Review of Absolute Beginners (1986) by Kristal C — 05 Apr 2010

This is just begging to be shown on a triple bill with "One from the Heart" and "Streets of Fire", probably at the world's raddest drive-in theater dedicated to screening noble failures.

The plot is frequently abandoned, and thank goodness, because if there's anything more tired than the old "art vs commerce" dramatic device it's gotta be the girlfriend who's more interested in money and status than love.

For a while it seems like the movie is best when it's just groovin' along, adding style and enthusiasm to whatever nonsense strikes its fancy, and the formless narrative is hilariously reflected in the even more formless songs which lack not only any sort of recognizable verse-chorus structure but often seem devoid of clear melody as well.

Honestly, I was going to give this mess an additional star just on goodwill until the whole thing abruptly turns into a race riot, social commentary that is not unforeshadowed in the early parts of the film but is still mostly misplaced and incoherent.