Fred his best friend crash the prom when "Johnny are you queer" by Josie Cotton is playing and Randy & Julie hop in the limo and ride of into the night Modern English's classic " Melt with you" comes on. Did I mention what a great soundtrack this movie has every song is perfect for the scenes. One of the best 80's films of all time and & in my top 5 favorite movies of all time. Essential to collection for anyone who grew up in the 80's cinema. Story of opposites attracting and following there own path together regardless of what other people think. I own the special edition DVD and a must see movie.Movie Review: Bitchin'
Summary: 5 Stars
The underrated `80s teen film "Valley Girl" based on Frank Zappa's Novelty Song of the same title, popularized the image of the "Valley girl". A Valley Girl usually referred to girls from The San Fernando Valley in California. This type of girl usually dressed in preppy colorful clothes, had their own slang terms, cared about their social status, and were always seen at the Galleria. In 1983 Valley Girl, the movie was released, and became a cult status film, depicting the Valley Girl lifestyle. The movie stars Deborah Foreman, as Julie Richman, a valley girl , and Nicolas Cage as Randy, a young punk from Hollywood. After dumping her val boyfriend, Julie attends one of her friends parties and ends up meeting Randy, even though they are from 2 different worlds, these two show that opposites do attract and instantly become an item. Julies parents parents are cool with their relationship, her friends aren't, and pressure Julie into dumping him, so she can get back with her Ex, leaving Julie to decide who she should choose, her popularity or true love. This film is not only great, but has an incredible soundtrack. Watch for musical appearances by The Plimsouls, and Josie Cotton in this film as well.