For the Revue’s summer Heatwave series, We Really Like Her! co-host Emily Gagne invites you to feel invincible with a screening of The Legend of Billie Jean (1985)!
This underrated spin on sun-soaked empowerment follows a Texan-teenager-turned-trailblazer named (you guessed it) Billie Jean (Helen Slater, 1984’s Supergirl). After being assaulted by a greasy repairman while trying to get her brother’s bike fixed, Billie Jean and her crew (including 80s teen dream Christian Slater and Yeardley Smith, the voice of Lisa Simpson!) are forced to get out of dodge, and fast. What follows is the very definition of a roaring rampage of revenge as Billie Jean becomes a new kind of Joan of Arc, inspiring young people “everywhere” to fight for what’s right.
While so many other movies of its vintage made light of sexual violence, this balmy banger continues to resonate thanks to its ideal mix of popcorn playfulness and progressive politics. Just be prepared to leave the theatre wanting to cut off all your hair as you vehemently declare, “Fair is fair!” (EMILY GAGNE)
Part of the Heat Wave series!
Cast/Crew Info
Director: Matthew Robbins | Cast: Helen Slater, Christian Slater, Yeardley Smith, Martha Gehman, Peter Coyote
