FM

Rating:
Summary: Great Radio Biz Comedy!
Review: "FM" is a fun, light-weight, movie comedy for anyone who has an interest in radio or late '70s rock n'roll in general. The film has arguably been regarded by it's fans as the template or inspiration for the classic CBS TV sitcom, "WKRP in Cincinnati".This episodic movie takes place in late 1970's L.A. at the offices and studios of Q-Sky, the #1 radio station in the area. It's hilariously, presided over by manager, Jeff Dugan (a likable Michael Brandon),who's main job seems to be keeping in line, the crazy DJs and other personnel, who make up the station's looney, staff.These folks are constantly getting themselves into trouble both on and off the air. They include Mother (Eileen Brennan) a burned out hippie, who wants to chuck it all, Eric Swann (Martin Mull)a pompas idiot, who will do anything to further his career, The Prince (Cleavon Little), the hip black dude of the bunch and finally Doc (Alex Karras), a suicidal cowboy. The main plot centers on how Jeff and the gang fight to keep the evil account executive and the station owner from oversaturating the station's airwaves with wall to wall ads for the U.S. Army.Yes, the plotline is sort of silly and dated.But put on your average FM station today and you'll find that the movie's premise has pretty much come true.The air waves are mostly ads with a little bit of music squeezed in. Highlights of this film include excellent,live '70s era, in-concert appearances by music artists, Linda Ronstadt ("Tumbling Dice" "Poor Pitiful Me") and Jimmy Buffett ("Livingston Saturday Night"). If you are a fan of either of these performers then you will relish this concert footage. Also look for a brief cameo from rocker, Tom Petty.Finally listen for the film's great classic rock soundtrack which includes '70s staples such as Steely Dan, Bob Seger, Boston, Billy Joel, the Doobie Brothers and much more.For an evening of light-hearted comedy I highly recommend "FM".

Rating:
Summary: 5 stars for the Ronstadt concert sequence alone
Review: and the cameo by a young Tom Petty is pretty cool too... otherwise, basically WKRP on film (allegedly the inspiration for the series...).

Rating:
Summary: "No Static At All" with this ultra cool DVD!!!
Review: Another quality DVD release from Anchor Bay!!! You get both full and widescreen versions on one dual layered DVD!!! plus a theatrical trailer!!! And the quality is superb!!! This DVD is far superior than the VHS!!! And the songs sound awesome in 5.1 sound!!! A true seventies classic!!! Five Stars!!! A+

Rating:
Summary: A Must Have For Ronstadt Fans!
Review: As a fan of Linda Ronstadt, I consider this film to be a "must have" simply for the extensive concert footage of her music from the 1970's. The film is harmless fun itself, and the music is memorable for those of us who were teenagers in the 70's.

Rating:
Summary: Groovin'
Review: As most folks know, FM served as the inspiration for the later, greater television series WKRP IN CINCINNATI. Almost all the characters here have a counterpoint on the show and even look alike in some cases (the resemblance between Michael Brandon and Gary Sandy, for instance, is remarkable). On its own FM is a serviceable little vehicle to showcase some truly wonderful pop-rock tunes from the mid to late 1970's, including Steely Dan's glorious title song. The plot is perfunctory at best: a maverick radio DJ and programming director (Brandon) refuses to give into corporate pressure to air jingoistic ads for the military on his station; by the end of the picture he and his co-horts have barricaded themselves in the station to protest and incite a minor riot.

The plot is just an excuse for some very good concert footage featuring Jimmy Buffet and, especially, Linda Ronstadt. Tom Petty and Reo Speedwagon also make appearances. There are also some good character vignettes here too. While Brandon is rather non-descript in his leading role, Martin Mull stands out as Eric Swann, a flashy, hip, slick tune-spinner who shows some surprising vulnerability, and Eileen Brennan has a nice moment too as a burnt out DJ pondering her future, as Dan Fogelberg's lovely song "There's a Place in the World for a Gambler" swells behind her.

I like the look of the movie very much. Famed cinematographer John A. Alonzo, making his directorial debut, gives the movie the nice, sunny, green-and-caramel hues of the late 1970's without ever making it seem dated. But it is the soundtrack that makes this one worthwhile.

The movie adds up to little more than light and breezy amusement and is strictly for the nostalgically inclined.

Rating:
Summary: The "Empire Records" of the seventies!
Review: Great soundtrack with all the hot bands of the time. Just substitute a record store and grunge moshers for a radio station and 70's rock & rollers and you have Empire Records.

Rating:
Summary: ifffy at best...a hangover movie
Review: Not exactly Bergman territory, a movie to watch when you're not thinking much. A real HANGOVER MOVIE. Understand it was the inspiration for hit tv show "Hello Larry."

Rating:
Summary: A movie about a era of radio now long gone
Review: Not technically slick by today's standards, this movie is buoyed by a superb soundtrack. The nostalgia value alone is worth two stars. It's fun to watch Martin Mull in his first role and who wouldn't love listening to Eileen Brennan as "Mother" spinning the best on wax through the speakers of your dad's Chevy Monza? Good movie also for those who had a disdain for the disco fad - and still do.

Rating:
Summary: A niche little late 70s curio
Review: Not technically slick by today's standards, this movie is buoyed by a superb soundtrack. The nostalgia value alone is worth two stars. It's fun to watch Martin Mull in his first role and who wouldn't love listening to Eileen Brennan as "Mother" spinning the best on wax through the speakers of your dad's Chevy Monza? Good movie also for those who had a disdain for the disco fad - and still do.

Rating:
Summary: Fun! Features many of the late 70's top rock acts...
Review: The film is a lot of fun, but the best thing is the music. Linda Ronstadt and Jimmy Buffett make concert appearances, and Tom Petty has a cameo. Also features music from Eagles, Steely Dan, Queen and others. If you miss AOR you'll appreciate 'FM'.