Thunder Alley

I love, love, love this movie! I had forgotten all about it until recently, but am so glad I went on e-bay and purchased it in VHS format, (the guy I bought it from included a burned DVD much to my pleasant surprise!) I was fifteen when I first saw this movie and it takes me back as if it were yesterday. Roger Wilson from Porky's is great, so is Scott McGinnis. But I have to confess that the only reason I saw this movie back in the day was because Leif Garrett was in it. That aside, the story line is great, the music is great, all the guys are great - even Clancy Brown. I get all warm inside when I watch this movie because it's so true to the era. And plus, Leif still looked great at this point in time. This movie won't disappoint if you're a music fan, especially an 80s music fan.

I saw this movie in the 80's late night. I was mesmerized by the story line. Why?? I was in a band in the 60's and early 70's and the personality conflicts and drug experienced were so much like we experienced. I only saw it once and expected to see it on TV again. But never did. I was confused and thought that the movie was called "Thunder Road". And just today (2007), I tried "Thunder Alley" and I found it.

I really can't comment details about it, because it was so long ago. But what I remembered in the ONE time I saw it was that it seemed so accurate to what I experienced.

Wow, it would be so great to find this movie on DVD. I'd want to add it to my private collection.

All I can say is... If you were ever in a band and you can find it to watch it, do so. You'll love the movie.

THUNDER ALLEY Rated PG13 Copyright: 1985 Golan Globus Films Filmed in Arizona

******** The Characters *********

1. Ritchie - Guitar prodigy who joins his friends band as the lead guitarist & songwriter. Reunites with his band mates for one last chance at the big time.

2. Donnie - (IT's Scott McGinnis) Keyboardist of the band Magic & Ritchie's best friend. Gets Ritchie to join Magic. Bites it by drug overdose.

3. Beth - Ritchie's sweet girlfriend. Tries to be supportive of Ritchie even after he cheats on her with Star.

4. Lorraine - Donnie's girlfriend. Works at the local Ice Cream stand and has boobies as big as Nortons!! Takes Donnie's death hard.

5. Wessel - Band road manager that works for the Fatman. Takes Ritchie under his wing to make him a star.

6. Skip - (IT's Leif Garret!)Lead singer of the band Magic. Leaves the band only to reunite with them later at the Rainbow Festival.

7. Wolf - Base player for the band Magic.

8. Butch - Drummer for the band Magic.

9. Fatman - Local music promoter out to screw with Magic. Gets the band to fight within themselves. His car gets trashed by Ritchie.

10. Star - Blond groupie chick that gets Donnie hooked on Drugs. Gets her ass kicked by Ritchie after she tries to get Ritchie to try the drugs. "Big Nudity Scene"

11. Candy - Random Booby shot in the swimming pool.

12. Surgical Steel - Rival local heavy metal band within the Tuson Arizona music scene.

******** What you may learn form watching this film ********

1. Music Promoters are all assholes & out for themselves.

2. Leif Garret can actually perform real music besides bubble gum.

3. Scott McGinnis did get out of the closet after Lt. Uhura locked him in during Star Trek / The Search for Spock.

4. Good girls fathers are all town drunks.

5. Ice Cream makes a girls Boobies grow bigger.

6. Heavy Metal was the choice music in Arizona in the 80's.

7. Golan/Globus made other films besides Missing in Action.

8. Never play at Buffalo Bills night club. He'll try to screw you every time when it comes time to pay you...

******** Personal Commentary ********

Now I know I'm most likely going to be bias to this film. This is my favorite film of all time. During my years as a musician I seen many films that showed the life of a musician but rarely found one that was somewhat accurate about the whole industry.

This film does just that.. It's that damn good... The acting can be better but the story is deep. I really can't trash this film. It has some sentimentality with me.

It defiantly is a keeper & wish to God they would release it on DVD soon... I own it on video and it's an original copy. It makes me feel all fuzzy inside... hehehe...

Anywho.... I give this film..... 10 moooss.... If you can rent it.. watch it... trust me on this one...

That's my story & I'm sticking to it...

Mooby

"For GODs sake, let the Moobster dance!" quote: N. Fisher

Enjoyed the movie tremendously. Not an Academy Award performance movie but enjoyed the music and the delicate subject of drugs and rock and roll. My family watched it over and over and we never get tired of it. Now my grandson is watching it and asking questions that the film makes easy to explain. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good musical. The acting isn't the best but it gets it's point across. The songs are nice to listen to. Was nice to see Leif Garrett as an adult. There are lessons learned by the characters in the film which can be used in real life for the younger aged viewers. I would pay money to see it again. Good cast and I loved hearing Roger Wilson sing. Great voice!

My daughters and I watched this movie years ago. I really loved it and so did they. We used to rent it all the time. No one rents it anymore. So now I am looking to purchase it. The music was great and some of the songs touch the heart. Some of the actors you will recognize and some are new faces. But if you like a movie that has a message for young people and a story of love and friendship, you will enjoy this movie. I had only seen Roger Wilson in the movies Porky's. The acting in this is much better. If your looking for an Academy Award type movie this isn't it, but if you are looking for a feel good movie, by all means see it. I am a senior citizen but that doesn't stop me from seeking out a good movie..This was a good movie.