Purple Rain

'Purple Rain' (R) (84) ****

Writers: William Blinn and Albert Magnoli
Director: Albert Magnoli
Starring: Prince, Apollonia Kotero, Clarence Williams III, Morris Day, Jerome Benton

Whenever I don't review a new movie in theatres or a new release on DVD I will revisit some of my favorite movies. I will start with Prince's 'Purple Rain' which is one of the best rock star movies ever made. There are many movies that rock stars have done that are very good but this has the most energy of them all comparable to 'A Hard Day's Night'. The acting mostly is raw and sometimes terrible for the most part but that adds to the greatness. This is set in Prince's hometown portraying his background and roots and his family life. The raw acting adds to the naturalness like we are watching real people that were a part of his life. If the acting was more professional it wouldn't seem right, it makes it more lived in and real. We feel like we are eavesdropping on real people in his life. That being said I still think Clarence Williams III should have been considered for an Academy Award nomination playing Prince's father. Also Morris Day and Jerome Benton are very funny and have a classic scene that would make Abbott and Costello proud. Best of all the soundtrack is one of the best, a classic and every song works. This basically ends as a concert film and one of the best with a powerful ending set to 'Purple Rain'. The location work is outstanding and the opening scene set to 'Let's Go Crazy' is brilliantly edited and choreographed. This was one of the most exciting and energetic movies of the 80's. It is easily one of the ten best rock movies ever made.