Bobcat Goldthwait, Clu Gulager, Connie Stevens

This underground comedy pairs two well-known actors with unique comic timing between them in a story of pursuing dreams amidst harsh realities. Two luckless life-long friends and suddenly unemployed s...( read more  read more... )ecurity guards (Tim Robbins and John Cusack) seek to fulfill a lifelong dream try their hand at music-video production. Along the way they encounter the worst the music and television business has to offer, falling victim to a few scams and all the while clinging to their unbeatable optimism. Finally they hit upon an idea to resurrect a long-dead 1960s group, with predictably disastrous results. Blues legends Junior Walker and Sam Moore make appearances, and the soundtrack is a treat, featuring the likes of Bo Diddley and Devo. As a satire of the video age, it's hit and miss, but enough comic moments exist between the two leads to make Tapeheads an interesting diversion. --Robert Lane

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45% liked it

3,660 ratings

R, 93 min.

Directed by: Bill Fishman

Release Date: October 1, 1988

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DVD Release Date: March 13, 2001

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Stats: 160 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (160)


  • September 19, 2008
    Ivan and Josh have grown up together, playing ball and being co-named the most likely to succeed. But, they haven't succeeded, by their standards - not yet. They leave their jobs as security guards after getting caught having and videotaping a party on the premises. Videotaping, ...( read more)it seems, has always been a hobby. Josh, in particular, has an eye for the most up-to-date, cheesy 80s effects that could be generated at the time. Josh is the talent, and Ivan is the manager of the operation. They luck into sharing a loft free of rent and put out their shingle for Video Aces. Their goal is to make music videos, but along the way they find various other jobs, from videotaping living wills to capturing the happenings of local political events. Their big break comes when a band they have taped is killed in a most unlikely way. The video they made is aired in remembrance, bringing them attention and acclaim. They want to use their new power for good, helping boyhood music idols find the fame they richly deserve. Before they can enjoy the success, though, they must tie up some loose ends.

    Mo Fuzz: "All good things come in threes.
    Josh Tager: It's not good things. It's celebrity deaths that come in threes."

    Cusack and Robbins are delightful as Ivan and Josh. Cusack reminds us why he is one of the funniest and quirkiest actors in movies today. With his pencil-thin moustache and slicked-back hairstyle, he's like a cheap version of John Waters. His character is set in his own little world, trying hard to achieve respect that will never come, at least not with that moustache. Robbins plays a more geeky character who is shy and meek, but has a rip-roaring streak in him. Robbins has shown that he has the stuff of great comedy.
  • September 1, 2007
    Great comedy film about 80's music video production. Another good one is "The Big Picture".
  • March 17, 2006
    The movie itself is all over the place, but still enjoyable; mostly due to the great chemistry between Cusack and Robbins in 'before they made it big' roles.
  • November 18, 2009
    John Cusak's stash is the funniest thing I've seen on a human being. This movie is another buddy 80's movie and if you don't enjoy those then you probably won't like this. It does have a lot of heart and Mike Myers pretty much stole this idea for Wayne's World and gets ZERO credit.
  • November 12, 2009
    This was something I'm ashamed to say that I waited this long to check out!

    Cusack and Robbins as the two buddies trying to get a music video career going is amusingly dated now, but so much fun to watch. The rise of their career and involvement in a political scandal is also v...( read more)ery 80's feeling to me, but is still well worth a look.

    Give it a rental.
  • October 14, 2009
    Sort of interesting seeing John Cusack and Tim Robbins together...
  • June 21, 2009
    Great music. I was Junior Walker's Manager and Producer.
  • July 15, 2008
    A fun quirky 80s flick!
  • April 29, 2008
    IMDB movie of the day
  • April 14, 2008
    Fantastic and hilarious. I'm glad this movie exists.

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