How can a movie be considered a topic for good news or information?

These words come to mind.

Nostalgia. Laughter, comedy and funny, stress-releaser. Entertaining. Positive lessons learned.

Note: No spoilers but some description of parts which resonated. Okay, just a tad. And this is not a review. Nor a paid post.

If you were in high school or college between 1983 to 1993, grew up and liked/are familiar with the pop and music culture of that era, you just have to watch this movie to release your stress.

Having celebrated our 20th high school reunion with a band playing 80s songs, memories of that era flooded my mind. The punk shades, baston or tight-fitting pants, shades of Spandau Ballet, Duran Duran (who do you think is better?). Tiffany and Debbie Gibson mentions, familiar look and feel of posters, and bands such as the Ramones, Frankie Goes to Hollywood and the melodies of the songs brought me back to the time when every chance I got, I would be listening to the radio.

I didn’t have the money to buy tapes then and CDs were still some years away. This was before the internet as we know it. The coders of BitTorrent were probably listening to this type of music as snippets of their program flashed through their brain while they were still in high school. Or pre-school.

It made me smile and laugh and release some tension that I have been feeling. The way Alex Fletcher (Hugh grant) moved (or I’d rather say, groove) is signature 80s. If I’d meet Tony Hadley or Simon Le Bon today, I would probably react the same way as the sister of Sophie (Drew Barrymore) did. I think this is better than her other 80s-inspired movie The Wedding Singer.

Though it’s light (as opposed to heavy, angst, deep emotions), this film still made me think of:

1. folly of living in the past, dwelling in the good old days. Forgetting that life is in the present and that there is always a future to look forward to
2. second chances and risks. It is never to late to dare your dream, and though you might get hurt or broken, not attempting tor trying is another way of saying: I’ve failed. So, take a second chance and take a risk.
3. taking a stand for what is right. If you don’t, the what ifs will resonate in your mind for a long time. Do you know what you stand for?
4. getting old. Aching backs and other parts of my body which I never knew even exited, less stamina, easily gets tired, medications, ECG and people talking to me with “PO” (a word of respect for old people). And I just came from my annual physical exam. Take care of your health! You only have one body and not all the science in the world can bring your youth back.
5. how life is not all about yourself.

A good movie. I’ll probably get a DVD when it comes out.

Music and Lyrics did not get a good impression from critics. They are right if you use your critical eye on story, acting and the finer technical points of a film as your standard. But if you used plastic to help you wear your baston pants; If you used gel or spraynet, know Wham, Industry, The More You Live the More You Love; if you just want to relax and enjoy and have a good time, go see this movie.

Then thank me later with a comment and link.

PS: Be sure to be there at the beginning: Don’t miss the first part, the MTV.