The Boost (1988)

Lenny Brown moves to California to find his fortune in tax shelter investments. When the federal government changes the tax laws, poor Lenny finds himself $700,000 in hock with nowhere to ... See full summary »

Director:

Harold Becker

Writers:

Ben Stein (book), Darryl Ponicsan (screenplay)

Stars:

James Woods, Sean Young, John Kapelos

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
James Woods	...	Lenny Brown
Sean Young	...	Linda Brown
John Kapelos	...	Joel Miller
Steven Hill	...	Max Sherman
Kelle Kerr	...	Rochelle
John Rothman	...	Ned
Amanda Blake	...	Barbara
Grace Zabriskie	...	Sheryl
Marc Poppel	...	Mark
Fred McCarren	...	Tom
Suzanne Kent	...	Helen
Libby Boone	...	Delores
Greg Deason	...	Michael
David Preston	...	Surfer
June Chandler	...	Secretary

Storyline

Lenny Brown moves to California to find his fortune in tax shelter investments. When the federal government changes the tax laws, poor Lenny finds himself $700,000 in hock with nowhere to turn. His friend, Joel, introduces him to cocaine to give Lenny that needed "boost". What ensues next is a descent into drug addiction and insanity as Lenny tries to regain control of his life, all the while needing that extra "boost".

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Plot Keywords:

drugs | drug addiction | cocaine | addiction | wrong table at restaurant | 

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Taglines:

Imagine having all the power, passion and pleasure money can buy. Now imagine losing them.

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Genres:

Drama | Romance

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Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

23 December 1988 (USA)

Also Known As:

Der Preis des Erfolges

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$8,000,000 (estimated)

Gross:

$784,990 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Hemdale Film

Technical Specs

Runtime:

95 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The film's title is a slang term for both cocaine abuse and shoplifting.

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Goofs

When Lenny and Linda are in the pool, we see Linda from behind, and her wet hair is completely swept back behind her right ear, but as the camera angle changes to a front view, her right ear is now half-covered with wet hair.

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Quotes

Lenny: [on Linda's birthday] I got you a $40,000 car and a $2 mutt. Go figure.

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Connections

Features Jeopardy! (1984)

User Reviews

Sometimes you win; sometimes you lose.

I appreciated this movie more after the second viewing. Although dark, it leaves a powerful statement. James Woods is a silver-tongued real estate salesman that for the first time in his life he is successful and rolling in money. So much money and so quick, he turns to cocaine to stay in high gear. His wife (Sean Young)wishes things could stay plain and simple; but after slipping into the high life, she too needs drugs to remain functional. Steven Hill is the mentor that suddenly is disgusted with Woods character. The profitable real estate business dries up leaving Woods ass deep in debt and no way to support his drug habit. Woods finally clean and sober still can't repair the damage done to his life and marriage.

John Kapelos and Kelle Kerr are noteworthy in support. Woods is dynamic and very convincing. Young on the other hand seems quite bland and exhibits little acting skills. Young however is not afraid to get naked! THE BOOST is dark, moody and all too realistic.