Cruise

Saw the original trailer for this movie in 2012/2013. The original trailer was titled Franny Lew The Boulevard. I was led to believe the movie would be based on that trailer. Unfortunately the movie is nothing like the original trailer. The accident which was caused by oil being thrown into the street was not even mentioned in the movie. Instead it is about a summer romance (fling) between a girl from Great Neck and a guy from Whitestone. Yes there are a few races, nothing to get excited about. American Graffiti had more racing and better cars (from that era). Considering this was based on the 80's and Franny Lew I honestly expected to see more races and more street cars. That was not the case. This movie was a disappointment to me. It appears the entire story line was changed for the big screen. Such a shame. **Scene that takes place at Whitestone Lanes (Unrealistic). F.Y.I. I was a teen in the 80's and lived/still live in the area this movie is based on. There was so much more that could have been added to this movie. Especially when it comes to the music and the cars. I hung out on Franny Lew as a teen. I saw first hand the cars that would show up to race. Can not express my disappointment enough.

Yes! It's a nice 80" vibe! Definitely worth a try.

If it seems familiar, go with the feeling. Bad boy from wrong side of tracks (Italian, of course) falls for thrill seeking girl in ivy league college from the suburbs (Jewish American Princess with lips only a Plastic Surgeon could admire). This version is a little more adult but is on the spectrum of Hollywood young "love" stories. Even a faint whiff of Romeo and Juliet meets Dirty Dancing, that's how trite it seemed at times.

On the "Pro" side, the budget was on the screen, the actors played their stereotypes, and the leads were good enough. Emily Ratajkowski's lip job, if just for vanity and not medically needed, should be a warning to young people, natural beauty is always better than surgical.

Not just of the era, but of a typical 80's romantic movie plot line. Seigel got it right. Cruise is a pretty in pink "salut" to the rich/poor theme of the 80's. My biggest contention is that even though the main car in this film (1987 Buick grand national) is a personal favorite, the speed was bought, not built. The soundtrack couldn't be more spot on for the time. As a fan of stand up comedian Sebastian Maniscalco, I waited longer than I expected for his villainy to make an appearance BUT the wait was worth it. Gio's best buddies were a nice bit of spice. Likable but not overbearing characters. This isn't benvolio and mercuchio after all. The time spent paying homage to the culture and style of the 80's is well done but over all I feel the pacing was splintered with attention being spent on too many various aspects of the time (stealing stereos and Italian family and racing and rich/poor and sex and and drugs and and and)

It doesn't go where you think it will which is a nice change. If you're looking for a typical movie hero, you won't find it here. You'll find sacrifice and humility. Not bad all in all. A movie I was looking forward to and one that delivered in ways in didn't expect.

The writing and directing is excellent. While it takes you into the late 89's you dont have to have lived during that time to enjoy this movie. For me this was a character based screenplay that you get to travel along with the main character and feel how he makes this transition from one type of guy to another. I don't want to give anything away. I enjoyed how the music is such an important part of the movie like a character itself. I wish the movie had been a bit longer.I think they shuld have explored soime of the other characters a bit more. But there again is why i think this was more a one character based movie and there's nothing wrong with that. The driving and drag racing were great to watch.THe love story was a surprise. the gangsters were an excellent addition that i wish we could have seen more of.Spencer Boldman did an excellent job of pullig off this character, i was highly impressed with his work.