Cast
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Richard Jordan
as Grock
Jami Gertz
as Terra
Jason Patric
as Jason
Lukas Haas
as Daniel
James Le Gros
as Metron
Claude Brooks
as Rabbit
Peter DeLuise
as Tug
Peter Kowanko
as Gavial
Adrian Pasdar
as Darstar
Sarah Douglas
as Shandray
Charles Durning
as The Warden
Frank Converse
as Greentree
Terrence Mann
as Ivor
Alexei Sayle
as Malice
Bruce Payne
as Dogger
Crew
Director
- Alan Johnson
Producer
- Mel Brooks
- Irene Walzer
- Jack Frost Sanders
Reviews
GenerationofSwine
Well, I don't know what to say...honestly. I guess I can say that I loved it as a child, and it's getting the 10 of 10 based on remembering when I watched it through a child's eyes.
But there are certain tropes with this genre, and it hits the shortage of water trope, and the roller skate trope, but misses a lot of the others. So I do feel like it doesn't really sit well with the genre it's made to be a part of.
But then, it's made to appeal to kids AND teens, and it certainly did. The magic glowing ball from outer space with it's feel good happy vibes does give it a very Disney inspired feel... 1980s Disney.
And it is kind of rife with political messaging... and by that I mean 1980s political messaging, as in it's NOT overt, it's NOT in your face, it doesn't dominate the film... and because of that, unlike modern films, anyone can sit down, watch it, and get the points without feeling like they are being lectured to... but that was also when liberal political messaging was about love and peace and not violence and hate. So it is probably going to clash with modern norms that like propaganda.
And it is CERTAINLY going to clash with people that sit down and think they are watching a genre film.... because, again, it doesn't hit the beloved tropes of that genre and tries to tell a more original story within the confines.
It does work. Watching it in 2020 as opposed to when I first saw it when I was 6 and, it is dated, it did age, but it didn't turn to vinegar. It didn't turn to fine wine either. It just kind of aged with a little more grace than you would expect and still felt enjoyable and entertaining. It just didn't feel as epically good as it did when I was 6 and fell in love with the film.
It still deserves praise, even if it's intended audience are aging and expect something more, or at least more trope filled cheese.
If you see it, it's still worth a watch... but if you saw it in 86 it was fantastic.
Jan 12, 2023
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Science Fiction/Action/Adventure/Romance film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Solarbabies distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Alan Johnson brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1986, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Solarbabies took approximately 15 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $25.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 94 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 134 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
- The musical score contains over 37 unique compositions.
- The screenplay went through 9 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1986, when this film was released:
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Solarbabies shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Terminator Salvation, which focuses more on action than character development, Solarbabies offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Back to the Future Part II and A Clockwork Orange explore similar territory, Solarbabies stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 26, 1986
- Runtime: 1h 34m
- Budget: $25,000,000
- Revenue: $1,579,260
Where to Watch
