84 From ’84: Reckless

A motorbike riding loner rebel on the high school football team wins a date with a cute, rich cheerleader. At the high school dance, her boyfriend’s behavior leads to a breakup – opening doors.

Cast:

• Aidan Quinn – Johnny Rourke
• Daryl Hannah – Tracey Prescott
• Kenneth McMillan – John Rourke Sr.
• Cliff DeYoung – Coach Barton
• Lois Smith – Mrs. Prescott
• Adam Baldwin – Randy Daniels
• Dan Hedaya – Peter Daniels

1984 memories

I didn’t see this in 1984. I don’t recall it being in our theater either.

If I had to guess I’d say Daryl Hannah’s other movie in 1984, Splash, overshadowed this one.

Let’s see how it is…

40th Anniversary Re-watch

The cast is good with Quinn, Hannah and Baldwin and the plot is good too. It reminds me of a more grown up or darker version of a John Hughes movie. I enjoyed it.

Reckless was written by Chris Columbus, his first movie. He has since disowned the movie saying director James Foley banned him from the set and “destroyed his material.” Columbus would go on to do great things setting himself up as an icon to 80s and 90s moviegoers.

Columbus’ movies like Gremlins, The Goonies, Adventure in Babysitting and Home Alone are beloved to most 80s kids.

Johnny Rourke (Quinn) is a stellar football player from the wrong side of the tracks who falls for Tracey (Hannah) a cheerleader. Tracey is, of course, dating the high school quarterback (Baldwin).

Rourke lives with his alcoholic father, his mother abandoned them long ago. Rourke keeps getting called out of school to pick up his drunk dad from work. It ultimately gets him kicked off the football team.

Tracey is the good girl. Never in trouble, no drugs, no bad grades and hasn’t even had the measles. As she says in the movie “I’m f**king perfect.” And she isn’t bragging, she’s disgusted.

Rourke and Tracey get paired up for an event and she starts to fall for him too. Tracey wanting to explore her bad girl side embraces the relationship. They have a torrid and troubled relationship throughout the movie.

At one point they break into the school at night and there are some heavy Breakfast Club vibes. (Which wouldn’t come out for another year…) They are running through the halls, dancing to music and throwing paperwork everywhere. I have questions for Mr. Hughes.

Favorite Line:

Well, I’m pretty f**king upset and it’s definitely your fault.

I don’t know what was changed or how this movie was different from Columbus’ original script but I liked this movie. It’s a troubled teen trying to keep what’s left of his family together while navigating a forbidden relationship.

Although it was a little hard picturing Quinn as a teenager, he looks like he’s in his late 20’s. Credit to his acting though, when tragedy struck he did seem like a young kid lost, alone and scared.

The supporting cast is great too; Jennifer Grey (Red Dawn), Billy Jayne (Just one of the Guys), Haviland Morris (Sixteen Candles) and Pamela Springsteen (Fast Times at Ridgemont High).

Reckless has great soundtrack too. It features Kim Wilde, Bob Seger, INXS and more. Another one for 1984’s top 10.

Reckless came out on 03 February 1984, one month before Splash. Reckless made over $8 million on a $3 million budget. I’d recommend Reckless to anyone. It’s a good movie.

Did you watch Reckless? If so let me know your thoughts in the comments below or on X(Twitter). The main Geekster channel is @TRNSocial and I’m @MileHighSamurai You can also find me on Bluesky @MileHighSamurai

7/10 stars

Check out the entire 84 From ’84 movie series