Risky Business
Plot
Here's a brief summary of Risky Business (1984): Risky Business is a coming-of-age comedy film that follows the story of Joel Goodson (Tom Cruise), a straight-laced and responsible 17-year-old high school student who is determined to get good grades and attend college. When his parents leave him alone for the weekend, Joel's life takes an unexpected turn. With no adults around to monitor his activities, Joel decides to throw caution to the wind and indulge in some reckless behavior. He hosts a wild party at his house, complete with loud music, drinking, and dancing. The festivities attract the attention of a beautiful and alluring prostitute named Joan (Rebecca De Mornay), who is twice Joel's age. Despite his initial reservations, Joel becomes smitten with Joan and invites her to stay over for the night. As they grow closer, Joel finds himself torn between his innocence and his newfound desire. Meanwhile, a series of misadventures unfolds as Joel tries to navigate his newfound freedom, including a disastrous encounter with a group of rowdy partygoers. As the weekend wears on, Joel's responsible facade begins to crumble, and he must confront the consequences of his actions. Will he be able to salvage his reputation and maintain his sense of self-respect, or will he succumb to the temptation of his newfound freedom? Risky Business is a hilarious and heartwarming exploration of teenage rebellion, identity, and the blurred lines between innocence and experience.
Reviews
Thomas
Young Tom Cruise was remarkably handsome.
Camille
6/10. The 80s and 90s saw a wave of teen sex comedies emerge from Hollywood, often centered on the realization of self-worth, with a sense of youthful innocence amidst the hormonal impulses. Viewed today, the "R-rated" content feels dated and far from wild. The filmmakers unimaginatively pieced together a formulaic set of tropes – masturbation scenes, a car-in-the-water mishap, subway heart-to-hearts turning sexual, and the classic parents-are-out-of-town party. The editing consistently skips over potentially interesting moments.
Avery
This early Tom Cruise vehicle is a quintessential coming-of-age comedy. Cruise plays a privileged but academically unexceptional high schooler who stumbles into an acquaintance with a captivating call girl. With her help, he successfully transforms from a student into a high-end pimp, making a fortune overnight and ultimately getting accepted into Princeton. A young and cool cruise, I thought he was handsome; but I'm not a huge fan, just watched it briefly. Its take on the Business is the most captivating aspect of the film.
Charles
The way Tom Cruise smoked in that movie made me pick up a Hongtashan... my first cigarette ever.
Gabrielle
29 years ago, Tom Cruise was in this teen flick, just 21 years old. Now, he's had three divorces.
Judah
The 80s defined teenage years like no other decade, and *Risky Business* is the ultimate proof. Joel Goodson’s life in the ’burbs was a perfect storm of epicness, from his punchy lines to that iconic Porsche. It’s the kind of movie where you can’t help but root for the bad boy who’s also a total square. The high-stakes adventures and come-ons are as thrilling today as they were back then.
Daphne
What’s a responsible teen with college aspirations doing driving a Porsche in a wealthy Chicago suburb? Joel Goodson proves that even the most trustworthy kid can’t resist a little risky business. A fun and relatable coming-of-age tale with a twist, *Risky Business* captures the essence of teenage longing and the allure of rebellion.
Diana
"Risky Business" is the ultimate 80s classic that captures the essence of teenage rebellion and self-discovery. Joel Goodson's wild ride through the wealthy Chicago suburbs in his BMW while his parents are away is a thrilling reminder to let go of inhibitions. The film perfectly balances humor, coming-of-age drama, and a touch of libertinism, making it a timeless tale of growing up and facing life's risks head-on.
