On C List of Movie Reviews
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The Coca-Cola Kid (1985)
Rate:
3
Viewed:
12/25
12/25:
Why is that almost everything from Down Under has to be either quirky or bizarre?
Some examples of what I mean are Mad Max,
Crocodile Dundee,
Young Einstein, and The Piano.
Here's another to this list: The Coca-Cola Kid. It doesn't work by trying to be another version
of Local Hero.
I admit the first fifteen minutes did set up an intriguing business premise. Then, what the heck happened? It's
like the film got away big time. The rest of the way is a long unashamed commercial featuring...you guessed it
correctly...Coca-Cola products. The company didn't even know, hence the lengthy disclaimer at the
beginning. After the box-office failure, DuĊĦan Makavejev's career would promptly disappear as an avant-garde
director.
Is the movie marginally better because of Eric Roberts? I'll say he helps a bit, but the role is too weird
for him, especially after getting a dye job. When his character said he's from Atlanta, Georgia, that's true
for Eric Roberts in real life. However, Greta Scacchi is more of a problem by wanting to be fun in an 80's
way, but it backfires on her a lot.
All in all, fans of Eric Roberts will think of checking out The Coca-Cola Kid, but it's a major step
down for him after appearing in Star 80,
The Pope of Greenwich Village, and
Runaway Train.