Review of Great Balls of Fire! (1989) by Teresa S — 04 Jul 2009
(1989 Director: Jim McBride)"Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On," Replayed on network tv this early July 5th. in the wee hours. Setting: Back "in the day" in TN from Decenber, 1956.
And I had not realized before--but guess who stars as Jerry Lee Lewis himself? Dennis Quaid!, a very feisty & young Dennis..alongside his religious cousin, Jimmy Swaggart, portrayed by a very young & thinner Alec Baldwin.
What a great smile Alec Baldwin has! Winona Ryder is barely more than a pup in this colorful protrayal of the controversial life of early rock sensation Jerry Lee Lewis from before his fame up through his decline.
Based on the book by Myra Lewis (his 3rd wife) interestlingly and NOT on one of his autobiographies. Lewis' cousin-in-law is played by the spunky Lisa Blount (who resembles Marlee Matley) Lewis (Quaid)'s piano playing reminds me of my dear departed Uncle Caroll Lee the way he tickles those ivories with erupting jazz.
Jerry Lee is "discovered" by Stephen Tobolowsky. In case you DON"T know his story, expect to have a few eyebrows raised. Picture Jerry Lee alongside his peers: Elvis, James Brown, Chuck Berry.
....Between you and me.didn't Jerry Lee HAVE to be an Aries?? Also co-starring John Doe (Jerry's cousin's brother) who is part of his band and Myra's father. Joshua Sheffield, and Mojo Nixon.
Peter Cook plays a horridly prudish British news reporter who scandalizes Jerry Lee Lewis during the start of his first tour of England. Steve Allen has a small role as a British passport inspector.
This review of Great Balls of Fire! (1989) was written by Teresa S on 04 Jul 2009.
Great Balls of Fire! has generally received mixed reviews.
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