The Idolmaker  

Year of Release: 1980
Genre: Teen / Musical
Rating: PG for coarse language and adult themes
Director:Taylor Hackford
Starring: Ray Sharkey, Peter Gallagher, Paul Land, Tovah Feldshuh, Joe Pantoliano.

Date Of Revised Review: April 2008

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to become a pop star? Well, before “American Idol”, there was the foot tapping musical “The Idolmaker”. A rousing motion picture that takes audiences behind the scenes of the pop music industry of the 1960s. Today, thousands of hopeful young teens flood the audition venues for the reality TV show “American Idol”. In the 1960s there was no such show but nevertheless searching for and turning young hopefuls into stars was something that was still happening.  Ray Sharkey is electrifying in the role of Vinnie Vaccari, a songwriter-manager who turns two good-looking young teens into Rock "n" Roll mega-stars. Paul Land (“Spring Break”) plays Tommy Dee & Peter Gallagher (“Summer Lovers”) plays Caesare. Watching Sharkey turn these two nobodies into heartthrobs of the 1960's music world is riveting entertainment.

The film features a dynamic original music score and many standout musical performances. The scenes where Sharkey whips the youngsters into shape are powerful & lively. Gallagher actually sings two songs for the film, “Baby” and “However Dark The Night”, while Land does an excellent job of miming his two songs, “Here Is My Love” and “Sweet Little Lover”. The vocals for the Land tracks are actually performed by singer Jesse Frederick. Other catchy tunes include “Come And Get It” by Nino Tempo and “Ooo-Wee Baby” by Darlene Love that was used to good effect on the opening credits. Also, Sharkey performs the ballad “I Believe It Can Be Done”, in the film’s touching finale.

"The Idolmaker" is loosely based on the careers of 1950's pop idols Frankie Avalon & Fabian. The Ray Sharkey role is based on Rock "n" Roll producer Bob Marcucci who not only guided Avalon & Fabian in their careers, but also served as technical advisor on this movie. For authenticity nearly all the sets used were real locations such as concert venues, school halls, cafes and actual New York streets. Ray Sharkey deservedly won the Golden Globe Award for his mesmerizing performance but surprisingly wasn’t nominated for the Oscar. Both, Peter Gallagher & Paul Land are amazing to watch as the two Italian street kids who become the teen idols. The producers checked out thousands of young hopefuls before casting their roles & they certainly didn't get it wrong, both Gallagher & Land turned out to be excellent choices. It is also interesting to note that future “Dirty Dancing” star Patrick Swayze auditioned for one of these roles. 

”The Idolmaker” is captivating from start to finish; it has good 50's/60's period flavour with a nice 1980's groove. It is a mystery to some as to why it didn’t do as well as it should have at the box office. Sadly, it ranked 99th in its year and grossed just $2,625,716 at the US box office, a dismal amount for a film of its quality. Given today’s popularity of TV shows such as American Idol, I often wonder that if it was re-released in the cinemas today or re-made for that matter, would it have a bigger appeal? Whatever the answer to that question may be, "The Idolmaker" is still entertainment to the max and the music alone will have you tapping to the beat.

© Copyright Pick Of The Flicks. All rights reserved.  

If you like "The Idolmaker" you should also enjoy the following movies - Now Available on DVD:

The Buddy Holly Story (1978) [DVD]
The Oscar-winning biodrama of one of rock's first and most influential stars. Gary Busey stars as the horn-rimmed hero from Lubbock, Texas, who blended country and blues in hits like "That'll Be the Day," "Peggy Sue," and "Maybe, Baby"; he also performs the soundtrack. With Charles Martin Smith, Don Stroud. 114 min. Standard; Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital Surround, Dolby Digital stereo, French Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, French, Spanish; audio commentary by Busey, more; theatrical trailer; filmographies.

La Bamba (1987) [DVD]
At the age of 17 he had three hit records and a brilliant future...until fate made him a legend. Hit biodrama of '50s rock and roller Ritchie Valens stars Lou Diamond Phillips as Valens, with music by Los Lobos, Brian Setzer and Marshall Crenshaw. Co-starring Esai Morales, Elizabeth Pena. 109 min. Widescreen; Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Digital stereo Surround, Spanish Dolby Digital Surr ound; Subtitles: English, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Thai; audio commentary; music videos; featurettes; biographies; filmographies; theatrical trailer.

That Thing You Do! (Tom Hanks' Extended Cut) (1996) [DVD]
A blast-from-the-past comedy/musical from writer/director Tom Hanks about The Wonders, an early '60s pop foursome from Erie, Pa., who become overnight sensations when their recording of the title song rises to the top of the charts, and who eventually self-destruct because of personality conflicts. With Tom Everett Scott, Johnathon Schaech, Liv Tyler, and Hanks as the band's manager. Includes both the original theatrical version and the unrated director's cut; 105 min./108 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital 5.0, French Dolby Digital Surround, Spanish Dolby Digital Surround; Subtitles: English, Spanish; featurettes; music video; TV spots; theatrical trailers. Two-disc set.

Walk The Line (Widescreen Version) (2005) [DVD]
Joaquin Phoenix stars as country music icon Johnny Cash in this superb biopic. Focusing on the singer's youth on an Arkansas cotton farm through to his stormy first marriage, his relationship with second wife June Carter (Best Actress Oscar-winner Reese Witherspoon), and his history-making performance at Folsom Prison, the film offers a glimpse into the wildly successful--and deeply troubled--life of a true American legend. With Ginnifer Goodwin; features songs performed by Phoenix and Witherspoon. 135 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital 5.1, Spanish Dolby Digital Surround, French Dolby Digital Surround; Subtitles: English, Spanish.

Ray Sharkey DVD Collection - Now Available:
Click here for Ray Sharkey Movies on DVD 

Peter Gallagher DVD Collection - Now Available:
Click here for Peter Gallagher Movies on DVD

Paul Land DVD Collection - Now Available:
Click here for Paul Land Movies on DVD

Pick Of The Flicks - Recommended Links:
Musicals & Dance Classics at Hollywood Teen Movies
Teen Movies Of The 80s at Hollywood Teen Movies
Tony's Cult Movies, Blockbusters & Classics

Pick Of The Flicks Blog Spot / Messageboard:
Click here to have your say or see what others are saying

Use the search bars below to search our site, find your favorite movie or find your favorite poster:

	Enter your search terms Submit search form
	Web www.pickoftheflicks.com