Tapeheads (1988)

A couple of creative losers accidently become big shots in the video music industry.

Director:

Bill Fishman

Writers:

Bill Fishman (story), Peter McCarthy (story)

Stars:

John Cusack, Tim Robbins, Mary Crosby

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.

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.

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Plot Keywords:

self indulgence | sardonic | 1980s | roses are red poem | music spoof | 

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Taglines:

A funny movie with music.

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Genres:

Comedy | Music

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Certificate:

R

Did You Know?

Trivia

The song "Repave Amerika" appears on the soundtrack, written by Tim Robbins and performed by Bob Roberts. This was four years before Bob Roberts (1992), written and directed by Robbins.

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Quotes

Ivan Alexeev: You know, Josh, in primitive societies, after they sever the umbilical cord, they eat the placenta in a ritualistic ceremony.
[bites into a burger]
Ivan Alexeev: Want a bite?

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Crazy Credits

People who gave us stuff for free:

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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.

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Connections

Referenced in Rewind This! (2013)

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Soundtracks

Ordinary Man
Performed by The Swanky Modes
Written by Brian Adler
Produced and Arranged by Bob Rose

User Reviews

Amusing if nothing else

It's not a bad movie but not worth buying it on DVD (as I did). Funny at times but you somewhat get drawn automatically towards a happy ending.

The DVD version had quite a bad soundtrack (with the exception of the music score).

Reminded me of Weird Al's "UHF" (who b.t.w. makes a cameo in this flick) but less hilarious.

Good for one run, then bury it at the bottom of the stack.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Spanish French

Release Date:

21 October 1988 (USA)

Also Known As:

Tapeheads

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$133,330, 23 October 1988

Gross USA:

$343,786

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$343,786

Company Credits

Production Co:

Front Films, NBC Productions, Pacific Arts Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

93 min

Sound Mix:

Ultra Stereo

Color:

Black and White Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1