Hard to Hold

If you are going to go through all the trouble of making a movie, how much more of an effort is it to make it somewhat clever, or at the very least moderately fun? This looks like a quickie vehicle slapped together to capitalize on Rick Springfield's 80s popularity. It was his era; he could have belched the alphabet and it would have gone gold. Expanding on that theory, we have "Hard To Hold" as the cramp-producing result.The woman he is pursuing is all wrong for him; you cannot possibly get what he sees in her. She is totally unsympathetic, unlikeable and miserable, seemingly in a chronic PMS state for the majority of the movie. Someone should have given Patti Hansen more to do, as her character lends the only semblance of crediblity to this career-squelching morass of mediocrity.

Jamie Roberts (Rick Springfield) is a pop music superstar. He gives concerts, gyrates across the stage, and the crowd, mostly women, swoons. But, this gets old after awhile and he has been feeling somewhat restless. Borrowing a car after a show, Jamie gets into a minor traffic accident with a pretty schoolteacher, Diana (Janet Eilber) and he likes what he sees. However, she doesn't care if he is the richest man out there, she likes Tony Bennett and sane lifestyles. Nevertheless, when Jamie shows up below her apartment building in San Francisco and has a Tony-lookalike serenade her, she can't help but invite the good-looking singer into her apartment for an evening. Yet, she doesn't see any future between the two of them and tries to resist the start of any relationship. But, Jamie is relentless and they begin to go out as a couple. Can a teacher of troubled children who scorns "top 40" music really be a good match for a rock star? All right, I know, this film is the definitive guilty pleasure, for its strengths are mainly the looks and voice of one Rick Springfield. He has a smile that melts hearts and his goofy yet sincere portrayal of a rock star goes a long way to making the film attractive to a mostly female audience. Eilber is pretty and competent as the love interest and the supporting cast is quite nice as well. As for the setting in San Francisco, it is gorgeous, the costumes are nice, and the production values are strong. Yes, the plot is somewhat silly and unbelievable but the direction keeps the story going. The soundtrack, too, will either be very appealing or dismissive, depending on whether you are a fan of Springfield's. In short, if you adore little Ricky but you have never seen this film, get it soon. Toes will curl and chests will sigh over the Aussie singer's rare movie appearance.

I agree with another person's comments that Rick was not given much to work with. Rick is a very talented actor and this movie WASTED his talents, other than the sequences with him singing in concert. The chemistry between his character, Jamie Roberts, and social worker Diana Lawson is very lacking. She looks old enough to be his mom, even! I thought the band didn't even need parts in the script. They were used as props anyway. I did like the character of Nikki, Jamie's ex-girlfriend, who tries desperately to get back together with him, but continuously gets rejected. This character could have even played a bigger role in the movie.

However, if you are a fan of Rick's (as I am), it is a must-see. The music is the best part of the show, and once again Rick triumphs in this field! The song "Love Somebody" (performed in a concert sequence at the end of the film) makes the hour and a half long movie worth renting or buying.

You know, I liked this movie, and I am looking to buy a copy of it eventually. True, it's not the greatest movie, but hey, it's RICK SPRINGFIELD, and that's the real reason I went to see it in the first place!

It's a light-hearted movie, entertainment for his fans, and has a rockin' soundtrack, where Rick really shines.

Did I read correctly that another reviewer says he's a "no-talent"? Oh please. As the saying goes, he has more talent in his little finger than a host of other singers/actors/whatever have in their whole bodies! Very gifted songwriter, excellent performer (have you ever been to a concert?), and a d*mn good-looking man to boot! You can't ask for much more. Rick's been in the business for a long time, and may he continue for many more years!

Rock on, Rick baby! ;-)

This movie wasn't the worst movie made. Don't go to see it if you want to have deep thoughts! We are NOT talking Masterpiece Theatre! If you are a Rick Springfield fan (and there are a lot of us!) you will love this. Rick Springfield is NOT the worst actor around. It has a good story and GREAT music! It is a good love story. What normal woman doesn't fantasize about a famous, gorgeous, and nice man sweeping her off her feet?!?! Perfect 80s fun! Patti Hansen (Keith Richards' woman) is nutty and beyond, but it worked for her character. The most important reason to see it? A scene involving Rick Springfield that MAY or MAY NOT stay on! Bottom Line -- this movie is the perfect thing to watch when you want to have a bit of fantasy and not get hit over the head with how artistic or political it is.