Streets of Fire
A Rock & Roll Fable.
Streets of Fire is a movie unlike any ever seen before - a rock and roll fable in which songs are as essential to the film as the action sequences. Michael Pare stars as Tom Cody, handsome, heroic soldier of fortune who returns to his old neighborhood to rescue his gorgeous ex-girlfriend, rock star Ellen Aim from the clutches of the evil motorcycle gang that kidnaps her. Together with Ellen's manager, Billy Fish and Tom's two fisted, beer guzzling sidekick McCoy they set off into a timeless world of smoke, neon, rain-splattered streets, hot cars and deadly enemies to bring Ellen back.
Member Reviews
Streets of Fire - APV55555
The music is great and carrys the movie. Streets of Fire is an average film with average direction and an average story. Still it is hard not to like this rock and roll fantasy movie. There is something about the characters that keeps you interested. The dialogue is minimal but the characters are likeable. I especially enjoyed Rick Moranis as Billy Fish.Grease meets Sin City - cathyottawa
This also has a bit of a Warriors feel to it (not surprising since it's the same director).
This film does a great job of creating atmosphere. Like Sin City, it takes place in a surreal city, where a biker gang basically runs the town. We're told this is simply "Another time...Another place." It's not clear when this is supposed to be set - it has a 50s look and feel, but an 80s sound.
This movie is very cartoon like (again like Sin City). The characters are one dimensional stereotypes. The plot is paper thin, with a damsel in distress providing a catalyst for a big fight scene.
Diane Lane is the damsel. Only 18 when she filmed this, she plays a Bonnie Tyler like rock singer. She didn't sing her own vocals, but she lipsynchs well, and it sounds like it could be her voice.
The songs are actually pretty good, and are part of the story (like Grease).
This bombed at the box office, putting a stop to the two planned sequels. I don't know if Michael Pare was the best choice for the male lead. He seemed to be doing a Rocky impersonation throughout, and I just didn't think he was very sexy (and whoever thought he would look good in suspenders was WRONG).
Had they got a bigger, sexier star, and fleshed the characters out a bit more, I think this would have been a cooler, more memorable flick.
I do think it was ahead of it's time stylistically - if only the characters and dialogue were more up to scratch.
Look for Lynne Thigpen (the radio DJ from the Warriors) as a subway driver.My guilty pleasure... - row4seat1
I have to admit that this movie holds a special place in my heart and therefore, if you're looking for unbiased critiquing, look elsewhere. I know the acting on Michael Pare's part is "wooden" but I want to beleive that was intentional. Rick Moranis is appropriately over-the-top and Amy Madigan is perfect for her role as McCoy. I still think Diane Lane is the only actress with the right combination of sex appeal and freshness that could have pulled off this part at the time this movie was made.
Now, I love the ambiguous time frame this film is set in and I love the dialogue most of all. Even with all that I've said to this point the music stands above all else as the best part of this picture. Well.... the ending fight scene has to be seen to be beleived. Rent it, enjoy it for what it is. If you're not old enough to remember the early 80's then you'll miss what I see in this movie... but I do think most will enjoy it anyway.
Member Reviews
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Streets of Fire - APV55555
The music is great and carrys the movie. Streets of Fire is an average film with average direction and an average story. Still it is hard not to like this rock and roll fantasy movie. There is something about the characters that keeps you interested. The dialogue ...Grease meets Sin City - cathyottawa
This also has a bit of a Warriors feel to it (not surprising since it's the same director).
This film does a great job of creating atmosphere. Like Sin City, it takes place in a surreal city, where a biker gang basically runs the town. We're told ...My guilty pleasure... - row4seat1
I have to admit that this movie holds a special place in my heart and therefore, if you're looking for unbiased critiquing, look elsewhere. I know the acting on Michael Pare's part is "wooden" but I want to beleive that was intentional. Rick Moranis is appropriately ...