This film is another example of Mr. Walter Hill delivering the goods with a great story, great visuals and great action. The performances are pretty good, although our star Michael Pare is a bit one-note. It doesn't help that Tom Cody (his character) is a bit of a jerk at times. But the mega-jerk award must go to Rick Moranis as the slimy Billy Fish. He's ultimately a good guy, but he is so snide and unlikeable that I actually said 'thank you' when Willem Dafoe's number two punches him out. That said, Moranis proves he can be good in a straight role.
Willem Dafoe himself excels as biker king Raven. He has proved time and time again that he can be the best when he plays a bad guy (but what was with those leather dungarees?). Diane Lane and Amy Madigan are great as Ellen and McCoy respectively. The whole look of the film was great. The story seems to be taking place in some 50s/80s hybrid (classic muscle cars are all around, and yet 80s rock 'n roll blares on the soundtrack and neon-lit clubs show music videos on various monitors).
The music by Ry Cooder and songs composed by Jim Steinman, Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty are excellent. I love how the film begins and ends with the two Steinman numbers. I was a bit disappointed when I read that Diane Lane only lip-synchs in the film because the two songs, Nowhere Fast and Tonight Is What It Means To Be Young, kick ass! I liked how down-on-their-luck crooners the Sorels are hired to be Ellen's opening act at the end. They perform the soundtracks' big hit single, I Can Dream About You (performed by Dan Hartman when it was released).
The action hardly ever lets up as Cody blasts at enemy vehicles with his trusty twelve-gauge and he and Raven have a climactic final duel.
I'm glad that this film has been released on DVD in the UK, but with NO extras. I really think UK DVD customers get shafted! I wish Mr. Hill would do commentaries, because I think SOF ranks up there with THE WARRIORS as one of his best. Don't miss this one! You'll regret it!
Willem Dafoe himself excels as biker king Raven. He has proved time and time again that he can be the best when he plays a bad guy (but what was with those leather dungarees?). Diane Lane and Amy Madigan are great as Ellen and McCoy respectively. The whole look of the film was great. The story seems to be taking place in some 50s/80s hybrid (classic muscle cars are all around, and yet 80s rock 'n roll blares on the soundtrack and neon-lit clubs show music videos on various monitors).
The music by Ry Cooder and songs composed by Jim Steinman, Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty are excellent. I love how the film begins and ends with the two Steinman numbers. I was a bit disappointed when I read that Diane Lane only lip-synchs in the film because the two songs, Nowhere Fast and Tonight Is What It Means To Be Young, kick ass! I liked how down-on-their-luck crooners the Sorels are hired to be Ellen's opening act at the end. They perform the soundtracks' big hit single, I Can Dream About You (performed by Dan Hartman when it was released).
The action hardly ever lets up as Cody blasts at enemy vehicles with his trusty twelve-gauge and he and Raven have a climactic final duel.
I'm glad that this film has been released on DVD in the UK, but with NO extras. I really think UK DVD customers get shafted! I wish Mr. Hill would do commentaries, because I think SOF ranks up there with THE WARRIORS as one of his best. Don't miss this one! You'll regret it!