License to Drive

Feast your eyes one of the last films that both Corey's will appear in that are of any merit for the rest of their brief careers. And this can be considered something of merit, despite the nature of the film, since they were only teen stars.

License to Drive is a movie about taking chances, though you can probably figure out from beginning to end how the movie is going to go. No less, it's good 80s fun. Les Anderson (Haim) has turned 16 and is desperate to get his driver's license. Over-confident, it is no surprise that he flunks the exam. But he figures no one would notice. So, he lies to his folks and friends about the whole thing, expecting everything will be smooth sailing until he can retake the exam.

But Les is wrong once again when his parents learned that he lied, serving up a harsh two week grounded term. But Les doens't know when to quit while he's ahead, and decides he's not going to let this little matter inconvenience him. After all, he has a Friday night date with his dream girl Mercedes Lane (Heather Graham). Hence the line, "an innocent girl, a harmless drive, what could possibly go wrong?" Everything. It all has to do with Les borrowing his grandfather's antique (and very off limits) Caddillac, a drunk date, and two friends looking for their newly licensed friend to show them a wild night. Sure it's predictable, but it's just a simple 80s comedy.

License to Drive is one of those few movies to come on at three in the morning on a Friday night that will always capture my attention. It is a fun comedy, and one of the last of its genre at the near end of the decadent 80s.

One-time teen sensations, Corey Haim and Corey Feldmen, hot off Joel Schumacher's teen vampire opus The Lost Boys, star as a pair of friends who spend one wild night in Haim's character, Les Anderson's grandfather's 16-year old prize Cadillac. Well, naturally, hilarity ensues, as does every driving disaster known to man.

Great performances abound, especially our two starring Coreys, but also look for stand-out turns by Richard Masur and Carol Kane as the hapless parents of Les. Also keep your eyes opened for a young Heather Graham, who plays the aptly named Mercedes, and the object of young Les' affection.

All in all, an enjoyable, breezy comedy.

Highly recommended.

This is one of the best films to ever feature the two Coreys. Yep, this is back when they were still cool. The movie has all sorts of funny situations and (intentionally) funny dialogue that actually works. I really love the scene involving the drunk. That may be a bit gross, but I still laguh. Really folks, it's the Summer, run to the video store and pick it up. Get your 80s fix.

Looking back into the mist of time (when i was a child of the eighties) This is the film that encapsulates that time for me. Funny, blokes with rolled up sleeve jackets and with terrible acting by Haim what's not to like? Getting serious for a moment, it is actually a very good film. Tightly written, well directed and with good supporting acting it would get a nine if only Haim could stop a) Blinking b) Keep his mouth shut, he looks like a fish. If anyone wants to know what all the fuss was about in the late eighties with two lads called Corey, then this is the film to watch. In fact it should be given to directors as a how to manual, on how to make a light breezing ENTERTAINING film, which the movies sadly lack these days. A film every home should own. LEGENDARY.

License To Drive was one of those 80's flicks that I had always wanted to see, and yet, never could find a copy. Till now! It was playing on TV recently and I have not only watched it, but am waiting to see if I am fortunate to find the DVD so I can buy it.

Quite simply, if you are a fan of the 80's and/or love your nostalgia then this film is for you! Typical 80's groove, lingo, starring leads (introducing a young and very attractive Heather Graham in her screen debut as the delicious Mercedes Lane) and, something that definitely deserves a mention is the soundtrack! Great tunes that suit the mood perfectly. Billy Ocean's "Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car" was a highlight and with the title "License to Drive" was the ultimate song. There are others by Belinda Carlise and the Breakfast Club that will have you not only reminiscing, but toe tapping and humming as well.

Also, look out for James Avery as Les' DMV Instructor. What a champion! Anyway everyone, Get Outta Your Seats... Get it into your DVD player...

Have fun, Cheers!