Vision Quest (1985)

Harold Becker's modest film about a high school wrestler's coming-of-age isn't long on originality but it's a far more solid and affecting film than most '80s teen fare. The story focuses on an 18-year-old wrestler (Matthew Modine) who is preparing intensely for the state championship while keeping his eye on a hot, young woman (Linda Fiorentino) who has drifted into town. The film's premise can make it seem like one of the numerous Rocky (1976) clones that flooded theaters in the '80s, and although it has predictable elements, it's filled by a more interesting and recognizably human group of people than is usually the case with such films. Like Rocky (1976), most such stories have a working-class setting which is barely sketched out, but seems to automatically imply the need for escape. Vision Quest is set in similar territory, but has respect for the milieu and its well-observed characters. Modine is appealing as the eager, hardworking kid, and Fiorentino fits the bill perfectly as the sexy, knowing boarder. ~ Michael Costello, All Movie Guide