Plot: What’s it about?
While the coolest teen gang in town, The Hollywood Knights continue their cruising, the area grown ups are growing tired of the antics of the gang, including mooning, of all things. Imagine that! So the adults gather together in meetings, and formulate a plan on how to end the hijinks of the gang, such as having their cars covered in toilet paper and dog shit placed on their porches. Since the police don’t care for the gang and the gang hangs out at the same place all the time, the adults think they have an easy solution to their problem. Persuade the police to crack down double tough on the antics of the gang, and shut down the local teen hangout, Tubby’s Drive In. This plan goes unknown to the Knights, who keep on trucking and having a great time. But that good time will soon be over, if the local law enforcement and grown up have a say in it. But the teens seem bound and determined to have more than ever. In fact, Halloween night seems to have the possibility to be the most fun filled night yet, unless the adults interfere too much. Will the fun continue for the Knights and other kids, or will the grown ups end this party before it begins?
You ever an urge to see Tony Danza in a teen comedy? While it might be hard to imagine a teen comedy with Tony Danza as a teen, that’s what this movie is. I am a big fan of the teen comedy genre, so I found a lot to like here, even if it was tough to accept some of the cast as hip teenagers. Once I remembered that even Robert Wuhl was a teen at one time, I found myself really liking this movie, and the youthful spirit it captures. This is one of those nostalgic, feel good movies, where the local hoods pull pranks, not guns. When mooning, toilet papering, and putting dog shit on folks’ porches is involved, you know this is going to be one fun flick. The costumes, locations, and cars are all perfect within the time period of the film, especially the cars. This film has a huge selection of exotic and custom cars of all types, very cool stuff. Of course, this movie features some early performances from actors who became bigger stars in the field, so those interested in those actors will want to visit this picture. If you are a fan of nostalgic teen films, such as The Lords of Flatbush, Grease, or American Graffiti, this is a title you will want to look into.
This film was directed by Floyd Matrux, who also directed American Hot Wax. Matrux also penned the screenplay for this movie, which was based on a story he cowrote with Richard Lederer and William Tennant. This film offers some very early performances by now established stars, although some are more established than others. Best known for his work on the television series Who’s The Boss and the cult classic Going Ape!, Tony Danza seems about the same here. While he doesn’t provide a technically excellent performance, he does make for an interesting character, and fits in this group well. A young Michelle Pfieffer also appears here, and man she looks great. Robert Wuhl (Batman, Tv’s Arli$$) and Fran Drescher (This Is Spinal Tap, Tv’s The Nanny) also appear in this film, in one of their first cinematic roles. The supporting cast includes Stuart Pankin, James Jeter, Sandy Helberg, Gary Graham, and Leigh French.
Video: How does it look?
The Hollywood Knights is presented in a 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, with a full frame version included on the flip side of the disc. While the image is a little soft, given the age of the film, it looks fantastic. The colors look rich and vivid, flesh tones are natural, and contrast is consistent and well balanced. I also noticed no compression errors and sparse wear signs on the print itself.
Audio: How does it sound?
This release contains three audio options in English, plus a Spanish track for our amigos below the border. You’ll find a remastered Dolby Digital 5.1 track, a 2.0 surround tracks, as well as the original mono track on this disc, what a value. While I chose the mono track, I did listen to the 5.1 track, which is more active, but doesn’t sound as natural as the original track.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This release contains talent files, a director’s commentary, and two bonus trailers, for The Deep End Of The Ocean and The Age Of Innocence. Why these were included but the trailer for this film, I am not sure. Perhaps the trailer for this movie was lost or in very poor condition. The commentary track is both informative and entertaining, so fans of the film will be in for a real treat.
