MovieChat Forums > My Bodyguard (1980) Discussion > After School Special on Steroids

After School Special on Steroids

posted 19 years ago by Paul_Kersey_Jr
10 replies | jump to latest

I recently rented this, after seeing most of it on Bravo many years ago.
I thought it was a good movie but nothing amazing. Probably more entertaining the first time around.
The cinematography,scenes of Chicago and better acting put it above the the average After School Special, but its content was basically the same.
Its kind of funny to look at it in a homoerotic sense. Like Makepeace is in love with the Big guy thats why he's so aggressive in getting to know him. Then the big guy opens up and they ride the motorcycle together(symbolic to sex)
LOL, ill stop now.
Decent movie.I gave it a 6.

[–] ApplePiePerson 19 years ago

<<< Its kind of funny to look at it in a homoerotic sense. Like Makepeace is in love with the Big guy thats why he's so aggressive in getting to know him. Then the big guy opens up and they ride the motorcycle together(symbolic to sex) >>>

The film is wonderful and I know it is about platonic friendship etc. But sometimes you have to wonder - Ricky and Cliff have a kind of dynamic which has all kinds of undertones. At times, it is so homoerotic, it almost out-gays itself. Like the whole "do you like my motorbike" scene.

TW x

She'll turn you in before you can say... "Don't turn me in, lady."

[–] 19 years ago

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[–] 19 years ago

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[–] pinecone9 15 years ago

(SPOILER)

But they both checked out some gal through the telescope though, in that "Heavenly Bodies" part of the movie, or whatever it was he said. I repeat, they checked out a GAL.

But wait a minute, WAIT A MINUTE...maybe I take that back...did they ever actually SAY the person they were checking out through that telescope, was female????

[–] oprlvr33 15 years ago

What is it with some of you and your ever-desperate gay referencing???

It apparently doesn't occur to anyone on these threads that a shy fourteen year old (Clifford) is so enthralled by meeting the infamous Linderman (and befriending him -the bodyguard offer). The two soon become actual FRIENDS.

Linderman's bike needs a new part; which Clifford helps him find - at a local junkyard. As a reward, he rewards his new friend, Clifford, a ride.
Ah--that's what friends do..!

They could have been in a car for all sakes; taking turns at the wheel (Clifford illegally, for being under-age).

Someone here IS on steroids, but not the actors in this terrific movie.

[–] NickNasty 15 years ago

Agree with prfrmr68. But I think it was more than just friends. Linderman became the big brother/Father figure to Clifford that he never had. Clifford was a lonely only child whose Father was too busy to spend much time with. Clifford also became the little brother to Linderman that he no longer had. It was a chance for Linderman to somehow redeem himself.

[–] Catnip86 15 years ago

What is it with some of you and your ever desperate gay referencing???

That is what I have wondered about quite a number if times, on many of these boards. Why do people desperately try to see "gay" in every storyline, friendship, etc of every TV show and movie? If it is not there, it is not there! Accept it and move on! Find a movie that is truly about gay people if you need it so much!

[–] oprlvr33 13 years ago

Because they're all on steroids - and use Xanax as a downer when they get way too 'excited'.

Peanutlee33

[–] WarpedRecord 13 years ago

It certainly has an "ABC Afterschool Special" vibe – which is a very good thing indeed – but I think the script and performances are excellent. I found this very funny in spots and extremely moving in others. 9/10 stars from me.

[–] 13 years ago

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