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Dennis Quaid's delightfully over-the-top performance dominates this 1989 biopic about the life, times, and music of rocker Jerry Lee "the Killer" Lewis. It's all here: his snazzy threads, his devil-may-care Southern charm, his mane of golden hair, his underage girlfriends (Lewis's infamous marriage to his 13-year-old cousin, played here by Winona Ryder, and its effect on his career is a big part of the story), his fascination with "the devil's music" (much to the chagrin of cousin Jimmy Swaggart, portrayed by Alec Baldwin), and of course the classic tunes like "Great Balls of Fire" and "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On." Director Jim McBride plays the whole thing broadly, for laughs, much like Quaid plays Lewis. The result is tongue-in-cheek entertainment with a strong musical component, made all the more so by the fact that all the singing and playing on the soundtrack is done by Lewis himself. --Sam Graham
Description
They called it "the devil's music." To this, Jerry Lee Lewis whooped: "If I'm going to hell, I'm going there playing the piano!" Dennis Quaid gives a "rousing performance" (Gene Shalit, "The Today Show") as the defiant rock 'n' roll superstar who broke all the rules. Co-starring Winona Ryder as Jerry Lee's teenage bride and Alec Baldwin as Jerry Lee's evangelical cousin Jimmy Swaggart, and featuring scorching piano and vocals re-recorded by the legendary Lewis himself, Great Balls of Fire! is a wild ride back to the early days of rock 'n' roll that will leave you "B-B-B-Breathless"! In 1956, Louisiana bad boy Jerry Lee Lewis (Quaid) moves to Memphis, determined to dethrone Elvis with his "ferocious, God-given talent." When Jerry Lee bangs out the bass chords with his feet,fans howl for more. When he finishes a performance by setting his piano ablaze, they mob the stage.But when he marries his 13-year-old second cousin Myra (Ryder)...the scandal nearly kills "The Killer's" career.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Great balls of fire! What a fun romp! Rock on, Jerry Lee...,
By Betty L. Dravis "BETTY DRAVIS, author/reviewer" (Silicon Valley, CA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER) (REAL NAME)
This review is from: Great Balls of Fire! (Widescreen/Full Screen) (DVD)
I was enjoying a quiet dinner tonight when this movie came on TV! I thought I'd watch a few minutes and get back to my typing, but NO! Jerry Lee grabbed me and wouldn't let go...just as he did back in the day.Like one of the reviewer's grandmothers, I used to dance around the house to Jerry Lee's rock 'n roll, especially the unforgettable, lively "Great Balls of Fire." He was a riot then and he's a riot now! I love, love, love this movie...because it's lively, fun and makes me feel good! I did feel sad for Jerry Lee and his teen bride. Even though she was young, they loved each other and my heart broke to see them misunderstood and his music banned because of his marrying her at such a young age (thirteen). The English treated them disgracefully, and I don't blame him for not apologizing...at great cost to his career. (Not that I condone anyone marrying anyone that young, but they made it work in the long run...) To view the way Jerry Lee and Myra defied everyone and stuck together through thick and thin was tender, moving and rather sweet. Bittersweet moments! And even though this rock 'n roll legend was a rebel and a bit cocky, you couldn't help but love the guy... Dennis Quaid was riotous in the role of Jerry Lee, and Winona Ryder was perfect as the very cute, adorable teen. They were both lovable (and naive in many ways). I thought I'd die laughing when she took her doll house with her as she moved from her father's home to live with her new husband. (And wait till you see Alec Baldwin carrying on as a stereotypical Baptist preacher; even though his role was rather laughable, he did a great job of acting...lol) Kudos to this cast and the producers for a few hours of almost nonstop laughter, dished up with the bittersweet romance. I won't forget this film for a long time. Even though certain parts were left out of "The Killer's" life, this movie managed to give the main details and give us a good concept of his life and lots of great rock 'n roll. It's heartening to know he's still performing and as popular as in his heyday. Rock on, Jerry Lee! Reviewed by Betty Dravis, July 2, 2010 Author of "Dream Reachers" (with Chase Von) and other books
2.0 out of 5 stars
Not bad, but then not good,
By A Customer
This review is from: Great Balls of Fire! (Widescreen/Full Screen) (DVD)
This is okay. Dennis Quaid is rather over the top and Winona Ryder is her usual humdrum self. Looks good and there are some good comedic touches. However, rather than his career being trashed by the scandal depicted here, in that he marries his 13 year old cousin, and then she gets pregnant, and slaps her about, he should have been jailed. Sorry, distasteful is not the word for it.
5.0 out of 5 stars
The best movie I ever saw,
By A Customer
This review is from: Great Balls of Fire (VHS Tape)
Great Ball's of fire has everything anyone could ever want in a movie! it's got action, drama, romance,comedy and truth. Dennis Quaid is marvelous as 'The Killer' and Winona Ryder was amazing as 'Myra' what make's this movie even better is that it is a true story. I think every one should have this in their collection.
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