Another holdover from Christmas found its way to the top of the pile and got a watch.
This is The Legend of Billie Jean, a 1985 Comedy/Drama. It features Helen Slater, her (you would think so, but not really) 'brother' Christian (whatever happened to him?) and a few other notable names like Dean Stockwell.
When I say 'Peter Coyote,' does a face come to mind?
To be fair, he's made a great career as a Narrator and Voice-Over Artist, working for stuff like Ken Burns' Documentary. He's also a Zen Priest, so good for him.
The Film also features Yeardley Smith aka the voice of Lisa Simpson. Does watching her talk in her normal voice- which is also her Lisa voice- get distracting in 2025? Kind of.
The Plot involves a group of people- specifically Billie Jean, of course- who end up on the run from the law for something pretty dubious. When they become Folk Heroes, things take a few interesting turns.
This one did get a Blu-Ray release, albeit one with no Menus and only Audio Commentary as a bonus. Will this Film hold up as it approaches its 40th Anniversary?
To find out, read on...
It is Texas.
It is 1985.
Billie Jean, her Brother and her two friends are living in a Trailer Park.
Things aren't great for them.
A guy named Hobie steals their moped and then wrecks, beating up the Brother in the process.
Their Mother is not a help in any way.
They go to the Dad of the boy with the bill and he seems to want to pay it...until he lures Billie Jean upstairs and tries to force himself on her.
He ends up getting shot with his own gun by accident when Christian handles it.
They flee, thinking that nobody will believe them.
Well, nobody- save Peter Coyote- seems to.
They try to hide out, quickly finding out that they are wanted...but also can't afford to leave the State.
They end up at an 'empty house' that is actually occupied by a friendly guy (the guy from Christine and Back to School).
He lets them stay and wants to help them spread their message.
Inspired by a Movie about Joan of Arc, Slater cuts her hair before creating a video message.
'Fair is fair.'
She's less Joan of Arc and more Mel Gibson from
Payback though, as she just wants the money and an apology (for the assault and attempted rape).
Hiding out on the road, the group soon see that their message resonates with all of the young people.
They agree- Fair is Fair.
With their help, they manage to stay ahead of the law (empowered by the fact that the guy is the son of the District Attorney Dean Stockwell).
The would-be assailant, meanwhile, is merchandising the hell out of Billie Jean.
In the End, she gets her money and the guy loses all face value (as well as the merchandise that just burned down).
The End.
A Film that honestly resonates more than it has any right to.
For the record, I am not nor have I ever been a teenage girl. I was a teenager in *cough*the90s*cough*, but not this decade. It was given to me by my Niece and/or Grand-Niece, so hopefully it worked for them too.
So, a Film that was designed to really resonate with teenagers (especially girls) in a time that I was neither is an impressive achievement.
The Film manages to feel real by being just a little bit gritty. It is about people who are ''80s poor' (so trailer parks, but never homeless), which helps things.
The Soundtrack is great, featuring Pat Benatar, Billy Idol and more. I'm sure it was a great selling cassette in '85.
Slater really nails this role and, honestly, she deserves more credit than she gets. Maybe give her a second (or third) look.
If nothing else, the Film showed how popular the Scooter she rode was. Billy Crystal and Gregory Hines rode them in a Film the very next year!
Next up, another random Film is on board. Have I not decided or am I being sneaky? Stay tuned...
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