Hunk

Trailer—Hunk

Potentially interesting premise (a comic variation, of sorts, on the Faust legend) is given a bland, somewhat rushed treatment, and turned into an ordinary, predictable movie that takes itself too seriously near the end. James Coco doesn't make a particularly entertaining Devil, and his various disguises do almost nothing for the film. (*1/2)

Mild mannered Bradley Brinkman (Steve Levitt) makes a deal with the devil and has a best selling "How To" book on being a yuppie and a new hunk body (John Allen Nelson). He never thought the deal was serious and now he is trying to welsh on a deal all the while living the good life he was locked out of before. Great idea and has been done in various ways. This film has poor execution and was even made after being a Yuppie was cool. Guide: No swearing, sex, or nudity. John Allen Nelson without his shirt in a shower.

The only thing good about this film is that it holds up a very good looking man as the object of voyeurism (refreshing, since typically in films, women are the exhibitionists and men are the voyeurs). John Allen Nelson certainly lives up to the title. Other than this, the acting is atrocious. Of course, the script probably didn't leave the actors much to work with. The dialogue seems very stilted and uninspired. The film is enjoyable in the "it's so bad it's good" vein, though. This is definitely a film for those who like bad movies or just like to see a cute guy in a small swimsuit. Not much else to offer.

Part of an 80's Teen Comedy - Back to School DVD set I just bought, it didn't look all promising, to be honest. However, I did give it the benefit. And was I ever surprised. This low-budget film has substance, and an actual plot - with actors who can actually act. I found it charming, entertaining, and funny. In fact, many areas are downright hilarious. The dialog, acting, direction, and cinematography are decent. And I loved its overall moral theme: Beauty is over-rated. The film centers on tech-geek Brad Brinkman who grows bored with his overall life, and desires severe change, especially with women. He's visited by a sexy apparition who transforms him into a total stud. And then Brad/Hunk must decide thereon if he's indefinite happy with his 'transformation'. The only downers to this were the club snobs who's performances were weak and way overdone. Otherwise this movie is 2 thumbs up.

A friend new the director, so I went to the premiere, which was in a prestigious Westwood (L.A.) theatre. We all found it very entertaining. The story was this: Lawrence Bassoff went to USC film school, where he made a hilarious twenty-minute comedy about an outer space themed Bar Mitzva. http://www.film-making.com/breaking.html From that, he succeeded in getting a low-budget movie deal from Crown International Pictures for his first commercial film, Weekend Pass, which was moderately successful. Then Crown said they wanted to fund him to make another low-budget film, and they wanted it to be called 'Hunk'. No treatment, no script, no plot ideas. Just make a comedy about a hunk, and do what you want. A lifelong movie poster collector, he never made another film but has written three books on movie posters.

I just adore this movie. It is in my category of 'Poundshop Classics' because it was discovered by an ex in a poundshop about 10 years ago. It is my second favourite movie in that category (after 'The Independent'). I've never really understood why this film is not more of a well known 80's cult classic as it has everything a good 80's film should have: the costumes, the music, the effects and the self-referencing humour. The characters and casting are all ace - Hunk Golden surely has to be one of the best character names of all time! It is a silly, silly film and there's always time in my life for silly films.

**Contains possible spoilers** I saw this movie late last night and was quite impressed. It does seem quite dated now but is quite good for a low budget movie that focuses on yuppie life during the 80s and is a sad testament to the lengths a guy who is a geek and an outcast will go to just to fit in with the rest of the crowd. Naturally the story is probably as predictable as they come, but its heart is in the right place with the moral of the story being never be afraid to be the person you are on the inside. Thus, when O'Brien reveals her true self I was a little disappointed to find that she was still beautiful - I imagined the movie might have made its point better had she been a bit plainer and ordinary looking like him. Otherwise it was quite charming, with good performances all round. That is if you can take any movie that features a character calling himself 'Hunk Golden' seriously!

Low budget comedy deals with a nerd selling his soul to the devil (James Coco) in order to become a hunk. Charming actors and performances somewhat help buoy uninspired premise and direction. James Coco is just as good as ever in one of his last performances. My rating: 6 out of 10.