“Solarbabies 1986” is a post-apocalyptic movie about a group of orphans who play roller hockey and discover a magical sphere that they use to fight against an evil power-hungry regime. It’s like Mad Max meets The Mighty Ducks on rollerblades. They must skate across the desert to save the world with the help of their telekinetic powers and their trusty solar-powered ball.
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Review
In the vast expanse of 1980s pop culture, one movie that stands out for its artistic vision and imaginative storyline is Solarbabies, directed by Alan Johnson. While it might not have achieved blockbuster success, the film has garnered a cult following over the years, thanks to its unique blend of sci-fi themes, punk-rock aesthetics, and all-around youthful energy.
Set in a post-apocalyptic future where water is scarce and society is tightly controlled by a militaristic regime called the Protectorate, Solarbabies follows a group of rebellious teenagers who band together to resist their oppressors. They discover an orb-shaped artifact that they believe contains magical powers, but soon find themselves pursued by both the Protectorate and another group of nomads who want to use the orb for their own purposes. In their quest to protect the orb and find a way to save humanity from destruction, they encounter strange creatures, engage in roller-skating battles, and forge new alliances.
On its surface, Solarbabies might seem like just another cheesy sci-fi flick with low-budget special effects. However, upon closer examination, it reveals itself as a surprisingly nuanced exploration of social issues such as power dynamics, environmentalism, and youth rebellion. In many ways, it embodies the punk ethos that was so prevalent in the early ’80s: an ethos that rejected conformity and authority in favor of individual expression and community solidarity.
The film’s cast is led by Jason Patric as Bodhi (the rebel leader), Jami Gertz as Terra (his love interest), Lori Petty as Tug (the tough-girl mechanic), Peter DeLuise as Darstar (the comic relief), Lukas Haas as Daniel (the innocent newcomer), and Adrian Pasdar as Dogger (the villainous henchman). Each actor brings a distinct personality to their role and helps flesh out the characters’ motivations beyond just being archetypes.
Solarbabies also boasts a memorable soundtrack that perfectly captures the film’s punk spirit. It features tracks by such luminaries as The Smiths, John Parr, and Yes, as well as original compositions by Maurice Jarre. Each song complements the film’s visual style and helps create an immersive atmosphere that transports the audience to a dystopian future where anything is possible.
Of course, no movie is without its flaws, and Solarbabies is no exception. Some critics have criticized the plot for being overly simplistic and predictable, while others have derided the special effects as cheesy and outdated. However, these criticisms miss the point of what makes Solarbabies so endearing: its sense of youthful enthusiasm and creative spirit.
Indeed, it’s this sense of exuberance that has kept Solarbabies alive in fans’ hearts for over three decades. Despite its low box office numbers and mixed critical reception at the time of its release, the movie has become a beloved cult classic that continues to inspire new generations of sci-fi enthusiasts and punk rockers alike. Its message of hope in the face of adversity still resonates today, making it a timeless addition to any discerning film buff’s collection.
In conclusion, Solarbabies may not have been a commercial success upon its debut in 1986 but has lived on with generations long after it left theaters. As Malcolm Gladwell would say in his signature style: “Sometimes greatness lies beneath the surface; we just need to look beyond what meets the eye.” So next time you’re looking for an offbeat sci-fi adventure with a punk-rock twist, be sure to check out Solarbabies – you might just discover something special hiding in plain sight.
Technical Data
- Release : 1986-11-26
- Runtime : 94
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Cast : Richard Jordan as Grock, Jami Gertz as Terra, Jason Patric as Jason, Lukas Haas as Daniel, James Le Gros as Metron
- Crew : Mark A. Mangini as Supervising Sound Editor, Richard L. Anderson as Supervising Sound Effects Editor, Bob Ringwood as Costume Design, Maurice Jarre as Original Music Composer, Conrad Buff IV as Editor
- Revenue : $1,579,260
- Budget : $25,000,000
- Company : Brooksfilms, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
- Popularity : 10.627
- Summary : In a future in which most water has disappeared from the Earth, we find a group of children, mostly teenagers, who are living at an orphanage, run by the despotic rulers of the new Earth. The group in question plays a hockey based game on roller skates and is quite good. It has given them a unity that transcends the attempts to bring them to heel by the government. Finding an orb of special power, they find it has unusual effects on them. They escape from the orphanage (on skates) and try to cross the wasteland looking for a place they can live free as the storm-troopers search for them and the orb.
- Tagline : Who will rule the future?
