Tuff Turf (1985)

20% of critics liked it
(5 reviews)
62% of users liked it
(3,188 ratings)

This routine film catalogues what happens to a teen's life when he is wrenched from an easy existence in affluent, East Coast suburbia and dropped into the lean, mean streets of a downscale L.A. suburb. James Spader is Morgan Hiller, displaced with his parents and brother when his father loses some… More This routine film catalogues what happens to a teen's life when he is wrenched from an easy existence in affluent, East Coast suburbia and dropped into the lean, mean streets of a downscale L.A. suburb. James Spader is Morgan Hiller, displaced with his parents and brother when his father loses some of the wealth to which they were accustomed and the family moves to California. Morgan soon attracts Frankie (Kim Richards), the girlfriend of Nick (Paul Mones), a high school tough who does not appreciate Frankie's change of heart. The antagonism between Morgan and Frankie mounts as they both approach a high-noon showdown. Aside from some musical numbers which seem to have wandered in from another film about teen singers and dancers, the story is compelling and the film is notable for one of the early performances of Robert Downey in a subsidiary role. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 53 min.
Directed By: Fritz Kiersch
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure

In Theaters: Jan 11, 1985 Wide
On DVD: Mar 12, 2001
Studio: New World Video

Critic Reviews

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Cliché ridden proceedings with an obligatory rock soundtrack.
David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
...about as bad as it gets when it comes to cheesy '80s teen flicks.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

Spader is the new Dean in this rebellious teen drama/thriller. I really liked it, and if you're a fan of Spader you'll like it too.
jd c

Great film, brings back many childhood memories. It's cheesy in parts of course (teen 80's) but that's only part of it's charm. I'll never get tired of this film. It's a fun and entertaining viewing experience. Great soundtrack as well.
Leo L

LOVE SOME OF THE MUSIC IN THE MOVIE!! I remember this from my childhood.

Cast

            James Spader as Morgan Hiller

            Kim Richards as Frankie Croyden

            Paul Mones as Nick Hauser

            Robert Downey Jr. as Jimmy Parker

            Matt Clark as Stuart Hiller

            Claudette Nevins as Page Hiller

            Olivia Barash as Ronnie

            Panchito Gomez as Mickey

            Michael Wyle as Eddie

            Catya Sassoon as Feather

            Bill Beyers as Brian Hiller

            Frank McCarthy as Man at Bus Stop

            Jim Carroll as Himself

            Jered Barclay as Reynolds

            Kerry Brennan as Dancer

            Vivian Brown as History Teacher

            Ceil Cabot as Secretary

            Randolph Dreyfuss
            
            Art Evans as Security Guard

            Lou Fant as Mr. Croyden

            Donald Fullilove as Howard

            Dale Gonyea as Country Club Band Leader

            Greg Smith as Jack Mack and the Heart Attack the Club 60's Band

            Tony Young as Dancer

            Andrew Kastner as Jack Mack and the Heart Attack

            Cheryl Ann Clark as Bootsy

            Donna Fuller as Nurse

            Matt Gavin as Van

            Evonne Kezios as Muffy

            Eric Kiertzner as Warehouse Band

            Mike Lea as Warehouse Band

            Chad McCann as Troy

            Herb Mitchell as Mr. Russell

            Gene Pietragallo as Donnie Parker

            Tom Sims as Warehouse Band

            Cecilie A. Stuart as featured dancer

            Cactus Jack Mack as Jack Mack and the Heart Attack

            Ray Zimmerman as J.R. and the Z-Man the Country Club Band

            Robert Alvarez
            
            John Berry Jr.
            
            Cathy Miller
            
See full cast