Reckless is one of those films that deserves far more appreciation than it received upon release. It helped define a fascinating strain of ’80s cinema: stories about working and middle-class families and teenagers struggling with the fear that their futures had already been mapped out for them (see All the Right Moves for another example of this sub-genre). And then there’s that scene : Aidan Quinn and Daryl Hannah dancing together to Romeo Void’s iconic Never Say Never . It’s pure ’80s cinema. The scene not only introduced many viewers to a terrific band and an era-defining track, but perfectly captures the energy and uncertainty that fueled the decade. Quinn and Hannah are superb. Their chemistry sparks in every scene, but it’s the layers and complexities they bring to their characters that elevate the film beyond the more commercial teen movies of its era. Quinn, in particular, gives the film an emotional staying power that has helped Reckless endure as the cult classic it deserv...
There’s so much I enjoy about this strange, wonderfully unconventional Gothic film. Most of all, I love its imaginative story, which feels remarkably unusual for its time. Corridor of Mirrors is packed with delicious melodrama, wonderfully fun Gothic tropes, and some terrific dialogue. And then there’s Edana Romney. Her performance is absolutely marvelous and, in my opinion, rivals that of any of her more celebrated contemporaries. She brings such intensity, mystery, and emotional complexity to the role that I honestly find myself wondering why Romney never enjoyed the more successful career she deserved. That remains a mystery to me. The entire film has an eccentric, dreamlike quality that makes it feel unlike so many films of its era. It’s the kind of wonderfully odd discovery that reminds you just how adventurous classic cinema could be. I watched Corridor of Mirrors on Blu-ray from the Cohen Film Collection, and the picture quality is fantastic. What a beautiful way to exper...