Solarbabies Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A bunch of orphaned teens escape a dystopian desert prison on roller skates to save the world with a glowing bouncy ball and maybe bring back rain, which is confusing because it rained during filming.

🍿 Solarbabies: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Waterless Future

Set in a bleak post-apocalyptic future, Earth has become a desert wasteland where water is a scarce and precious resource. A totalitarian military regime known as the Eco Protectorate controls the remaining water supply, ruling the population through fear and control.

Life in the Orphanage

Many young people are confined to ‘orphanages’ run by the Protectorate. Life there is harsh, centered around labor and participating in a unique roller-skating sport. A group of these teenagers, calling themselves the Solarbabies, have formed a close bond.

The Discovery of Bohdai

The youngest member of the Solarbabies, Daniel, discovers a mysterious glowing orb of seemingly alien origin. He names it Bohdai, and the orb appears to possess unusual powers.

Escape and Pursuit

Recognizing Bohdai’s potential and fearing the Protectorate will seize it, the Solarbabies decide to escape the orphanage. They embark on a perilous journey across the wasteland, pursued by the relentless E-Cops (Protectorate soldiers) who are determined to recover the orb.

Journey Across the Wasteland

As they traverse the desert, the Solarbabies encounter various dangers and factions living outside the Protectorate’s direct control. Their loyalty to each other and their belief in Bohdai are tested throughout their difficult journey.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Daniel (Lukas Haas): The youngest Solarbaby who discovers the powerful, mysterious orb named Bohdai.
• Jason (Jason Patric): A leader among the Solarbabies seeking a better life and protecting the orb.
• Terra (Jami Gertz): A key member of the Solarbabies group with a hidden connection to the outside world.
• Grock (Richard Jordan): The cruel commanding officer of the E-Protectorate security forces hunting the Solarbabies and the orb.
• Bohdai (N/A): A glowing, sentient orb from another galaxy with mystical powers, central to the Solarbabies’ quest for water.
• Darstar (Adrian Pasdar): A former Solarbaby who becomes an antagonist by stealing Bohdai for his own gain.
• Shandray (Sarah Douglas): An evil scientist working for the E-Protectorate who seeks to exploit Bohdai’s power.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Terra: “Get out, you creature of filth!” – Terra says this angrily to Gavial when he makes unwelcome advances towards her, before hitting him with her shovel.
• Metron: “I can’t believe that I’m standing here talking to a ball.” – Said exasperatedly by one of the older teens when interacting with the sentient orb, Bodhi.
• Grock: “Enjoy a decent life grid!” – A line seemingly used by the Eco Protectorate or its officials as a form of dismissive goodbye or blessing, highlighting their control.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $25,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $1,579,260
• Worldwide Gross: $1,579,260

💥 Solarbabies Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I first saw Solarbabies way back when I was a kid, probably on a taped HBO weekend my dad recorded. Honestly, watching it felt like a total adventure! These kids saving the world on roller skates? How cool is that? I remember being really into the whole group dynamic, like they were this cool, defiant family sticking together in a tough world. And the glowing ball, Bodhi, felt like this magical, hopeful friend. The scene where they escape the orphanage on their skates was just epic to my young mind, even if it makes no sense now! Watching it again as an adult, yeah, it’s cheesy, and the plot is kinda all over the place, but the nostalgia hits hard. It still has this weird, earnest energy to it. It’s the kind of movie that just takes you back to simpler times when a glowing orb and some roller skates could totally save the world.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of 1980s cult sci-fi”
  • “Viewers who enjoy ‘so bad it’s good’ movies”
  • “Those nostalgic for era-specific dystopian and adventure films”
  • “Fans of the cast (Jason Patric, Jami Gertz, Lukas Haas) interested in their early work”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “PG-13 rated”
  • “Mild violence (laser guns, chases)”
  • “Dystopian themes (oppressive government, resource scarcity)”
  • “Some tense situations and peril”

Professional Reviews

• Critique Corner: “Solarbabies is a cinematic misfire attempting to blend Mad Max grit with ET sentimentality, all while everyone is inexplicably on roller skates in the desert. While the production design has moments, the nonsensical plot, wooden dialogue, and jarring tone shifts make it a baffling watch. It’s less a cohesive story and more a series of loosely connected, awkward scenes featuring teenagers in cut-offs battling a poorly defined fascist regime. Best viewed with a generous dose of irony.
• Silver Screen Spectator: “Sure, Solarbabies is deeply flawed, but there’s a certain charm to its earnest 80s cheese. The young cast, including future stars Jami Gertz and Jason Patric, lend it some energy, and the sheer absurdity of the premise—post-apocalyptic roller derby orphans and a magic ball—can be oddly entertaining. It borrows heavily from other sci-fi hits but manages to carve out its own bizarre niche. It’s a relic of its time, confusing and clunky, yet strangely watchable for those with a high tolerance for vintage B-movies.

Audience Reactions

Many love it for its overwhelming 80s cheese and nostalgia factor.: The movie is frequently enjoyed ironically or remembered fondly from childhood for its unique premise (roller skates in the desert!) and the glowing orb Bodhi. The casting of recognizable 80s actors is also a highlight for many.

The illogical plot points and cheesy execution are often sources of unintentional humor.: Viewers often point out the ridiculousness of the roller skating chases, the nonsensical plot developments, and the low-budget effects as reasons it’s ‘so bad it’s good’ or just plain bad. The awkward dialogue and character motivations are also commonly mentioned.

Overall Consensus: A divisive film, largely dismissed by critics but cherished by some viewers for its high level of 80s cheese, nostalgic value, and unintentional humor derived from its bizarre premise and execution.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Despite being set in a dried-up, post-apocalyptic world and filmed in the desert landscapes of Spain, production was ironically delayed for several weeks due to unexpected rain.”
• “The film’s budget ballooned significantly from an initial estimate of $5 million to $25 million, contributing to producer Mel Brooks nearly facing bankruptcy before offsetting losses with the success of ‘The Fly’ (1986).”
• “Director Alan Johnson was primarily known as a choreographer, and ‘Solarbabies’ was one of only two feature films he directed, the other being Mel Brooks’ ‘To Be or Not to Be’ (1983).”
• “The film features a theme song, ‘Love Will Set You Free’, performed by Smokey Robinson, which includes religious references fitting the film’s subtle naming conventions for characters (e.g., Bohdai, Gavial) and the Orb itself (referred to as the ‘sphere of Longinus’).”

🖥️ How to Watch Solarbabies?

Looking to watch the 1986 post-apocalyptic sci-fi film ‘Solarbabies’ (also known as ‘Solar Warriors’)? While availability can change, you can typically find ‘Solarbabies’ available for digital purchase or rent on major platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check these services for current streaming options or to add it to your digital library.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Solarbabies, you might like these similar films:

• Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (1981): Direct comparison for its post-apocalyptic desert setting, ragtag survivors facing off against a militarized, resource-hoarding force, and focus on vehicular action (albeit Solarbabies uses skates).
• E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982): Thematic similarity due to its core plot revolving around a group of children protecting a mystical, benevolent alien being with special powers from a pursuing authority.
• Rollerball (1975): Direct comparison for its depiction of a futuristic, violent sport used to control or pacify the population, mirroring the ‘skateball’ game in Solarbabies.
• The Lost Boys (1987): Era-specific alternative and shares cast members Jami Gertz and Jason Patric in a popular 80s youth-focused film with fantastical/supernatural elements.
• Spacehunter: Adventures in the Forbidden Zone (1983): Cult classic that would appeal to fans, sharing a similar 80s low-budget sci-fi adventure feel with desert landscapes, mutants, and a quest narrative.

🛒 Solarbabies Related Products

• Solarbabies Blu-ray / DVD: Experience the post-apocalyptic roller-skating adventure in higher definition! Often released by specialty labels, this disc offers a chance to own a cult classic.
• Retro 80s Style Roller Skates: Embrace your inner Solarbaby with quad roller skates featuring classic 80s designs and vibrant colors. Perfect for cruising or attempting desert escapes (not recommended).
• Post-Apocalyptic Sci-Fi Gaming Kit: A collection of table-top RPGs or board games set in gritty, resource-scarce future worlds. Includes rulebooks, dice, and scenario guides.
• Vintage 80s Sci-Fi Movie Posters: High-quality reproductions or original prints of posters from 1980s science fiction films, including ‘Solarbabies’ or similar era movies.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Love Will Set You Free” – performed by Smokey Robinson

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Rollerskating in the desert with Solarbabies #badmovies

Ever wondered if a movie about rollerskating in a post-apocalyptic desert could be… well, a bit wild? Dive into this quick clip that captures the truly unique (and maybe a little cheesy) vibe of Solarbabies – it’s quite the ride!

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