Great Balls of Fire! (1989)

Starring Dennis Quaid, Winona Ryder, Alec Baldwin, and John Doe.

Great Balls of Fire! is a biopic about the singer Jerry Lee Lewis, played by Quaid, who performed popular rock n roll songs, one of them sharing the title with the film. The film follows his life as an entertainer, as well as his personal struggles. Lewis married his 13 year old cousin, Myra (Ryder). A British reporter found out, exposed him, his career went down the drain immediately, and he plunged into alcoholism and abuse toward his young wife. His career never completely recovered.

I've never been much interested in Jerry Lee Lewis or his music, but after watching this film, I can say I am creeped out to the extreme by him. My confusion as to the legality of his marriage to his cousin is ever present. The fact that the movie says he even coerced her into it and Ryder's performance of a little girl nervously and uncomfortably marrying her "idol" cousin made me feel a little sick. The depiction of black people in the 50's as people that listen to "devil" music, grind on each other, and dance seductively on tables is absurdly racist. I'm not sure if there's a satire to be found here, perhaps the director is showing what white people thought or maybe he's showing what he believes to be true. Since the line is unclear, it's a bit uncomfortable to view. There's a lot of talk of Jesus, and again, it's unclear the motives behind it.

Alec Baldwin plays a younger pastor who preaches against rock n roll music, and his role is the best in the film. He plays the role with a Southern accent and such fervor that you cannot deny his authenticity. Dennis Quaid, on the other hand, is playing a 22 year old boy, whilst appearing 35, as arrogantly as humanly possible. I cannot help myself from feeling dirty and ridiculous every time he appears. I'm not sure if every person back in the 50's was that over the top casual or if it's a movie thing, but holy shit, it's invasive. I can understand the need for a big name to play Lewis, but could they not find someone younger or less mannequin looking? I don't even dislike Dennis Quaid, but I just don't feel he was right for this role.

I would recommend Great Balls of Fire! to fans of Jerry Lee Lewis, people who dislike Jerry Lee Lewis, and anyone with a great deal of nostalgia for the 1950's. I perhaps would give the film 4/10. This movie hurt me physically.

Great Balls of Fire! currently holds a 63% critic rating and a 52% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Great Balls of Fire! trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9aobri6wyg

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097457/

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/great_balls_of_fire/