Hard to Hold (1984)

Really Surprised!

Absolutely the worst movie.

This is a coming of age storyline that you've seen in one form or another for decades. It takes a truly unique voice to make yet another one worth watching.

An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

Jamie Roberts (Rick Springfield) is a pop music superstar. He gives concerts, gyrates across the stage, and the crowd, mostly women, swoons. But, this gets old after awhile and he has been feeling somewhat restless. Borrowing a car after a show, Jamie gets into a minor traffic accident with a pretty schoolteacher, Diana (Janet Eilber) and he likes what he sees. However, she doesn't care if he is the richest man out there, she likes Tony Bennett and sane lifestyles. Nevertheless, when Jamie shows up below her apartment building in San Francisco and has a Tony-lookalike serenade her, she can't help but invite the good-looking singer into her apartment for an evening. Yet, she doesn't see any future between the two of them and tries to resist the start of any relationship. But, Jamie is relentless and they begin to go out as a couple. Can a teacher of troubled children who scorns "top 40" music really be a good match for a rock star? All right, I know, this film is the definitive guilty pleasure, for its strengths are mainly the looks and voice of one Rick Springfield. He has a smile that melts hearts and his goofy yet sincere portrayal of a rock star goes a long way to making the film attractive to a mostly female audience. Eilber is pretty and competent as the love interest and the supporting cast is quite nice as well. As for the setting in San Francisco, it is gorgeous, the costumes are nice, and the production values are strong. Yes, the plot is somewhat silly and unbelievable but the direction keeps the story going. The soundtrack, too, will either be very appealing or dismissive, depending on whether you are a fan of Springfield's. In short, if you adore little Ricky but you have never seen this film, get it soon. Toes will curl and chests will sigh over the Aussie singer's rare movie appearance.

I had never even heard of this movie and decided to record it today. I thought it was sweet. I love Rick Springfield too and I especially loved that it took place in San Francisco. The scenery was wonderful and they hit all the best spots in SF down to my favorite hotel, (pre-remodel) The Fairmont. It looked great and so did he! I'm watching his concert scene again and am having flashbacks. I didn't think I even missed the 80's until I see him again. Mm, this "Love Somebody" song is awesome! He looks just like an old boyfriend of mine. What is Rick doing now? The hardest thing about this movie is picturing him with that fuddy-duddy therapist. Oh my gosh, I didn't think I could like a bi-level haircut again! He's dreamy. Think I can get my husband to try that?

This was a great "bad" movie. It really captures the mood of the 80's. It's easy to look down on movies like this. But it's not as bad as everyone says it is. Would you really buy this movie expecting "On the water front"? Rick is OK. Does every movie have to be an award winner? It does actually have a good premise. Some of the music (concert scenes) could be better--but it's not Rick's fault. For all those who graduated in the 80's--rock on! I love Rick's character. It's actually realistic.I wish someone would remake this film with a hip-hop feel. I think it would work on that level. Someone call M&M. He is a great actor.

This movie could have been better but because of the limited nature of the story line I think that people didn't get the chance to see what a good actor Rick really is.The story to me seemed to be half done in that it couldn't decide whether to be a comedy or a drama. And I just couldn't feel the chemistry between his character Jamy and the love interest Diana (Janet Eilber) While I think that Patti Hansen's character of Niki Nides got unfortunately left in the background, and left under developed due to the material each one had been given to work with (or the lack of it).The soundtrack for this movie had some of Rick's best works on it written by him. No small feat and it also had some other really standout musicians on it (Peter Gabriel, Graham Parker, and Nona Hendryx) And the real shame in this is that the movie was so poorly done in the wriitng, directing, and some of the other character actors involved it managed to somehow sink the soundtrack where by unfortunately and VERY unfairly sealing Rick's possible fate as a washed up teen idol. Which is NOT the title that a man of his talent deserves How sad!