All the Right Moves (1983)

There once was a crooked man on a crooked path

Now approaching mid-life, this is one of the films that I grew up with. This film was especially touching for me due to the fact that about the time this film came out, I was heading off to college. In truth, at the time I mostly enjoyed this film for the famous, or perhaps infamous nude scene between Tom Cruise and Lea Thompson. Such as it is with most teenagers. As I grew older I developed a deeper appreciation for the story, beyond that one scene. All the Right Moves is a good title, but doesn't really fit the film, as the characters of the film, as in real life, make choices that are not always the best. Like most of us, the characters land on their feet like the cats we covet despite choices and circumstances. Overall this is a good film to recommend for the young adult. This film can be viewed by the pre-teenager, but older persons should be around to discuss any questions viewers might have. Thus the rating, average. It's not the perfect classic, but a classic never-the-less. January 22, 2008

entertaining but conflict is resolved too easily

This is a fairly formulaic film with a synthesizer-based soundtrack, quite common in the 1980s. It's entertaining enough, with a small-town guy trying to find a way out of the stifling environment and the seemingly lackluster future if he stays. Of course he has a love interest, a coach he clashes with, and dreams of college.
The problem is this: the ending is quite anticlimactic, with the coach relenting and finally granting a scholarship to the fellow, apparently because the fellow's girlfriend guilted the coach into doing so. This all happens in the last few minutes, so it's really more of a deus ex machina than a true resolution. September 21, 2007

I thought it enjoyable fluff in the day

But now somehow just the sight of Cruise's face makes me jump to change the channel. The magic of acting is shot when you know the actor is someone like him (ain't he never had the magic to start with). September 8, 2007

All The Right Moves DVD

I bought this DVD for my husband for Christmas, He loves it and watches it frequently. Great price. January 15, 2007

escaping the small town blues

I think many of us can relate to feeling trapped by our geography and those around us, and the need to rise above it all. But what really makes this movie shine is the acting, including the tough coach, Bosco (the world's oldest teenager), the down and out brother, even the best friend (who almost made it out of town). Not to mention a happy ending! October 6, 2006

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