BAD BOYS

Release Year: 1983

Starring:  Sean Penn, Esai Morales, Ally Sheedy, Reni Santoni, Clancy Brown, Alan Ruck

Seering performances by Sean Penn, Esai Morales, Ally Sheedy, and the always fantastic Reni Santoni punctuate this violent, realistic, and thoroughly engrossing drama about the lengths that two hardened, yet heartbroken young men go to for justice (or is it just plain old revenge?). As with most "prison-type" films, Bad Boys does contain its share of scenes involving physical and emotional abuse; but never is the film exploitative or leering. These scenes are even more impactful because they involve children and influence the formation of what really is a future adult.

 

When Sean Penn's character, 16-year-old Mick O'Brien attempts to rob a rival hood, Paco Moreno (Esai Morales) and instead accidentally kills an Paco's kid brother, all hell breaks loose (cliché alert!). Mick is sent to Rainford Juvenile Correctional Facility, which does not seem to rehabilitate the juveniles, but just makes them angrier and more prepared for a life of crime as adults. Outside of Rainford, Paco sexually assaults Mick's girlfriend J.C. (Ally Sheedy) to get revenge for his brother's death (and also to get sent to Rainford to confront Mick).

The showdown between Mick and Paco is emotionally-charged and the climax of the film is relatively uplifting and surprisingly satisfying; the scene in which Sean Penn fills a sock with cans of Coke to use a weapon is clever, disturbing, and obviously quite memorable. One key to the film's success, aside from the immense talent and commitment of its actors, and the measured, even-handed direction, is the way the script always ensures that ever violent blow, every seemingly over-the-top response, and every act of self preservation has honest motivations. Bad Boys is one of the best dramas of the eighties.

Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. - Romans 12:18