Risky Business Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A nerdy teen throws a rager, sinks his dad’s Porsche, and gets into Princeton all thanks to some entrepreneurial prostitution, proving that crime *does* pay!

🍿 Risky Business: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Setup: A Weekend Alone

Joel Goodson, a responsible high school senior in suburban Chicago, is preparing for college. When his parents leave for a weekend trip, they entrust him with the house and strict instructions. Eager for some freedom, Joel plans to relax and enjoy his time alone.

First Encounters and Rising Stakes

Encouraged by his friend Miles, Joel explores his newfound freedom. A series of events lead him to Lana, a call girl. A night with Lana results in unexpected financial obligations and the theft of a valuable family heirloom.

The Porsche and Escalating Chaos

As Joel tries to recover the stolen heirloom, his father’s Porsche ends up submerged in Lake Michigan. Facing mounting debts and the impending return of his parents, Joel and Lana devise a risky plan to turn his house into a temporary brothel to raise the needed funds.

Princeton Interview Interrupted

While Joel is hosting a brothel at his house to earn some quick cash, the interviewer from Princeton arrives to interview Joel. The interview is plagued by interruptions.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Joel Goodson (Tom Cruise): A high-achieving high school senior who experiences a wild and transformative week while his parents are away.
• Lana (Rebecca De Mornay): A sophisticated call girl who enters Joel’s life and introduces him to a world of risk and opportunity.
• Guido (Joe Pantoliano): Lana’s possessive and menacing pimp who creates complications for Joel.
• Miles Dalby (Curtis Armstrong): Joel’s friend who instigates some of the risky situations Joel finds himself in.
• Joel’s Father (Nicholas Pryor): The status-conscious father figure whose Porsche becomes a symbol of Joel’s rebellion.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Miles: “Sometimes you gotta say ‘What the f***’.” – Said to encourage Joel to embrace freedom and take risks while his parents are away.
• Joel: “I deal in human fulfillment.” – Joel’s wry response when asked about his ‘business’ by the Princeton interviewer, referring to the brothel he temporarily ran.
• Lana: “I’ll be your girlfriend…for a while.” – Lana’s pragmatic agreement to a relationship, highlighting the transactional nature of their connection.
• Joel: “Where’s the goddamn egg?” – Joel’s frantic question after Lana steals his mother’s expensive glass egg.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $6.2M
• Domestic Gross: $63.5M
• Worldwide Gross: $63.5M

💥 Risky Business Reviews

Personal Review

I first saw ‘Risky Business’ as a teen, and it blew my mind. Tom Cruise’s dancing in his underwear was legendary, but the movie also felt surprisingly honest about teenage desires and anxieties. The scene where he sinks his dad’s Porsche still makes me cringe, but the overall message of embracing life’s risks really resonated. I found myself questioning the established norms and contemplating what I really wanted out of life. It was a truly transformative movie experience for me. The soundtrack alone makes it worth watching.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of 1980s teen comedies”
  • “Viewers interested in coming-of-age stories”
  • “Fans of Tom Cruise”
  • “Those who appreciate satire and dark humor”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Some language”
  • “Sex work”

Professional Reviews

• Roger Ebert: “A smart, stylish comedy that captures the anxieties and ambitions of 80s youth. Cruise is excellent as Joel, and the film’s blend of humor and social commentary is surprisingly effective.
• Janet Maslin: “Risky Business is a sharply observed, darkly funny look at teenage rebellion and the lure of forbidden pleasures. De Mornay is a revelation, and the film’s soundtrack is iconic.
• Variety Staff: “While undeniably entertaining, ‘Risky Business’ occasionally struggles with its tone, oscillating between light comedy and more serious themes. Cruise’s star power is evident, but the film’s message is somewhat muddled.

Audience Reactions

Tom Cruise’s dance scene is forever iconic.: Audiences love the film’s blend of humor, romance, and social commentary.

The film’s soundtrack is incredible and captures the 80s vibe perfectly.: Viewers praised the film’s soundtrack for its catchy songs.

Overall Consensus: ‘Risky Business’ is a coming-of-age classic that remains entertaining and thought-provoking, despite some dated elements.

Awards

1. Golden Globe Award (Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy)- 1984

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Paul Brickman originally envisioned a darker, more downbeat ending for the film, but test audiences reacted negatively, leading to a more upbeat conclusion.”
• “The iconic underwear dance scene was initially scripted with a different song, but Tom Cruise suggested Bob Seger’s ‘Old Time Rock and Roll,’ which proved to be a perfect fit.”
• “Several scenes were filmed at Niles East High School in Skokie, Illinois, giving the film a realistic high school setting.”
• “Tom Cruise was 20 years old during filming, but the filmmakers put him through a specific diet and exercise plan to lose weight, then quickly regain it in baby fat to achieve a more youthful appearance.”

🖥️ How to Watch Risky Business?

Risky Business is widely available for streaming and purchase. You can find it on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu for rental or purchase. Check your local cable provider’s on-demand options as well. Physical copies (DVD, Blu-ray) are also readily available online and in retail stores. Consider checking aggregator sites like JustWatch to compare prices across different platforms.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Risky Business, you might like these similar films:

• The Graduate (1967): Shares themes of youthful rebellion, disillusionment with societal expectations, and a complicated relationship with an older woman.
• Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986): Features a high school student cutting loose and experiencing freedom, leading to comedic misadventures.
• American Pie (1999): Explores teenage sexuality and the desire to lose virginity, though with a raunchier, more overtly comedic approach.
• Superbad (2007): Similar coming-of-age teen comedy centered on underaged friends wanting to get drunk and have sex

🛒 Risky Business Related Products

• Risky Business (Blu-ray): High-definition version of the film with bonus content, allowing fans to experience the movie in the best possible quality.
• Risky Business: The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: The complete soundtrack featuring iconic 80s songs and Tangerine Dream’s score, offering a nostalgic trip.
• Tom Cruise Signed ‘Risky Business’ Photo: A limited-edition photo of Tom Cruise as Joel Goodsen, autographed by the actor, perfect for collectors.
• Wayfarer Sunglasses: The iconic black Wayfarer sunglasses worn by Tom Cruise in the film, perfect for a stylish, retro look.

🎧 Soundtrack

Risky Business features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Old Time Rock & Roll” – performed by Bob Seger
• “Every Breath You Take” – performed by The Police
• “In the Air Tonight” – performed by Phil Collins
• “Love on a Real Train” – performed by Tangerine Dream

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Les Grossman – Risky Business (MTV Movie Awards)

Watch Tom Cruise’s iconic character, Les Grossman, steal the show in this hilarious clip from MTV Movie Awards. His over-the-top antics will leave you in stitches!

Tom Cruise LIVE explains the “Risky Business” Dancing scene!

Dive into the iconic ‘Risky Business’ dance scene with Tom Cruise himself! Hear him share his personal experiences and anecdotes about the making of this unforgettable moment.

Tom Cruise Pays Tribute to ‘Risky Business’, ‘Top Gun’ in ‘Tonight Show’ Lip Sync Battle

Get ready for a blast from the past! Watch Tom Cruise revisit the iconic ‘Risky Business’ slide in this hilarious Lip Sync Battle performance. It’s a perfect blend of nostalgia and entertainment.

Tom Cruise’s Many “Risky Business” Injuries | CONAN on TBS

Prepare to laugh out loud! Conan O’Brien takes a comical look at Tom Cruise’s ‘Risky Business’ injuries. It’s a hilarious reminder of the sacrifices actors make to bring iconic movies to life.

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