The Heavenly Kid Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		3.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.0
Overall		3.5

The Heavenly Kid Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf September 5, 2020

What makes 1985’s “The Heavenly Kid” at least passably interesting is the way it tries to play into the teen horndog cinema trend of the day while also questing to be a bit sweeter than the usual routine. Co-writer/director Cary Medoway attempts to remain above the nonsense that usually emerges with lustful ways, bending the tale to be more about characters than basic adolescent gratification. It doesn’t make the movie a classic, but it doesn’t push the effort along with a compelling level of gentleness, even when it deals with leering camerawork and, well, lots of death. Medoway provides a pleasant ride with a strange situation of angelic protection and leadership, landing the essentials of the endeavor thanks to a capable cast and screenwriting (sharing duties with Martin Copeland) that’s aiming a bit higher to connect with viewers, going for the heart instead of just the crotch.

In the “early sixties,” greaser Bobby (Lewis Smith) is locked in competition with rival Joe (Mark Metcalf), with the pair taking their aggressions to a “chicken race” near a quarry, with both men trying to win the heart of Emily (Jane Kaczmarek). Unable to bail out of his car in time, Bobby dies, sent to limbo-like Midtown to discover his purpose in the afterlife. Expecting to reach Uptown, Bobby meets Rafferty (Richard Mulligan), an angel in charge of creating assignments for those who need a test of character. Sent to 1985, Bobby is overwhelmed by the culture change and appalled by the geeky ways of Lenny (Jason Gedrick), a teen who needs help with his life. Assigned to become Lenny’s pal, Bobby tries to figure out how to inspire a kid who seems hopeless. Cleaning up the boy’s act to land a date with school temptress Sharon (Anne Sawyer), Lewis is stunned to learn that Emily and Joe are his parents, inspiring the angel to break a few rules, hoping to reconnect with his lost love.

The timeline of “The Heavenly Kid” doesn’t add up (technically, the story should be set in 1980-81), but the idea is amusing, with Bobby, a tough guy, losing his life while being reckless, forced to become a mentor of sorts to a kid he would never been seen with during his time. The concept suggests a sex comedy, and Lewis is certainly ready to pounce on Sharon, missing true love emanating from pal Melissa (Nancy Valen), who’s the good girl of the story, thus left behind when her Shakespeare-loving buddy and burger restaurant co-worker receives a greaser-esque makeover from his guardian angel. However, Medoway reinforces Bobby’s mission as one of friendship, giving the “loser” someone to talk to and learn from while he suffers from a lack of popularity. He’s also bullied by Gallo (Stephen Gregory), the school jerk. Little fragments of naughtiness remain, with Bobby eager to leer at teenage girls, but his heart belongs to Emily, suddenly snapped to attention once he realizes she’s Lewis’s mother.

The majority of “The Heavenly Kid” explores the burgeoning relationship between Bobby and Lenny, with the pair growing friendly as the angel teaches the boy ways to be cool and attract female attention. Of course, this mostly involves montages featuring cigarette blunders, but chemistry between Smith and Gedrick is there, with the former more convincing in sensitive mode than as a ruffian. “The Heavenly Kid” soon splits off into subplots, with Bobby trying to woo Emily from the afterlife, materializing to rekindle their relationship that was cruelly ended by death. And Lewis experiences a swelling of the head, striving to become his idea of popular, losing his sensitivity in the process. Not all of this works as well as it could, with laughs minimal (Mulligan steals scenes as Rafferty) and strangeness romanticized instead of addressed, but the general vibe of “The Heartbreak Kid” is cozy enough, enjoying the collision of the ‘60s and the ‘80s, and the ultimate quest to right a few wrongs is entertaining.

The Heavenly Kid Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Listed as a "Brand new 2019 HD master," "The Heavenly Kid" delivers a comfortable viewing experience during its AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation. Detail is adequate, surveying period costuming, including heavy leather jackets and, for a few sight gags, sheer tops. Locations are reasonably dimensional, preserving quarry and neighborhood distances. Facial surfaces are decent, though there is inherent cinematographic softness at times, with bloomy looks at Midtown activity. Colors are secure, with brighter Floridian pinks and blues, and Rafferty's darker outfits register with greens and grays. Signage is vivid. Skintones push a little too pink at times, but mostly remain in the realm of natural. Delineation is adequate, handling evening interactions comfortably. Source is in good condition, without major points of damage, offering mild speckling.

The Heavenly Kid Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix has also been refreshed for its Blu-ray debut, providing a warm, crisp understanding of the feature's moods. Dialogue exchanges are distinct, protecting dramatic and comedic intent with strong voices. Scoring is supportive, providing synth-y sounds to detail scenes of heartache and friendship. Fullness accompanies soundtrack selections, which retain freshness and sharp instrumentation. Atmospherics are appealing, dealing with restaurant and school bustle. Sound effects are direct.

The Heavenly Kid Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features director Cary Medoway, moderated by Jeff McKay.

• Interview (7:35, HD) with Lewis Smith explores the actor's initial audition process for "The Heavenly Kid," where he struggled to pull off the James Dean vibe the producers were looking for, fumbling with cigarettes and lighters. Winning the part, the weight of carrying the movie was immense, inspiring Smith to turn to his mentor, Paul Newman, for assistance, with the pair watching films and managing questions about performance, giving the legend time to share his thespian philosophy. Co-stars are recalled, including a slight fear of Jane Kaczmarek's talent, while Richard Mulligan made it perfectly clear to Smith that he didn't always need research to find his way through a scene. The interviewee offers praise for the feature, recalling its strong test screenings but ultimate failure to find an audience.

• Interview (6:07, HD) sits down with actress Karen Valen, who details her audition in South Florida, already working in television at the time, offering local status to producers looking to save a few bucks. Dealing with her first major feature, Valen retreated to her theater training, trying to find her footing with big stars and screen pressure. She discusses the fantasy appeal of "The Heavenly Kid," but also its relatable aspects for teen audiences. The interviewee recalls the initial failure of the picture, but highlights its cult longevity, eventually reaching appreciative viewers. Valen also hesitates when asked what she would change if she could do it all over again.

• And a Teaser Trailer (:56, HD) is included.

The Heavenly Kid Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"The Heavenly Kid" ultimately hopes to be a heartwarming tale of partnership and responsibility, with Medoway attempting to capture emotions by the climax, and your mileage may vary there. However, the effort is appreciated, finding the production unusually approachable when dealing with adolescent concerns and angelic frustrations. At the very least, Medoway has a vision for the picture, which helps it to reach most of its creative goals.