Bright Lights, Big City (1988)

Outline: Following a confused cocaine user (Michael J. Fox) over the course of a week, during which his absentee wife (Phoebe Cates) returns home, he gets fired from his job, and culminating with the first anniversary of his mother's (Dianne Weist) death.

This movie is so stupid. It's boring and awful. Look at us, we are doing lines. Look at us, we are buying more cocaine. Look at us, we aren't even really addicts (as he gets through some time without going through withdrawal), we just don't want to bother with our lives. Stupid, boring, and awful. The most exciting parts were the sub-headings for each day. See, Fox is supposed to be a writer, so each day begins with a type written disclaimer. Trust me, the six or seven of them are the most interesting parts of the film.

Also, Cates' character is a famous model. Everyone talks about how great she looks, how beautiful she is. Don't get me wrong, she's a pretty girl, but there's no way she would be a model. It's the late 80s, so that means we are closing in on the rise of the super model. That considered, she wouldn't have made it. I know this sounds kind of mean. The point I am trying to make is that the film is poorly cast. The only thing believable about Cates is that she would have married Fox, who is, as always, winsome.

The screenplay, written by Jay McInerney, was based on his best selling novel of the same name. Something has got to have been lost in the translation from page to screen because this story should not be a bestseller. As for the direction, well, I've never see anything else James Bridges has done, and I feel bad saying stuff about him considering that and the fact that he's dead.

Also, what was the point of having Kiefer Sutherland as Fox's only friend. He's character has few scenes, and they aren't at all interesting. I don't get why he is the second name billed and the put him on the box. This movie is one of many that has prompted me to go on a Kiefer Sutherland fast. I don't care how sexy or talented he is, he has made scores of crap movies, and I don't want to bother with them anymore.

Overall, you have no reason to want to see this movie. I mean it - even if you read the book, you shouldn't bother with this movie.