Review of Rad (1986) by Jake C — 15 Aug 2018
What on earth is this movie? It shifts tone constantly, abruptly, from buffoonish broad comedy to overwrought familial drama to spectacular athleticism-none of which it does well, but which all adds up to rip roaring fun even though it's never quite clear whether the movie is in on its own joke.
Does displaying even a modicum of self-awareness matter? The movie wavers between the sincere formula of an 80s teen sports Bildungsroman-think KARATE KID or BETTER OFF DEAD-to the lampoonish absurdity of teen sex comedies-like FAST TIMES-but without ever feeling like its in control of its tonal vacillations.
Imagine here someone attempting to walk a balance beam, both feet slipping at once, and so crash landing right on their ballocks: If nothing else, it would produce a hell of a good laugh.
This review of Rad (1986) was written by Jake C on 15 Aug 2018.
Rad has generally received positive reviews.
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