MovieChat Forums > The Allnighter (1987) Discussion > Not too bad of a movie...

Not too bad of a movie...

posted 19 years ago by samaraX
23 replies | jump to latest

Okay, I am an 80's junkie, and yes I grew up in the 80's. The Allnighter is not all that terrible. Well Susanna Hoffs probably couldn't act her way out of a paper bag, however, Joan Cusack and Dedee Pfieffer gave pretty good performances. I admit I had such crushes on "CJ" and "Killer", and I still like to watch the movie to bring back memories. The fashion, the music- loved the song "I've Been the One" by the Golden Palominos. I dreamed of attending "Pacifica College" one day, living by the ocean, waiting for the next wave and fiestas!!! Anyways... I guess it just brings back some memories for me...I am soooo sappy and I am only 28!!!!

"Look what I can do..."

[–] girl4itali 19 years ago

I soooo agree with you. I first watched this back in High School (I'm 29) and for years after that watched it over and over. I wish I could find the soundtrack. It is a little cheesy, but I loved the surfing and LOVED CJ. Watching it back then I too dreamed of attending the "Pacifica College", partying on the beach with crazy colored cocktail concotions made out of blenders! and the best love song is the closing song, I never thought by Dan Hill. I'm glad Im not alone on this guilty pleasure!

[–] 19 years ago

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[–] samaraX 19 years ago

okay, let me know what you think of it. It is quite the quintessential 80's
flick...I think I'll watch it tonight!!! My husband should love it!!!

[–] 19 years ago

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[–] jeffman52001 18 years ago

"The Allnighter" is a great film, I saw it when it came out in 1987. Susanna Hoffs of "The Bangles" is so awesome in this film. The movie makes us all look at life when things do change and see that change is inevitable. I think this movie is one of the most underrated films of the 1980s. The film really is so awesome, The cast is great, Dedee Pfeiffer, Joan Cusack, Michael Ontkean really make this film great too. I love the songs that are played in the movie like "Dangerous" by Susanna Hoffs and "No TV No Phone" by Price-Sulton.

I pray they will come out with a Sepcial Edition of this movie. I have "The Allnighter" on VHS, this VHS tape is great. It has a short film in it at the beginning called "The Haircut" which came out in 1982, it stars the late John Cassavetes, the late Nicholas Colasanto, who is best known for his roll as Coach in the 1980s hit TV series "Cheers", also stars Meshach Taylor of the series "Designing Women", and stars Tamar Simon Hoffs, who is the mother of Susanna Hoffs and the director of "The Allnighter". The Haircut also featured The Bangles in it, too. After the end of the "The Allnighter", they show a video of the song "No TV No Phone", which is really cool.

[–] MichaelMovieLoft 18 years ago

I first saw it in 1991, and bought the VHS version of it about 6 years ago. It's not a bad film, and it featured two stars in the making: Dedee Pfeiffer and Joan Cusack. I am sure they don't look back on this film with fondness lol.

It's just a guilty pleasure film to enjoy on a lazy day. Good locations of California as well.

MM

[–] MikeTuinstra 18 years ago

I like it...

Rock Now, Rock The Night, You Better Believe It’s Right - Rock The Night, Europe

[–] 18 years ago

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[–] MQTPenra79 17 years ago

this was one of my favorite movies back in high school(Im 35 -there I said it lol)I am soooo glad that other people know about this movie - my best friend and I watched this so much back then, we knew the dialogue. Cheesy, but fun! I was impressed with DeDee and Joan's acting - Susanna kinda acted like she was in a Bangles video(the eye movements, etc.) And of course, CJ was fine - I just found a VHS copy recently and rewatched it today - he is STILL fine! Woo...Makes me wish I went to Pacifica...:)

[–] honkeymofo 17 years ago

While scanning around for something to watch tonight, I see The Allnighters with Susanna Hoffs. I'm like "I remember that flick from when I was like 15". So I picked it, and think it is still cool. It is a little underrated here, but not much. Some memorable lines in this one:

"well it's been heaven on a stick, Mick"

"Muffins, could you hang up that up please"

"No, I do all the ordering, and I order you to lay down"

"control yourself Teddy and you'll never be more than a little dick (detective)"

"don't worry I got some eyedrops up in the room"

Of course, to laugh at these lines, you have to watch the movie. Some of the lines are aligned with those of say Fletch or Airplane.

Anyway, pretty good flick. Susanna Hoffs is a babe.

[–] babycottoncandy 17 years ago

I recently read a review of this movie that RAILED against Susanna's mom Tamar. "What is her problem?! How could she do this to her own daughter, blah blah, blah..." I am a diehard Susanna fan, though, and that's probably who this movie is for. I really don't know what to think of it. Susanna seemed to take the appearance in stride, though. Thanks for the opinions!!

[–] Totallyrad80 17 years ago

I liked the movie when it came out. Susannah performance was terrible. It was good for Deedee Pfeiffer and Joan Cusack but I'm sure they don't look back and the best looking one I liked was the brunette in bikini - Ruth Zakarian - Miss Teen USA 1983.

[–] benovite 17 years ago

This movie sucks Buffalo anus and no one should think otherwise. If you do you simply haven't seen enough good 80's movies(or movies in general), because this one blows. Hard. I can't believe people actually like this thing? So Susana Hoffs is in it? So what? Who is she again? She was part of the Bangles. Wow! What 2 maybe 3 songs of note? She is cute, and that's where it ends right there.

Seriously, I've seen prescription drug commercials more entertaining. It practically has no redeeming qualities. None. It's the cinematic equivalent of a fart and it stinks. It's one of those movies that makes you scratch your head for 2 reasons: 1) because you can't believe how bad it is and 2) you can't believe some people(as apparently noted here at imdb) actually like this movie. Well for the latter crowd, I don't know what drugs you were on when you saw this movie and liked it but apparently I wasn't on the same stuff!

Wow just so very very bad. This should be like the Star Wars Holiday Special; the people involved in making this movie should make it a mission to destroy every copy out there.

And to think this ******* piece o movie actually made it to DVD whereas so many more titles that are worthy of the DVD treatment never make it because one reason or another. Lame. =/

This movie actually makes me Hate Susana Hoff, or whatever her name is.

Oh and check out my full review in the comments secione! http://imdb.com/title/tt0092537/usercomments-21

sub luna saltamus

[–] RobBase086-1 16 years ago

It has been a long time since I have seen this movie. I remember watching every Friday and Saturday night USA UP ALL NIGHT! That was a great show that showed movies like this and a variety of others such as B movies, horror movies, cult classics, and even a few mainstream movies as well.

I loved this kind of cheesy movies!

Dedicated to USA UP ALL NIGHT and the fans of the show! http://deefilmroll.com/usa-uan/

[–] 16 years ago

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[–] RobBase086-1 16 years ago

Well it has been a while since I have seen this movie but I liked it and enjoyed watching it. I remember renting it when it was on VHS from a Blockbuster and watching it on USA UP ALL NIGHT back in the day.

Dedicated to USA UP ALL NIGHT and the fans of the show! www.deefilmroll.com/usa-uan/

[–] Totallyrad80 15 years ago

I saw the movie lots of times. I look out for the beach scene with Ruth Zakarian who is credited as Brunette in Bikini and her 2 lines she had.

[–] RobBase086-1 15 years ago

I have seen the movie a few times but since they do not show movies like this anymore it is hard to watch them. Then you also have to consider that a lot of these movies when they were made they did not have DVD's in the late 80's so they are hard to get your hands onto unless you buy a used VHS tape to watch this movie. A lot of the women in this movie was hot!

Dedicated to USA UP ALL NIGHT and the fans of the show! www.deefilmroll.com/usa-uan/

[–] Crystal (534) 5 years ago

Well, it's not like they did better.

[–] WarpedRecord 15 years ago

I'm more of a '70s junkie, but I also love the '80s, and this film captured the spirit perfectly. Not a lot happens in this film, but it does a great job of capturing the young adult vibe when you leave college and little thing matter, like your last big blowout with your friends.

Susanna Joffs, Joan Cusack and Dedee Pfieffer are terrific here, and the music is even better.

[–] chairmark95 10 years ago

Just watched this tonight.I liked it.I like 80s movies and The Bangles.I was in love with Susanna Hoffs back in high school.

[–] 10 years ago

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[–] Crystal (534) 5 years ago

Eh, the guys looked less manly than a barbie doll. Pretty Girls though and I am straight. HaHa