It's easy to see why "The Legend of Billie Jean" would have a following almost 30 years after it was released. It's firmly on the side of its youthful protagonists, with most of the adults and upper class characters treated with a degree of contempt. A more even hand would have helped, but as it is, our young actors are good enough that one does still root for them up to a point. In fact, solid acting right down the line helps to sell this material.
"Supergirl" star Helen Slater is sexy Texan Billie Jean Davy, living with her younger brother Binx (an engaging Christian Slater, making his film debut) and mom in Corpus Christi. A run in with obnoxious rich jerk Hubie (Barry Tubb) causes Hubie to steal Binx's treasured scooter and ruin it. Billie Jean goes to Hubies' store owner father Mr. Pyatt (Richard Bradford) to ask for the $608 to repair the scooter, but circumstances get out of control, and Billie Jean and Binx become fugitives from the law, convinced that the authorities will never buy their side of the story. They become rebel heroes to kids everywhere, and Billie Jean is inspired to cut her hair short, Joan of Arc style.
Helen Slater is quite good as the reluctant pop culture icon. Co-star Keith Gordon is fun as the slightly eccentric young man who becomes sympathetic to her cause. Bradford is perfectly slimy as the unrepentant elder. Martha Gehman and Yeardley Smith offer solid support as the gal pals who join the Davys on the road. Peter Coyote is good as the understanding cop, ditto Dean Stockwell as Gordons' attorney father. Look for John M. Jackson ('JAG') and Caroline Williams ("The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Part 2") in small roles.
Also helping to make this palatable is the catchy rock & pop soundtrack, featuring that irresistible kick ass theme song belted out by Pat Benatar.
The movie does have something to say about the way that people can and will cynically capitalize on fads, and how justice isn't something that should just be reserved for adults. It's a fairly intriguing melodrama that provides a striking amount of catharsis at the end.
Seven out of 10.
"Supergirl" star Helen Slater is sexy Texan Billie Jean Davy, living with her younger brother Binx (an engaging Christian Slater, making his film debut) and mom in Corpus Christi. A run in with obnoxious rich jerk Hubie (Barry Tubb) causes Hubie to steal Binx's treasured scooter and ruin it. Billie Jean goes to Hubies' store owner father Mr. Pyatt (Richard Bradford) to ask for the $608 to repair the scooter, but circumstances get out of control, and Billie Jean and Binx become fugitives from the law, convinced that the authorities will never buy their side of the story. They become rebel heroes to kids everywhere, and Billie Jean is inspired to cut her hair short, Joan of Arc style.
Helen Slater is quite good as the reluctant pop culture icon. Co-star Keith Gordon is fun as the slightly eccentric young man who becomes sympathetic to her cause. Bradford is perfectly slimy as the unrepentant elder. Martha Gehman and Yeardley Smith offer solid support as the gal pals who join the Davys on the road. Peter Coyote is good as the understanding cop, ditto Dean Stockwell as Gordons' attorney father. Look for John M. Jackson ('JAG') and Caroline Williams ("The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Part 2") in small roles.
Also helping to make this palatable is the catchy rock & pop soundtrack, featuring that irresistible kick ass theme song belted out by Pat Benatar.
The movie does have something to say about the way that people can and will cynically capitalize on fads, and how justice isn't something that should just be reserved for adults. It's a fairly intriguing melodrama that provides a striking amount of catharsis at the end.
Seven out of 10.