Customer Reviews

Vibes [VHS]

5 star:		(73)
4 star:		(17)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is not one of Jeff Goldblum's better-known movies, which is too bad because it really lets him shine in a comedic role. A crazy romp from start to finish, "Vibes" is unpretentious and unapologetic; it isn't art, it's fun. Built up out of a creative plot, strong cast and nicely honed writing, this is a great example of a good 80's film, stylish, smart and funny.

The premise is simple: A terrifying source of power---psychic power, it turns out---is discovered in South America. People who come into first- or secondhand contact with it die immediately or disintegrate, neither of which is a nice way to go. The story then switches to a research facility, where psychics with various gifts are being tested, supposedly for research, but the director has ulterior motives. It is at this facility where the viewer first encounters Nick (Goldblum), a man who can pick up knowledge by touching inanimate objects, and Sylvia (Cyndi Lauper), a young woman who has a close friend from the spirit world named Louise who gives Sylvia information, especially about the future. They are chosen by the director of the program, Dr. Steele (Julian Sands), to go on an important trip to the Andes to search for valuable artifacts. Nick is reluctant to go until he receives confirmation that his girlfriend is cheating on him (Sylvia had warned him) and he gets sick of his boss trying to make him do "psychic tricks" to amuse board members. Sylvia, meanwhile, has been approached by a shady character named Harry (the great Peter Falk), who claims his son is lost in South America and offers $50,000 to anyone who will help find him. She convinces Nick to come along and off they go.

From there, it's a series of misadventures and mishaps, including a near-death experience for Nick at the hands of a femme fatale. Nick is bitterly disillusioned to discover that Harry is a con artist and he's stuck with a partner he cannot fathom, as she is totally foreign to his experience. He and Sylvia bicker almost constantly and are, on the face of it, absolute opposites with only their psychic gifts to provide any common ground. However, animosity fades and they develop very strong feelings for one another. The bad guys are on their trail and finally catch up to them, after which Nick and Sylvia learn the truth about what they've been really brought down there to do. The power---in and of itself not evil---is going to be used by Dr. Steele for evil purposes and they must stop him. Harry gets killed and Sylvia loses Louise by the end of it, but the ending is surprisingly happy, with a very charming twist.

There are many good qualities about this movie, including the writing, camera work, music and acting, but by far the best parts involved the interplay between Nick and Sylvia. Jeff Goldblum and Cyndi Lauper played off each other exceedingly well, with a nice natural timing. It's a shame that the two of them didn't make more movies together, especially a sequel to this one. The two actors had a decent chemistry onscreen and were a joy to watch. The supporting cast was also very good, particularly Mr. Falk, and Julian Sands was good as a self-serving villain too wimpy to do his own dirty work. If you're in the mood for light comedy crossed with the bizarre, then this charming movie nicely fills the bill. A must for Jeff Goldblum and/or Cyndi Lauper fans!

It's been a long time since I've seen this movie, but it was cute and funny as well as fantastical. I never thought the Cyndi Lauper / Jeff Goldblum duo would have worked, but their quirky combo made for a lovable eccentric bond between their characters.

Lots of humor in this movie depsite the subject revolving around two psychics headed for South America chased by other psychics trying to beat them there. Infused in this cooky caper are some short, surprisingly poignant and heart-warming interludes with Peter Falk as well as some neat special effects.

Bombed at the box office and did okay on cable but a much underrated story with its own quirky charm.

Sylvia (Cyndi Lauper) and Nick (Jeff Goldblum) meet during a study of people with paranormal abilities. Sylvia hears the voice of Louise, a disembodied spirit guide who appears to have the ability to know what's going on with other people and in some cases, the future. Nick has the gift of psychometry or learning the history of an article by touching it. They don't exactly get off on the right foot at the study but when Harry Buscafusco (Peter Faulk) asks Sylvia for help finding his lost son in the Andes mountains, she brings Nick in to help.

When they get to the Andes, they find that Harry Buscafusco is not really who he said he was ... and neither is Doctor Harrison Steele who had put the paranormal study together back in the states and is now also in the Andes looking for the same thing as Buscafusco. Although the snide remarks continue between Sylvia and Nick, they have to come together, along with Buscafusco to keep from getting killed and to prevent the doctor from finding the secret in the Andes.

I saw this movie in the eighties when I was a kid and I taped it in 1995 and recent boredom got me searching through old VHS's and I wound up finding this old gem. Critics said people would forget this movie back in 1988, I was ten then and I'm twenty-five now and I have NEVER forgotten it.

Yes this movie is stupid. It's lame and it's corny, but it's still a movie I very much enjoy. This is not a movie to be watched for great acting or a great plot. Go rent Steel Magnolias if you're looking for 80's Oscar material. Vibes is for anyone who wants to have fun and anyone who appreciates the 80's like I do. It's a movie that has silly characters and it allows it's audience to have no-holds-barred fun without feeling guilty.

The psychic element was unique for the 80's and still something movies don't touch on a lot today. The Equador scenes were breathtaking. Jeff Goldblum ( before his blockbuster days )and Cyndi Lauper make a wonderful couple but she ultimately steals the show. This movie is for anyone who remembers just how carefree and fun the 80's could be. Vibes sends you right back to 1988 and you won't regret it. I just hope Columbia Pictures decides to make it available for purchase on DVD one day. It's a shame a movie so lovable is nearly extinct. Kids in future generations should be able to see it for the comedy classic it really is.

Everyone should see it at least once.

Where is the DVD? This is an awesome 80's quirky comedy that I enjoy quite a bit, but I refuse to buy VHS. I'm personally a fan of Goldblum's (and this film in particular) and think he paired well with Lauper in this film, but would really like to see this distributed in DVD format. By the other reviews, I'm not the only one; who do we have to complain to, to make this happen? Cheers.

Okay, I'm a huge Cyndi Lauper fan, but that aside, this movie is a blast. The movie is classic, full of one liners (as mentioned before)that are SO much fun! I could watch this movie every day for the rest of my life. I really need a DVD version so my VHS copy doesn't wear out! "Nick needs time to be Nick" I love it!

An excellent movie.....fun and entertaining. A little suspense, great laughs, great music and some beautiful scenery. All done with talented and very funny stars: Peter Falk, Cyndi Lauper, and Jeff Goldblum. Hope it becomes available on DVD SOON.

Vibes was the best comedy/action/adventure I have ever seen. The dialogue was quick, witty, nonstop; action was continuous with no boring breaks. Jeff Goldblum was at his best in every level of pathos, comedy, romance and action. Cindy Lauper epitomized the nitwit blonde adding spine shivering renditions of excellent singing talent. Vibes is an enjoyable movie in every aspect.

This movie seemed to be an odd retread of "Romancing the Stone" -- although I liked this movie so much more ! Jeff Goldblum, Cyndi Lauper, and Peter Falk are all much funnier than their "RtS" counterparts. And Ken Kwapis continues to be a vastly underrated director. There seems to be a big enough fan-base to warrant a DVD release. Are there legalities in the way? Bring on the DVD! And it should include the video for Cyndi's great closing-credits song, "Hole in My Heart."

This is one of my favorite movies. I can't understand why it's not on DVD by now. It never ceases to cheer me up when I'm feeling low. The actors make this movie a delight to watch, and the premise is intriguing as well. There are scenes that are absolute gems throughout this flick, and they stay with you long after you've finished watching the movie. A must have for the eclectic movie collector.