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Roadie

MGM // PG // April 15, 2003
List Price: $14.95 [Buy now and save at Amazon]

Review by Don Houston | posted March 30, 2003 | E-mail the Author
Movie: A little perspective is needed for this review. In 1980, when Roadie was released, it was called the worst movie ever made, a waste of a great cast, and a host of other mean things. The movie came out at a time when musicals had been somewhat in vogue and soundtracks often made more money than the films that spawned them. Disco had just died a long overdue death and music was not quite ready for the scores of new wave acts that proliferated just a short time after this was released. The soundtrack to Roadie was one of the best double album releases ever with such diverse acts as Blondie, Pat Benatar, Eddie Rabbitt, and the B-52's to name but a few.

The movie centered around a character named Travis W. Redfish, played by Meatloaf who, having fallen for an underage groupie Lola Bouillabase (Kari Hunter of Porky's fame), follows her around and becomes known as the best Roadie in the music business while she tries to bed Alice Cooper. He's so important that even the legendary Alice Cooper kowtows to his whims since "The bands make it rock, but the roadies make it roll". If you're looking for a central theme to the movie, you'll be in for a shock since it didn't really have one. I remember that the movie had it's best moments when audience members, drunk or otherwise messed up, participated- adding to the fun. In short, it was a party movie (which really wouldn't withstand the scrutiny of a critical eye).

Picture: The dvd had 1.33:1 full frame on one side and 1.85:1 Anamorphic widescreen on the other. The transfer wasn't the absolute best but considering the age of the source material, I think MGM did a good job.

Sound: The dvd was presented in 5.1 Dolby Digital but the rear speakers didn't seem very well used. It was definitely cleaner than I remember it though.

Extras: Trailer and subtitles: not much but it's a budget release to be found for under $10.

Final Thoughts: The soundtrack was the star here but everyone from Art Carney to Meatloaf to all the cameo-laden cast seemed to fit in. I just wish there had been a better screenplay since many of the performers were obviously participating as their busy schedules permitted and seemed under used at best. If you want to see a small slice of pop culture, circa 1980, Roadie is probably as good a start as any. Just make sure to turn the music up real loud, pour yourself a large pitcher of beer or other alcoholic drink, and get a group of at least 20 friends to watch it with you or you'll miss the experience known as Roadie.

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