Customer Reviews

Terminal Bliss [VHS]

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Interesting drug film, break out character for Luke Perry not half bad an actor great performance in this film. As a troubled kid with money, good looks, and friends & still never satisfied constantly searches for the next high. He is obsessed with sex, drugs, & death. His best friend Alex despises him but can't help but feel sorry for him. The film is basically about jealousy and the search for feeling and a voice between two friends. This is a total drama coming of age film.
Alex (Tim Owen) the one of the main protagonists has somewhat of a heart and grows in the end. As for Luke Perry's character well you just have to watch it. Overall great performances from Tim Owen & Luke Perry. Strong film about drawing the line between true friendship & how far will you go to save someone from going down. I own it recommend seeing at least once.
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The first time I saw this, Luke Perry was at the height of his 90210 fame. But if you watch this and expect Dylan McKay, look out. This character is a truly horrible human being. Don't let the cheesy cover fool you either. This movie is pretty depressing. If you like the tone of movies like "Leaving Las Vegas," this is for you. The story is good, but slow moving. If you can make it to the end, this movie will at least leave you thinking about it. It's creepy and it hangs on for awhile. The acting isn't that great and none of the characters are likable people. But it's sort of like real life in that respect. Whether you want to escape reality or celebrate it will be the determining factor.

I have worked for the filmmaker who made this movie Terminal Bliss. He was very young to have made that movie. He really did not want to show it. He doesn't really like any of his early work which is strange since he is still in his early thirties. Nevertheless, I got a copy behind his back and was surprised at how good it was. Considering the subject and the approach, I thought it was daring. And the one thing about the time period, it was unheard of for someone out of high school to make a professional film. Luke has never been as good as he was in the movie. And the time was such that his reps were not happy about its release. So there was no support and it was released nationwide. The other interesting thing, was the festival reviewes (which I am privy too) were very strong. When Luke became a star (months prior to the release) the critics punished the movie because they thought 90210 was cheesy. Thus the box cover. Why this movie is not on DVD is strange too. The performances are very real. The time of the 80s was depressing especially with the drugs and sexuality being in the forefront. The idea that Tim Owen is too depressing or sarcastic is all part of the observational sense that the film has on its teenagers. They are not to be liked but looked at. The film should be put into a time capsule. Anyway, I am looking forward to Pipeline, the directors next film. I can assure you its a big change from TB.

Although this movie isn't on the same level as "Heathers" or "The Rivers Edge" it does have similar qualities.Even Luke Perry isn't too bad in this.This is his best movie although that isn't saying a whole lot.