Eddie And The Cruisers

Starring: Michael Pare, Tom Berenger, Joe Pantoliano, Matthew Laurance, Helen Schneider
Written by: Martin Davidson, Arlene Davidson
Director: Martin Davidson
Year: 1983

Rating: * * * 1/2  Stars       +       (Fan Bonus - )  Total: * * * 1/2


Mystery meets Rock N Roll in this tale of a fabled musician who's music is having a resurgence among audiences, long after he passed away, or did he?


Former musician and band mate Frank Ridgeway (Tom Berenger) is approached by a reporter doing a story on Eddie and the Cruisers, the sensational band from the late 50's to early 60's who's lead singer Eddie Wilson (Michael Pare) died in a mysterious car accident. The car was recovered in the river, but the body was never found. Now, 20 years later, radio stations begin playing their songs again as fans have re-discovered their music. One by one, Frank is reunited with old band-mates who share in the fond, and not so fond, memories of the band, the music, relationships and touring, told through various flashback scenes.


However, the reunion isn't all fun and games, as someone has been harassing band members for the lost tapes from their final, unfinished record, "A Season In Hell." And all signs point that  this mysterious person is Eddie Wilson himself.


The Soundtrack is this films selling point. John Cafferty lends his talents to the film by performing the songs  Eddie and the Cruisers would perform on screen as their own. "Wild Summer Nights", "On The Dark Side" and "Tender Years" were legit top 40 hits after this film came out. Even though it was the 80's, these songs were written in that 60's style as to fit the time period of the film, with just the right touch of modern songwriting to give Eddie and the Cruisers that ahead-of-their-time feel.


The film is crafted so well, and subtly draws from other rock n roll mythologies that the viewer forgets this is a fictitious band. It almost has the viewer believing this is a true story. Michael Pare brings such raw emotion to his character that he literally jumps off the screen. We empathize with his character. His passion for his music, his frustration with the studios and his relationship with his girlfriend/band mate Joann (Helen Schneider) are the driving forces behind this character. 


A cult classic, this film has endured to this day. Good music, fine acting, and a suspenseful mystery come together to tell the true, compelling story of a band that never existed.


In 1989, a sub-par sequel was made, which should be avoided if you really love this film. 




SEE THE TRAILER: Eddie and the Cruisers