Review of Purple Rain (1984) by Alex S — 09 Feb 2009

I think I am missing something here. I watched the movie, listened to the song and even ate Purple Rain: The Cereal Based on the Movie but I still have no idea what purple rain is. I am beginning to suspect it involves Prince bringing his character's purple motorcycle down off of a mountain after learning not to be a tool to his band, his love interest and himself in a blaze of purple glory that may make the clouds open up and unleash a purple fury.

The reality is, only Prince knows and he is not telling, which is fine because there are other things to focus on here. Hotshot musician, the awesomely named Kid, struggles with his family life, competition from performers all sharing the same stage at the same club and his career unitl a magical demo tape saves the day.

That's basically the story and while it is hokey and makes no argument for Prince next appearing in "Macbeth," it really must take a backseat to the soundtrack. Seriously, the movie is overall clunky but the music more than makes up for it.

"Let's Go Crazy," "When Doves Cry" and others pull us along but the big moment at the end with the title song is worth the price of admission alone. Good thing, as by that point, you've sat through the movie.