A couple of creative losers accidently become big shots in the video music industry.
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Title: Tapeheads (1988)
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| John Cusack | ... | Ivan Alexeev | |
| Tim Robbins | ... | Josh Tager | |
| Mary Crosby | ... | Samantha Gregory | |
| Clu Gulager | ... | Norman Mart | |
| Katy Boyer | ... | Belinda Mart | |
| Jessica Walter | ... | Kay Mart | |
| Sam Moore | ... | Billy Diamond | |
| Junior Walker | ... | Lester Diamond | |
| Susan Tyrrell | ... | Nikki Morton | |
| Doug McClure | ... | Sid Tager | |
| Connie Stevens | ... | June Tager | |
| King Cotton | ... | Roscoe | |
| Don Cornelius | ... | Mo Fuzz | |
| Ebbe Roe Smith | ... | Mr. G. | |
| Keith Joe Dick | ... | Mr. B. | |
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Plot Summary
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Storyline
After being fired from their jobs as security guards, Josh and Ivan form Video Aces, a video production company. Using Josh's talent and Ivan's business savvy, they attempt to hit it big in the business while doing projects they want to do. Among those whose paths cross with theirs are Norman Mart, an extremely right-wing presidential candidate; Samantha Gregory, a scheming music reporter; and Mo Fuzz, a producer willing to give them a chance or three if they'll work on spec. Written by James Meek <james@oz.net>
Plot Keywords:
self indulgence | sardonic | 1980s | roses are red poem | music spoof |Taglines:
"Let's get into trouble, baby!" See more »Parents Guide:
Add content advisory for parents »
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Performed by The Swanky Modes
Written by Sam Taylor
Produced and Arranged by Bob Rose
See more »
Did You Know?
Trivia
Was set to be released by De Laurentiis Entertainment Group but picked up by Avenue Pictures due to DEG's bankruptcy. See more »Alternate Versions
The 1990 UK video was cut by 48 secs by the BBFC to remove all footage of nunchakus and butterfly knives. The 2002 release is uncut. See more »Soundtracks
Live And LearnPerformed by The Swanky Modes
Written by Sam Taylor
Produced and Arranged by Bob Rose
See more »
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Details
Country:
USALanguage:
EnglishRelease Date:
21 October 1988 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
Tapeheads See more »Filming Locations:
Los Angeles, California, USAEdit
Box Office
Opening Weekend USA:
$133,330, 23 October 1988Gross USA:
$343,786Cumulative Worldwide Gross:
$343,786Company Credits
Show more on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Sound Mix:
Ultra StereoColor:
ColorAspect Ratio:
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Looking back at 'Tapeheads' all these years later is a strange trip! John Cusack is now a respected leading man and Tim Robbins is Mr. Credibility. Back in the day they were two zany dorks up for just about anything. This movie is sometimes surreal, sometimes silly. Very uneven with some segments just falling flat on their face. But there is more than enough unhinged invention on show to make it something unique.
It might on the surface seem like the precursor to Bill and Ted and Wayne and Garth et al, but there is an underlying subversive, almost punk attitude, that puts it closer in spirit to 'Roadside Prophets' (which also featured Cusack) or even some of the movies of Alex Cox. Cox has no direct involvement with 'Tapeheads', but like his 80s cult classic 'Repo Man' it was produced by ex-Monkee Mike Nesmith, and several Cox regulars appear - Sy Richardson, Zander Schloss, Xander Berkeley, Bobcat Goldthwait, and even (an uncredited) Courtney Love.
The plot doesn't matter all that much, at times it's just an excuse for music video parodies, pop culture in-jokes, and cameos by an almost endless parade of musicians, familiar TV faces, and other oddballs, everyone from Jello Biafra to Connie Stevens. It's like channel surfing while tripping and listening to oldies radio. Just the sight of seeing 'The Killers' Clu Gulager being spanked by Courtney Love while cult favourite Susan Tyrrell urges her on (blink and you WILL miss it!!), is almost worth watching this alone for. 'Tapeheads' may not be THE great lost 80s cult movie, but it does deserve to be rediscovered. There's no other movie QUITE like it! And it will put a smile on your face, guaranteed.