EDDIE AND THE CRUISERS II. EDDIE LIVES.
US, 1989, 106 minutes, Colour
Michael Pare, Marina Orsini, Matthew Lawrence.
Directed by Jean- Claude Lord.
Eddie and the Cruisers II. Eddie Lives - is an enjoyable if superfluous sequel. The 1983 film became a cult success and led to the desire to capitalise on it (as some of the themes in the film itself).
A Canadian production, filmed in Montreal, the film shows that Eddie Wilson did not die in 1964 but through nerves, retired to Montreal where he worked as a builder. In 1984 there was a revival of interest in Eddie and the Cruisers, look-alike competitions, issuing of his record album, Season in Hell, which was rejected in 1964. Eddie is stirred, becomes involved with an artist, with a band, has the opportunity to make a comeback but is nervous - but finally does.
The original music was by John Cafferty who provides songs for this film. The film shows the world of rock and roll - the exploitation and the marketing (and echoes of the sightings of the dead Elvis Presley). Enjoyable, if superfluous.
1. The popularity of the original? Establishing characters and themes?
2. The necessity for a sequel? Repeating themes and issues? Characters? The plausibility of the plot - 20 years later?
3. Themes of the record business, rock and roll, concerts, marketing? Look-alike competitions? The background of the sightings of Elvis Presley? The response of fans?
4. Joe, at work, his buddies, watching television, the look-alike competition, Sal and the interviews, going to New Jersey, the stirrings in Joe, the meeting with the saxophone player, meeting with Rick, sneering at him, being challenged to play, coming back to his musical career?
5. Diane, her request to paint him, her art, meeting, discussions, the portrait and the exhibition, their relationship, his telling her the truth, her supporting him in going back? On the road with him?
6. The band and the recruiting of the new players, the drummer, the pianist? Their playing together, rehearsing, Joe taking charge and bossing Rick around? Rick and the bookings? The possibility of the band falling apart? The saxophone player and the appeal, his knowing the truth? Playing at various groups, the '60s dance? The Montreal festival and the audition? Success?
7. The picture of the fans, the record company and the executives, their marketing shrewdness, Eddie living? The television interviews and the denial of marketing techniques? The send-up of the television interviews and the women married to Eddie with his children? The techniques for the releasing of the singles? The reward money for sightings of Eddie? The interview with Bo Diddley and the expert tracking down the backing to the single records?
8. Joe and the effect on him, with his friends, at work? With Vic? Tension with the band, the demands for rehearsing? His jealousy of Diane and her dancing? His love and her continued support?
9. His decision to go to see Sal, the attack on the beach, the talk, the reconciliation, his apology, Sal's telegram?
10. Rick and his band, type, his ideas, playing, the challenge to Joe, jam sessions, lessons and expertise, the bookings, sending the record to the company?
11. Montreal and the festival, the tycoons and the discovery of Joe? His leaving and going in the car, the talk with Diane, his going back? Playing, success, admitting the truth?
12. The world of rock music, the quality of the songs and the playing? Creating this world - and the flashbacks to 1963 and the comparisons?
13. An enjoyable fantasy for rock and roll fans?
