Risky Business

So good. Even better than I remembered. Cruise really came into his own in the third act. A real star making role, obviously, and Rebecca DeMornay was stupendous. So hot. How she didn't become a star after this is anyone's guess. Booger. Balki. Phil Collins. Tangerine Dream - love on a train.

At the risk of sounding like an old man, they simply don't make em like this anymore.

Rebecca De Mornay at 21 is fabulous as the savvy call girl for any teen boy to die for -- or for that matter any red blooded male of any age. She enters the film gliding silently into the back yard entrance of his parent's off-the-lake Chicago house, and after speaking only a few words, something like "are you ready for me Joel", artistically slips off her demure little slip of a dress, back arched to him, one leg kneeled in the window seat, presses her bottom into him, silently invites him to take her, and then turns, melts into him, kissing him in apparent yielding passion. This is immediately followed by cut scenes to multiple positions in multiple locations around the house. It's a perfect male fantasy of what paid for wild but romantic sex might be like (however unrealistic). It's also undoubtedly Joel's (Cruse's) first time. What an initiation.

The movie never gets that hot again (although the scene enacting Lana's "thing about trains" gets close). But it does become increasingly interesting as a first rate coming of age flick. Actually, it's a bit more than that. It explores the tension between the self disciplined deferred gratification he and has friends have all been taught they need for upper middle class success, versus the let loose sexual and other risk taking he knows is out there, some other people are doing, and wishes he could get away with. How far can a nice upper middle class boy go without throwing it all away? That risky business is what the film is all about.

Tom Cruz is perfect as the dutiful but less than gifted "future enterpriser" high school senior who's always had to work a little harder and stick more to the straight and narrow to try to live up to his parents' expectations -- without quite getting there. Although he was about the same age as De Mornay when they made the film, Cruz looks and acts a thoroughly convincing boyish 16 or 17. De Mornay's Lana is an iconic bad girl hooker of the naturally toney and perhaps feeling variety -- although about the last we're never entirely sure. She remains ultimately an enigma, beyond Cruz's and our full grasp, but not beyond his connecting with. Sadly, her first major role was probably her best -- although certainly not her only good one.

Cruz may be "on the right track", but it's De Mornay's Lana who knows everything about sex, life, taking risks, and living on the edge. She seduces Cruz into turning his parents' home into a bordello, to tap the money to be made by mingling his kind of friends with her kind of friends for a night, while she is hiding out from her "manager", and he has been left to "act responsibly" while his parents are away on a business trip. The scene where the Princeton alumnus interviewer, whom his dad has contacted to try to help finesse his "not quite Ivy League transcript", comes to the house to interview Cruz on the night the bordello party is in full swing, is deliciously funny and at the same time full of nervous tension. Cruz's character is on the brink of disaster, and then in fact clearly has thrown away a good part of his future opportunities -- or has he?

It's a delicious movie -- especially for males raised in seriously high academic achievement oriented families. Every good boy would love to call a Lana sometime -- and get away with it.

Risky Business, directed by Paul Brickman, stands as an iconic cinematic representation of the 1980s. From its captivating storyline to its immersive atmosphere, the movie delves into the ambitions, dreams, and complexities of that transformative era. Tom Cruise's performance as the shy teenage protagonist is nothing short of brilliant, and the contributions of Rebecca DeMornay and Curtis Armstrong further elevate this nostalgic gem.

Set against the backdrop of Chicago, Risky Business captures the essence of the decade-the relentless pursuit of money and the American dream, and the longing to become someone to be proud of. The movie's exploration of these themes strikes a chord with audiences, echoing the societal aspirations of the time.

One remarkable aspect that distinguishes Risky Business is its hypnotic score by Tangerine Dream. The music weaves seamlessly into the narrative, enhancing the film's atmosphere and creating an ethereal experience. The score, arguably one of the most mesmerizing in '80s cinema (if not any film), adds an extra layer of allure to the story, leaving a lasting impression on the viewer.

Although Risky Business defies easy categorization, it effortlessly blends elements of comedy and drama. The movie unfolds like a dream, taking us on a journey filled with mystery, joy, and occasional fear. This dream-like quality ensures that the film remains etched in our memories long after the credits roll.

Tom Cruise's portrayal of the young protagonist, Joel Goodson, is a standout. He masterfully captures the transformation from an introverted teenager to a self-assured young man navigating the complexities of life. Cruise's performance resonates with authenticity and depth, earning him well-deserved praise.

Rebecca DeMornay and Curtis Armstrong also deliver commendable performances. DeMornay's portrayal of Lana, the enigmatic and seductive call girl, adds an intriguing layer to the storyline, while Armstrong's character provides moments of comic relief, perfectly balancing the film's tone.

Critics who solely focus on the perceived lack of morality in Risky Business miss the point of the film. The characters portrayed are not without morals; they are flawed individuals, like everyone else. They strive for success, yearn for love, and navigate the complexities of life just as we all do. Their actions, while potentially questionable, do not cause harm to others. The movie, rather than condoning or condemning their choices, provides a nuanced exploration of human desires and the consequences they entail.

Risky Business is, in many ways, a feel-good movie. It leaves audiences with a sense of joy and nostalgia, transporting them to the energetic and optimistic atmosphere of the '80s. The film invites us to indulge in a world of possibilities, where dreams are pursued and ambitions are chased. It encapsulates the spirit of the era, igniting a sense of hope and excitement within viewers.

In conclusion, Risky Business is more than a mere coming-of-age tale; it is a mesmerizing journey that allows us to immerse ourselves in the spirit of the '80s. The movie skillfully captures the hopes, dreams, and desires of the era, resonating with viewers who experienced or long for that distinctive time. With its rich storyline, memorable performances, unforgettable score, and feel-good atmosphere, Risky Business is a cinematic experience that lingers long after the screen fades to black. It reminds us of the power of dreams, the complexities of human nature, and the joy that can be found in the pursuit of success.

RISKY BUSINESS is the smart and sexy 1983 teen comedy that brought intelligence to the genre and made a bonafide movie star out of Tom Cruise. Cruise is utterly winning as Joel Goodson, a high school senior excited about the prospect of having the house to himself when his parents go out of town for a few days; but things go from bad to worse when Joel crosses paths with a nubile prostitute (Rebecca DeMornay). This surprise hit brought an element of sophistication that was absent from a lot of the teen comedies that were populating the screen in the 1980's. This movie boasts a smart screenplay, imaginative direction, a memorable musical score, and on-target performances from Cruise, DeMornay, Curtis Armstrong, Joe Pantoliano (memorable as a slimy pimp), Bronson Pinchot, and Janet Carroll. Tom's sexy underwear dance to "Old Time Rock and Roll" has become Hollywood folklore. An instant classic upon release that still holds up over 20 years later.

Risky Business and All The Right Moves are the two films that launched Tom Cruise's career as brat pack film star. Unlike so many of his contemporaries from the Eighties, he's proved to have staying power and will no doubt continue to do so.

All The Right Moves established Cruise as a dramatic actor, but Risky Business is a fun comedy about a hormone driven teenager who when the folks go away from his Chicago suburban home and he's left to play, he gets himself in all kinds of problems. First dialing up call girl, Rebecca DeMornay and then not having enough coin of the realm to pay her. Then getting mom's treasured glass egg stolen. And then getting the family car driven into Lake Michigan.

But Cruise and DeMornay, who is having trouble with her pimp Joe Pantoliano, hit on the brilliant idea that there's a market out there for his group of eager overachievers. And Tom's house becomes quite the swinging brothel.

Risky Business turns out to be pretty funny business. Best scene in the film involves Tom with Princeton interviewer Richard Mazur. You've got to love the way this boy gets into the Ivy League. Second best scene involves Tom and the family car as it plunges into the lake and then gets hoisted out.

Tom's definitely proved to have staying power in show business. I can see his character in Risky Business growing up to be Jerry Maguire.