Get Crazy (1983)

67% of users liked it
(654 ratings)

Director Allan Arkush knew whereof he spoke in Get Crazy. A longtime employee of Fillmore East, a popular rock-concert locale of the 1960s and 1970s, Arkush brought a great deal of insider's savvy to this comedy about the concert circuit and its denizens. Malcolm McDowell stars as a Mick Jagger-type… More Director Allan Arkush knew whereof he spoke in Get Crazy. A longtime employee of Fillmore East, a popular rock-concert locale of the 1960s and 1970s, Arkush brought a great deal of insider's savvy to this comedy about the concert circuit and its denizens. Malcolm McDowell stars as a Mick Jagger-type rocker who is one of several acts lined up for a big New Years' Eve show. If villains Ed Begley Jr., Bobby Sherman and Fabian have their way, however, the show will never get off the ground. The supporting cast is dotted with such cult-flick icons as Dick Miller, Jackie Joseph and Mary Woronov. The musical portion of the program is handled by the likes of Malcolm McDowell, Lou Reed (as a Bob Dylan type) and Bill Henderson (as a Muddy Waters takeoff). In case it hasn't been made clear already, the main "joke" of Get Crazy is the presence in the cast of actors as musicians and musicians as actors; it is to the film's credit that this one joke never wears out its welcome. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 32 min.
Directed By: Allan Arkush
Genres: Drama, Musical & Performing Arts, Comedy

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1983 Wide
On DVD: Feb 22, 1990

Critic Reviews

Jon Niccum, Lawrence Journal-World
A bizarre but frequently hilarious rock parody

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Tsubaki S

You know we live in a dark world where crap like Rocky Horror Picture Show becomes a cult movie and a truly fun movie like Get Crazy is relegated to the darkest pit of cinematic obscurity. No dvd (music copyright problems it seems) no recognition whatsoever, and not exactly the most… More
You know we live in a dark world where crap like Rocky Horror Picture Show becomes a cult movie and a truly fun movie like Get Crazy is relegated to the darkest pit of cinematic obscurity. No dvd (music copyright problems it seems) no recognition whatsoever, and not exactly the most vocal fanbase. Malcolm McDowell is on my list of favorite actors in flixster pretty much for this. That Daniel Stern is more remembered for crap like Home Alone than this is another crime, and the list just goes on and on. Seriously, fuck this world, you can't call yourself a movie fan until you see the scene where Reggie Wanker has a conversation with his penis.
Doctor S

The slightest of plots doesn't have nearly enough good comedy nor good music to overcome. Silly slapstick and dumb drug humor undermine Ed Begley's funny evil capitalist and his two flunkies attempting to take over a famous rock venue, the Saturn Theater. The songs are all… More
The slightest of plots doesn't have nearly enough good comedy nor good music to overcome. Silly slapstick and dumb drug humor undermine Ed Begley's funny evil capitalist and his two flunkies attempting to take over a famous rock venue, the Saturn Theater. The songs are all OK but I found myself wishing I was watching a real concert video with better bands instead. Still, there's plenty of energy on display here. Two more worthwhile points of interest: Malcolm McDowell as Mick Jaggerish super egotistical singer Reggie Wanker, and especially Lou Reed parodying himself as introspective leather-n-shades rock legend Auden. Where else you gonna see that?

Cast

            Malcolm McDowell as Reggie Wanker

            Daniel Stern as Neil Allan

            Gail Edwards as Willy Loman

            Miles Chapin as Sammy Fox

            Ed Begley Jr as Colin Beverly

            Stacey Nelkin as Susie

            Bill Henderson as King Blues

            Lou Reed as Auden

            Howard Kaylan as Capt. Cloud

            Lori Eastside as Nada

            Lee Ving as Piggy

            John Densmore as Toad

            Anna Bjorn as Chantamina

            Robert Picardo as O'Connell

            Bob Sherman as Mark

            Fabián Forte as Marv

            Franklyn Ajaye as Cool

            Denise Galik as Nurse Gwen

            Mary Woronov as Violetta

            Barry Diamond as Stagehand

            Paul Bartel as Dr. Carver

            Jackie Joseph as Susie's Mom

            Charlie Stavola as Taxi Driver

            Charity James as Debby

            Sam Laws as Minister

            Daniel Davies as Jews Band

            Allen Garfield as Max Wolfe

            James W. Gavin
            
            Gary Gershaw as Jews Band

            Clint Howard as Usher

            Tim Jones
            
            Andrew J. Lederer as Jews Band

            Dick Miller as Susie's Dad

            Susan Justin
            
            Coati Mundi as Reggie Band

            Dan Frishman
            
            Charlie Hanson as Savage Beast

            Robin Stewart as Nada Band
See full cast

Get Crazy (1983)

Critic Reviews

Featured Audience Ratings

Tsubaki S

Doctor S

Cast