Stock-car city

I haven't seen "Grandview, U.S.A." is many moons. After watching it last night my crush on Jamie Lee Curtis is back in full swing. She's so cool and very dreamy in this movie. The rest of the cast is also very good with the standouts being Ramon Bieri and Patrick Swayze. Bieri plays his tricky character just right and Swayze has never been better. This is also a great looking movie with terrific locations. "Grandview, U.S.A." is a very satisfying watch.

Tender-but-tough divorcée, the struggling owner of an outdoor demolition derby arena in small town Illinois, is faced with a $10,000 upgrade from the county; one of the commissioners is trying to get her property cheap so he can build a country club on the spot, but is unaware his teenage son has a crush on the older woman, who is also being courted by her star-driver. Surprisingly complicated character-driven film from director Randal Kleiser, he of the hits "Grease" and "The Blue Lagoon". Working from Ken Hixon's mercurial script, Kleiser hands a wonderful role to top-billed Jamie Lee Curtis, who finally gets to show off an appealing range (it's one of her tightest performances). As her underage paramour, C. Thomas Howell is still doing his puppy dog bit (soulful eyes and trembling bottom lip), however Patrick Swayze is terrific as the macho star involved in an all-out war with his cheating wife (Jennifer Jason Leigh, convincing as an unrepentant tramp). Just as good as the younger players is Ramon Bieri as Howell's father; the under-appreciated actor stews in realistic exasperation with his kids, and Kleiser is careful not to mock him (the father's actions aren't fully considered, but we are able to perceive the man's character in Bieri's weary eyes and seasoned face). What doesn't work are the dream sequences/music videos which appear to be included to appeal to the teen market. This isn't another horny boy-meets-older woman hick-comedy, though it was advertised as such. The film has more on its mind than cheap thrills, and the actors seem to relish in their opportunities. **1/2 from ****

There have been more bad critical reviews and comments about THIS movie than good. I don't see how it's THAT bad to most viewers. It is one of my top favorites. It contains an excellent blend of comedy and drama about life in a rural American location (no mention of state or town but Texas is a good possibility). Great character acting. They just don't make them like this anymore.

OK I must say that this movie isn't the greatest, but hey it was the 80s. This movie is special to me because it was filmed in my home town of Pontiac,IL. I was a little kid when they were filming it and I got to meet Jamie Lee. it was awesome. In Pontiac,IL not much goes on, so you can only imagine how fun it was to have a movie with real stars being made there! The place where they had the race track, was where I played Pony League. They used my high school, and many other parts of the town that I have been to. It's fun to watch this and look out for stuff that's there, not there and see some of my friends in little pieces of the film. So if you are from or have ever been to Pontiac,IL I suggest you watch this film!!

Americana-style comedy-drama about a county commissioner who tries to run the local demolition derby out of business so he and his investors can build a country club on its property. The commissioner's son falls in love with the woman owner of the derby, thereby creating an obvious rift with his dad. The feature has gotten mixed reviews over the years, though it does have its entertaining moments.