Michael_Elliott
Heavenly Kid, The (1985) *** (out of 4) Rebel Without a Cause and It's a Wonderful Life meet the 80s teen comedy in this film which is certainly very bad but I've enjoyed it for many years now. The film starts off in the late 1960's as the rebel (Lewis Smith) gets killed in a chicken race. Fast forward to the present day and the rebel must do a good deed before he can enter Heaven. That good deed just happens to be taking a dork (Jason Gedrick) and turning him into a winner. Everything about this film is rather campy and corny but I've been a fan of this film since I was a little kid and caught it on some station that I can't remember now. This was my first time watching the movie in at least ten years and I must say it did contain that nostalgic feel and I still enjoyed it. The film has some of the dumbest lines but they made me laugh. The story is stupid but it's still funny. The performances are all one note but I've always felt Lewis Smith was very funny because he's playing someone cool yet he really doesn't come off too cool.
seejaz
One of the best moments in the film is both times when Bobby is in the car about to run over the cliff, where he shouts his infamous "Oh Sh..!" catchphrase, adding hilarity to what would usually be considered a tragic situation. I think the movie is one of the classics of the 80s, from the cheesy special effects to the even cheesier dialogue. But it has a good lesson in the end, even though it is curtailed by endless attempts at visual amazement. The actress who plays Bobby's love interest doesn't seem to age a day from the first scene to the last, which supposedly takes place over at least 17 years. Even funnier is how the entire handcuff scene and locked door scene during the races are never explained. Grade A storytelling!
txokmason
... you might enjoy the location, as it was filmed there! If I remember correctly, the film was shot over the summer of 1984 at the school. Noticeable is part of the main hallway, one of the classrooms in the main hallway near the east entrance (the few with windows - most of the remaining classrooms had them removed) and the dreaded cafeteria. In the background there's familiar posters and signs from the era: the "SKATEBOARDING USA" sign honors Mr. David Hudak, one of the school's English teachers and the 'Pioneer Regiment' is the name of the school marching band. Contrary to popular belief, the school wasn't painted pink for the film, it was done afterward.
John Seal
See, there's this kid who recreates the drag racing scene from Rebel Without A Cause, decked out in leather jacket, rolled up denim jeans, and slicked back hair. All his buddies wear stereotypical late 50s outfits and he LOVES Elvis. The first piece of music we hear is Jerry Lee Lewis' "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On". Unfortunately for our hero (and for us, the discriminating filmgoer) he dies in a fiery wreck. Suddenly his soul is transported to the present day (1985!) where he must help a hapless teen score with the ladies. (SPOILER ALERT) Only the hapless teen turns out to be our hero's real life son! Much hugging ensues!Let's back up. Our hapless teen is still in high school, so let's assume that he's no more than 18 years old. This would put his birthdate somewhere in the region of, er, 1967 AT THE EARLIEST. And yet his true father seems to have died about ten years earlier! The whole premise of this film collapses like a flimsy deck of cards.Even if you overlook the logical flaws of the film, it's a stinker. Maudlin and manipulative, it also features one of the worst '80s big hair' soundtracks you're likely to run across.
