IMDb >
The Wild Life (1984)
Watch It
Buy it at Amazon
Rent it at Blockbuster.com
Discuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
BETA
Discuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
Quicklinks
Top Links
trailers and videosfull cast and crewtriviaofficial sitesmemorable quotesOverview
main detailscombined detailsfull cast and crewcompany creditstv scheduleAwards & Reviews
user commentsexternal reviewsnewsgroup reviewsawardsuser ratingsparents guiderecommendationsmessage boardPlot & Quotes
plot summarysynopsisplot keywordsAmazon.com summarymemorable quotesFun Stuff
triviagoofssoundtrack listingcrazy creditsalternate versionsmovie connectionsFAQOther Info
merchandising linksbox office/businessrelease datesfilming locationstechnical specslaserdisc detailsDVD detailsliterature listingsNewsDeskPromotional
taglines trailers and videos posters photo galleryExternal Links
showtimesofficial sitesmiscellaneousphotographssound clipsvideo clipsThe Wild Life (1984) More at IMDbPro »
Overview
User Rating:
Director:
Writer:
Cameron Crowe (written by)
Release Date:
28 September 1984 (USA)
more
Tagline:
From the creators of 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High" - something even faster! more
Plot:
Eighties teen romp involving Bill and his new apartment, Jim and his rebellious antics, Tom and his crazy self, and Anita with her older man David.
more
| add synopsis
User Comments:
"...after Les Girls, you'll never be the same again."
more (15 total)
Cast
(Cast overview, first billed only) | Chris Penn | ... | Tom Drake (as Christopher Penn) |
 | Ilan Mitchell-Smith | ... | Jim Conrad |
 | Eric Stoltz | ... | Bill Conrad |
| Jenny Wright | ... | Eileen |
 | Lea Thompson | ... | Anita |
| Brin Berliner | ... | Tony |
| Rick Moranis | ... | Harry |
 | Hart Bochner | ... | David Curtiss |
| Susan Rinell | ... | Donna (as Susan Blackstone) |
| Cari Anne Warder | ... | Julie |
| Robert Ridgely | ... | Craig Davis |
| Jack Kehoe | ... | Mr. Parker |
| Simone White | ... | Brenda (as Jennifer White) |
| Beth McKinley | ... | Robin |
 | Michael Bowen | ... | Vince |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
96 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Color (Technicolor)
Sound Mix:
Certification:
Filming Locations:
Company:
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
The soundtrack was composed and recorded by Edward Van Halen, much of which was the basis for Van Halen's "5150" album.
more
Goofs:
Crew or equipment visible: When the guys are driving to the strip club, you can clearly see a cop car blocking a side street to prevent any cars from interrupting the filming on the main street they are driving on.
more
Quotes:
Movie Connections:
Referenced in "TV Land Confidential: Movies (#2.2)" (2007)
more
Soundtrack:
HUMAN SHOUT
more
FAQ
This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.more (15 total)
Message Boards
Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for The Wild Life (1984) moreRecommendations
If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
Show more recommendations
|
|
|
|
|
| Porky's | The Girl Next Door | Short Cuts | 1969 | The Graduate |
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
Related Links
| Full cast and crew | Company credits | IMDb Comedy section |
| IMDb USA section | Add this title to MyMovies |
While I hold its predecessor, "Fast Times At Ridgemont High," as a standard to which other teen comedies should be compared, "The Wild Life" is one of the better lesser known films from that time-and a worthy sequel, if you can call it that. I believe its tagline reads, "From the makers of FTARH, something even faster." This definitely holds true. Though it may lack the depth of the former which tackles issues like first dates, teen sex, and abortions, "The Wild Life" is, nonetheless, a great flick. It's pure chaotic fun, especially due to Chris Penn's over-the-top character, Thomas Drake. If Spicolli was high on coke instead of weed, he would be Drake. Eric Stoltz, in his first major role, is great as the straight-laced Bill Conrad. The two characters work well off one another. Think a younger, hipper Odd Couple, complete with 80's gloss. Outside of them there are so many other great things about this film worth mentioning. Lea Thompsom has never looked cuter, especially during the scenes of her working at the donut shop. Jenny Wright is just delectable and fun to watch. Rick Moranis plays a great nerd/perv who is dying to get in her pants. Thomas Drake's wrestler buddies are hysterical, especially Benny, the little Puerto Rican guy, who says some pretty memorable lines. One in particular that he yells out during a night out at a strip club had me on the floor the first time I saw it. That's saying something! Finally, the movie ends with one of the best 80's party scenes on film, ever. Look out for special appearances by Ron Wood of the Rolling Stones, Leo Penn (Sean and Chris Penn's dad), and a random Michael Jackson look-alike at the party. Throw in a score by none other than the man himself, Eddie Van Halen, and you can't go wrong. For Van Hagar fans, keep your ears open for riffs that would be found on such albums as 5150, OU812, and For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge.
If anything disrupts the flow of the movie it is a small subplot involving Randy Quaid as a burned out Vietnam vet. It just seems out of place and unnecessary. Other than that, it's near perfect. If your a fan of mindless but fun 80's movies and have not yet seen this one, you're in for something special. RENT IT NOW!!!
p.s.-The credits say Cameron Crowe has a cameo as one of the cops in the film. Does he have his back turned during his scene because I have yet to find him. Someone please help me.