Thunder Alley

I recently rewatched this on cable and forgot how good it was. I like that for an 80s movie it wasn't glossy or unrealistic. I'm not a musician but this movie shows what I assume are fairly accurate portrayals of the highs and lows of being in a band. It also had alot of really good songs. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who hasn't seen it.

I just finished watching it again. I recorded it from HBO about 15 years ago. The tape is almost shot, but the movie still rocks. I'd love to find it on DVD. It's a classic rock and roll story. Band rises to the top...band member dies of a drug overdose....rest of band overcomes the loss and still rocks the big concert. Anyone who played rock and roll in the 80's will love this movie. Current teens may find the 80's attire and hair humorous.

Enjoyed the movie tremendously. Not an Academy Award performance movie but enjoyed the music and the delicate subject of drugs and rock and roll. My family watched it over and over and we never get tired of it. Now my grandson is watching it and asking questions that the film makes easy to explain. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good musical. The acting isn't the best but it gets it's point across. The songs are nice to listen to. Was nice to see Leif Garrett as an adult. There are lessons learned by the characters in the film which can be used in real life for the younger aged viewers. I would pay money to see it again. Good cast and I loved hearing Roger Wilson sing. Great voice!

I love, love, love this movie! I had forgotten all about it until recently, but am so glad I went on e-bay and purchased it in VHS format, (the guy I bought it from included a burned DVD much to my pleasant surprise!) I was fifteen when I first saw this movie and it takes me back as if it were yesterday. Roger Wilson from Porky's is great, so is Scott McGinnis. But I have to confess that the only reason I saw this movie back in the day was because Leif Garrett was in it. That aside, the story line is great, the music is great, all the guys are great - even Clancy Brown. I get all warm inside when I watch this movie because it's so true to the era. And plus, Leif still looked great at this point in time. This movie won't disappoint if you're a music fan, especially an 80s music fan.

This movie holds a special place in my heart for several reasons.

1) it's pretty accurate about many things

2) if you have been in a band, the travails of "Magic" may seem familiar

3) it was filmed in Tucson, AZ. when I lived there, and 15 days of extra work paid for my move to Minnesota.

4) I actually get a closeup during the big climax. (fat guy with single tall mohawk)

I love this movie, but I don't claim it's all that good. The soap opera that passes for plot might be accurate, but it's not very well done. Some of the best scenes never made it into the movie, (another song, by another band apparently was totally cut.) It was fun to watch all the groupie chicks lining up outside Leif Garrett's dressing room every day, not to mention his frequent terrible cocaine jokes. When I moved here, it showed up on a local TV station, and the radio ads were hilarious ("They're putting their dreams on the line...for one night... in Thunder Alley")! I denied all involvement for years, but I'm past that now. Notable for a rare performance by Leif Garrett, and the only footage I know of, featuring Phoenix metal stalwarts "Surgical Steel" who manage some actual heavy metal (before the hair-metal glam took over). I can't say that it is all that well done, but Clancy Brown (before "Highlander"! nice guy too) does some nice work as a surprisingly forthright road manager.

--Judex.1--