Vision Quest

Probably after Full Metal Jacket, 1985's Vision Quest is probably the most talked about Mathew Modine starring vehicle. That being said, nobody really seems to talk about this movie anymore.

In it Modine plays Loudan Swain, a teenage wrestler who is obsessed with the sport. He sets a goal for himself to drop two weight classes so he can take on a champ from a rival school. Everyone thinks he is crazy, but Louden is determined. That is until Carla, Linda Fiorentino, comes into the picture. Carla is a beautiful, slightly older, woman that Loaden's dad, Ronny Cox, is letting stay with them as she passes thru town. This is Louden's first crush, and he begins to lose sight of his original goal.

This is a great coming of age movie. Both Modine and Fioentino do great work. I sometimes forget what a physical actor Modine was, but with this and Birdy, he really put his body thru the ringer. The supporting cast is good as well. Especially Michael Schoeffling, Jake Ryan from Sixteen Candles, as Modine's American Indian, mohawk sporting, buddy who tries to help him reach his goal by spouting Indian logic. The film also features Madonna in one of her first films.

This movie is further proof that when it comes to teen films, the 80's dominated the market.

It's available on dvd.