Starstruck

I saw this movie when it was originally released in America in the early 1980's. I enjoyed the film quite a bit and eventually bought the soundtrack. I just rented the film on video and it still holds up for me after all these years. It is still simple, quirky, vibrant and lively just as I remembered it. The characters are well drawn and very unique and the dance numbers are just as quirky as the rest of the movie. The "Body and Soul" number in the pub literally gets everyone in on the act and it is a highlight of the film for me. I read where director Gillian Armstrong said the reason she made the film after scoring with a period piece like "My Brilliant Career" is because she wanted to do something unusual and little unexpected. She (and all involved) very much succeed. The soundtrack has 1980's style new wave influenced pop. Whether you enjoy the rest of the movie will probably depend on whether you enjoy that style of music. If you do, give this movie a look, if you do not, then pass on it.

One of the best original rock musicals! I have just seen the DVD release, having not seen the movie in about 20 years and it holds up very well. It is not at all dated. All of the songs, except for the one which is intentionally bad, are great memorable songs...apparently thanks to Phil Judd of The Swingers. Casting really makes the film. Great chemistry between the two cousins Jackie (Joe Kennedy) and Angus (Ross O Donovan).

Although the plot is somewhat thin, as is typical for this type of movie, it moves along quite nicely and has good light-hearted humor.

See the movie, you will not be disappointed.

A Wonderful new wave camp classic,i normally don't really like musicals,but when i saw this back in the eighties i loved it. beautiful sexy Jo Kennedy plays an aspiring singer in Australia. her little cousin Angus,is her agent.campy fun movie with lots of great new wave musical numbers.pokes fun at the MGM musicals from the 40s and 50s.this was a little known,under-appreciated effort from down under. and seldom shown on TV.i don't think its out on DVD yet.but its a great movie.with colorful zany characters,its a cult film.Australia's greatest import since mad max.a must see for everyone even if your not into musicals like me.more then likely you will enjoy.10 out of 10.

This is worth looking for. Australian film maker Gillian Armstrong's delightful gem traces the path of two Aussie teens trying to make their break in show biz. This is a classic fairy tale story that includes such amusing scenes as young star Jo Kennedy practising tight-rope walking across the bar of her grandmother's pub. This film treats its teen subjects with respect rather than condescension and the finale is a showstopper. Great soundtrack of obscure 80s music, as well.

The director of "My Brilliant Career", the Production Designer of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show", a choreographer working without trained dancers, several script writers and many composers bring a low-budget post-punk vitality to Sydney Australia.

As the commentary on the DVD mentions, the prints of Starstruck seem to have been severely cut in different releases, and this print has at least one song hacked out of the release I saw in 1982. Still, the bouncy energy survives. Teenage lust and ambition are tempered with working class family values. The homage to Richard Lester and gay Busby Berkeley routine are still hilarious, and the finale will have your toes a-tapping.