Risky Business

In the affluent Chicago suburbs, 17-year-old Joel Goodson is a model of responsible behavior. Studious, hardworking, and destined to attend a prestigious university, Joel's parents have high expectations for their son's future. However, when they leave for a short trip, Joel is entrusted with their prized possessions, including their luxurious Porsche. As he cruises the streets with his newfound freedom, Joel's perception of himself begins to shift. He starts to see the world through the lens of a rebellious teenager, tired of being a 'good' boy. Joel's metamorphosis is accelerated when he accidentally dents the family's prized Porsche with the car of a neighbor. Panicked, and eager to avoid his parents' wrath, Joel must come up with a plan to raise the money for repairs. In a moment of reckless abandon, he decides to start offering himself as a high-priced escort service, answering an advertisement in the local newspaper and hiring himself out to an elderly woman. Joel's decision is met with a mixture of thrill and terror. As he delves deeper into the world of escort services, he must confront the realities of his newfound profession. He is drawn to the freedom and the thrill of being able to take control of his own life, but he is also beginning to realize the harsh consequences of his actions. As he navigates the complexities of his new reality, Joel finds himself at a crossroads, torn between his desire for independence and his responsibility to himself and those around him. As Joel becomes increasingly entrenched in the escort business, he starts to develop a close relationship with a call girl named Lana. Played by Rebecca De Mornay, Lana is a charming and seductive woman who is initially hesitant to become involved with Joel. However, as they spend more time together, they develop a deep bond, and Lana becomes a source of comfort and guidance for Joel. Throughout the film, Joel's relationships with those around him are put to the test. His parents, played by Frances Lee McCain and Joe Grifasi, are initially oblivious to their son's escapades, but as they begin to piece together the truth, they are shocked and disillusioned by Joel's behavior. Meanwhile, Lana's boyfriend, a gangster named Guido, played by Bronson Pinchot, becomes increasingly jealous of Joel's relationship with Lana. As the stakes become higher, Joel finds himself in a series of increasingly precarious situations. He must navigate the underworld of Chicago's adult entertainment industry, all while trying to maintain a semblance of normalcy in his life. As the events of the film unfold, Joel's character becomes increasingly complex, and he is forced to confront the harsh realities of his own morality. Ultimately, Joel's journey is one of self-discovery and growth. As he struggles to come to terms with his actions, he must also confront the consequences of his behavior. In the end, Joel emerges as a wiser and more mature individual, more aware of the complexities of life and the importance of responsibility. Risky Business is a coming-of-age comedy-drama that explores the complexities of adolescence and the challenges of growing up. Through Joel's story, the film offers a nuanced portrayal of the struggles and triumphs of young adulthood, and the ways in which we must navigate the blurred lines between right and wrong. With its witty dialogue, engaging characters, and relatable themes, Risky Business remains a timeless classic of American cinema.