Purple Rain (1984)

Plenty to Like, Plenty to Dislike

Excellent but underrated film

Although it has its amusing moments, in eneral the plot does not convince.

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

Prince's death last year made me realize that I didn't know much of his work (in fact, I first learned of him during the period when he used a glyph as his name). I only now got around to watching "Purple Rain". What a show! The plot is routine - a man trying to make something of himself in show biz - but the music is to die for. There are a couple of scenes that are probably in there for comic relief (such as the scene by the lake), but most of everything helps move along the story.Like "8 Mile" for Eminem, this is a semi-autobiographical story for Prince. I wouldn't go so far as to call it a masterpiece, but I had a good time watching it. The soundtrack and clothing scream 1980s. Really good time.Prince and Muhammad Ali died less than two months apart, and on the internet I saw a photo of them together, captioned SERIOUSLY, F**K 2016. Sometimes it seems as though the people who died last year (aside from the aforementioned ones, there were David Bowie, Patty Duke, Gene Wilder, Florence Henderson, Fidel Castro, Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds) were the lucky ones: they didn't have to experience the freak show that is the Trump era.

1. Nobody needs to be told how awesome the music in Purple Rain is. The soundtrack is justly considered to be one of the greatest soundtracks ever made and the songs by "The Time" are good as well. Even the Razzie-nominated "Sex Shooter" is a song I enjoyed, though not as much as songs by The Revolution or The Time.2. It's no surprise that none of the actors here ever received Oscar nominations for acting but all the actors here play their parts well. Prince mostly does a good job as a kid, there are just a few parts where he can be overly-dramatic that his acting flaws show. Apollonia and Morris Day received Razzie nominations for their performances but Day makes an appropriately detestable villain and Apollonia makes a lovable girlfriend with the heart of gold (it doesn't hurt that she has a topless scene).3. I like how the domestic drama at the Kid's House rises above convention by portraying the father as more than just an abusive deadbeat. 4. Nice cinematography during The Kid & Apollonia's bike ride. It nicely shows the beauty of Minnesota.5. I'm glad they show Morris regretting a cruel and inappropriate remark he made to The Kid after his father's attempted suicide. That shred of humanity to an otherwise hateable villain is surprising and appreciated.6. In the VHS closed captions, the first few times the Kid listens to the Purple Rain cassette is noted in the closed captions by purple musical notes.7. Best Line The Kid: (referring to his father's music) I'd like to hear some more of it. Do you have any of it written down somewhere?Francis L: No, man. I don't write it down. I don't have to. There's a big difference between you and me.Cons 1. Some of the domestic drama scenes at the Kid's house can be over-done like a bad after- school special. At least they avoid that most groan-inducing family drama cliché: the parent suddenly showing up at their kid's important performance (Albert Magnoli's next directorial effort, American Anthem, wouldn't be so lucky).2. Why would the owner of a Minnesota night club wear a Detroit Tigers cap? Perhaps he's clairvoyant and knew the Tigers were going to win a World Championship that year.

Loved this movie as a child and an adult. As a child, I viewed Prince's character as the hero. As an adult, not so much. Now, I see the Kid as the bad guy and Morris as the hero! First story line of Appolonia, a broke young singer, coming to Minneapolis from New Orleans to find a gig. The Kid did not help her or at least offer her a place in his group. Instead, he says that doesn't want her in his life that way and he just wants to be her boyfriend. Dude, help her out! The first thing Morris does is offer her a job singing!Next story line, the Kid is upset about his parents fighting at home. OK but you're grown! Move your grown ass out your parents' basement! Morris has his own place!Next story line, the bands are competing at the club. The Kid is late for rehearsals, skips business meetings, and is dismissive to artistic contributions from his bandmates. Morris is creating a new band, attending meetings, and doing what it takes on the business side to try and be a star. I'm sorry but the Kid is doing everything wrong! Still love the movie and the music, though!

It was Henry Wadsworth Longfellow who first said "art is long and time is fleeting". Then oh so quickly we heard the drums were beating….. "Prince has died".It was 1984 when Purple Rain was first released. Only 32 years later we hear that Prince is now deceased.So we watch the film Purple Rain in his memory once ...than twice. Regardless how many times we hit replay, we realize it will no longer suffice.For Prince was, and will forever remain larger than life itself. But we grow to understand through Purple Rain that the unselfish Prince gave most of himself.The film outlines his troubled young life, his abusive father, and most importantly his love for music. Purple Rain sings out loudly and beautifully that the young Prince is a true Virtuosic.We relish the life of the 26 year old Prince the singer, songwriter, and stage performer, a free spirit flying oh so high. Because this is what it sounds like when doves cry.Rest In Peace Prince as your star will forever shine oh so gloriously bright10/10