- 1991movierewind
Episode #76: Motorama
Listen to Episode 76 of the Podcast here while you enjoy the show notes.
SUMMARY - In Motorama, 10-year old Gus (played by Jordan Christopher Michael) runs away from home in a red Mustang. His goal is to start a new life by taking what little money he has and hop from gas station to gas station to play their Motorama card game and win $500 million.
Screenplay by Joseph Minion; Directed by Barry Shils; and premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 10, 1991.
FILM DISCUSSION
The box for the movie really doesn't sell or represent it very well. This is a very quirky adventure that has little to do with cars or girls.
This is a collection of scenes with oddball characters that Gus encounters on his way to spell out Motorama to win a prize
It's like an adult "Adventures of Pete & Pete" in many respects and that is a huge positive.
Just about everyone treats Gus as an adult, which is a nice touch.
Gus goes through a journey here and a large physical transformation as the adventure progresses.
There is one scene with a "dream girl" played by Drew Barrymore in her only 1991 film, but we're positive she's on the box due to name recognition alone.
Tons of cameos in here from recognizable faces and also classic comedians from the 50s through 70s
We also appreciated the surrealist nature of the movie, like when he basically encounters an older, dying version of himself.
This was an absolutely mesmerizing movie that very few people seem to talk about 30 years later and its not a perfect movie, but it is certainly a hidden gem we're glad to have watched.
Awards Talk: None to speak of this time
TRUE CRIME & POP CULTURE
This week our true crime segment focuses on the death of Jack Nance, which is still considered by the LAPD as a cold case homicide.
For a little more info that could lead to a lot of info, here's a trailer for a documentary on Jack Nance - I Don’t Know Jack
Moving on to music, here are the Billboard 100 Bottom 5 song as of September 14, 1991
100. Rush Rush - Paula Abdul
99. Do You Want Me - Salt-n-Pepa
98. I’ll Never Let You Go - Steelheart
97. Keep Warm - Jinny
96. If You’re Serious - Riff
RANKINGS & RATINGS
Nikki 1-5 star scale - 2 out of 5
Jon 0-4 star scale - 3 out of 4
Would you watch it again? - Yes, absolutely - especially in a midnight movie type setting. We really wish we would have seen this when we were younger as it would have resonated a lot more. The box art does not represent the quirky mix of John Waters and "Adventures of Pete & Pete" that is thrown at you. Filled with cameos and unbelievable situations, it was a welcome surprise.
If you want to watch Motorama, as of this recording in August 2022, it’s available on Prime, Digital Rental, VHS, DVD. Check your local listings.
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