Streets of Fire Reviews

Walter Hill’s rock opera is an over-the-top, ridiculously loud and excessive film in every sense. But it fulfills its claim to be a “rock opera” precisely because of its no-holds-barred attitude.

It begins with a lively rock anthem being performed at a local venue in a run-down, unspecified urban location, and from the very outset the story gives the viewer a hook when the lead singer of the band (Diane Lane) is kidnapped by a local biker gang.

Streets of Fire is visually rich, with vivid primary colours saturating the interiors, creating a strong mood. The sound of the film also gives it a real in-your-face attitude. Everything is amped up to the extreme: the sound of motorbikes revving, people clapping, guns firing, bikes exploding, people getting punched and slapped, bottles getting smashed.

All in all it’s an explosive, save-the-girl, eighties affair that is very entertaining, Diane Lane is one of the sexiest women to ever grace the screen. What more could one ask for on a Friday evening to accompany a few beverages?

Somewhere between Strange Brew and Ghostbusters, our little Canadian friend Rick is found, out of all places, in an action film, and while his first film was pretty good... Streets of Fire, by comparison, had a tough act to follow. Typically, movies like this aren't exactly my cup of tea (thanks a lot, X chromosomes), but this one really surprised me, and in more ways that one. HOW did this get a PG rating, when there's obvious violence, cursing, attempted rape, etc.? Not to mention that there was no blood until the climactic battle. Well played, MPAA of 1984.

The first half was really exciting, kinda funny, and you could get into it, but by the second half... climactic battle aside, it kinda leaves you a little empty despite a somewhat happy ending. The characters, meanwhile, vary. Michael Pare's character is supposed to be a typical action hero, but he is not without flaws. Diane Lane tries to put some effort, with varying results. Rick's character is kinda funny despite this being an "all-balls" serious action flick. Amy Madigan's character was really awesome in the first half, but loses what made her appealing to begin with in the second. However, the supporting characters such as the band the protagonists come across and the fan-girl played by Elizabeth "Buttercup" Daily are quite likable.

Yes, that's right; despite its flaws, I liked this. And I bet you will all feel the same way if you watched this.

My rating: 6/10