I watched this movie as a teen in the late 80’s and I have always remembered it fondly as a quirky post-apocalyptic comedy that was genius at its best. Deciding to test those memories out, because if you have lived any time at all, I am sure you have experienced remembering something better than it actually was. I know when I was little that doorway into the dining room was much, much higher back then because I had to jump to reach it. Somehow my parents house was victim to some sort of mysterious shrinking phenomenon. Did it Hold up? The movie, not the house. In some ways it was way better than I remembered. I can now appreciate the humor more than back then.
The premise
The idea for the movie is what interested me the most. What would happen if you took 2 young kids and removed them from society, only exposing them to 1940’s detective novels and music for entertainment. Then when they grow up, throw them back into society where they fancy themselves a couple of real swell dicks (detectives). But not just any society, one that has survived a nuclear holocaust and is over-run with mutants, 50’s rockers, 60’s love hippies, 70’s disco mutants and 80’s punks. It is a private eye noir meets the future movie.
Soundtrack
The soundtrack is full of 80’s goodness with nods to each of the decades covered. Here is my favorite song from the soundtrack.
Psychedelic Man – Shari Saba
Conclusion
Radioactive Dreams is worthy of cult status. It is unique in so many ways. The acting and lines are mostly, horribly cheesy but in a fun, feel good sort of way. I would have rated it higher but it is a B rated move after all, so I will honor it with a mediocre score, but know that in my heart it is a 5 star movie.
Unforgettable quotes
Dash Hammer – What a dirty dealing world we live in. That rat, trying to double-cross us before we double-crossed him!
Phillip Chandler – In a tight jam, a nuclear missile just might come in handy.
Cast
John Stockwell Michael Dudikoff Michele Little Lisa Blount Don Murray George Kennedy |
Phillip Chandler Marlowe Hammer Rusty Mars Miles Archer Dash Hammer Spade Chandler |
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