Review of Eddie and the Cruisers (1983) by Nick F — 30 Jul 2010

Earnest performances from an eclectic and likable cast and a soundtrack that is hard not to love makes this adaption of the P. F. Kluge novel a nice time-waster on a lazy day. Tom Berenger who is now associated with tough-as-nails characters such as in the Sniper movies plays against type as the Rimbaud-loving shy piano player.

Part of the Wonder Years nostalgia industry that took hold in the 80s, the movie offers a strange musical what-if with a soundtrack that crosses 50s do-wop ditties with Bruce Springsteen-like music all happening in 1963! Pare is perfect as Eddie and he manages to sell it even when he delivers some bizarre lines (his bedsheets metaphor for music is strange to say the least) The rock n' roll mystery plot combined with the reminisces through flashbacks of the Wordman's days with the band makes for an interesting structure to watch unfold.

The movie has considerable charm and while no classic, I admit to it being a guilty pleasure.