Purple Rain: More Than Just the Music (But Mostly the Music)

Okay, so I finally got around to watching Purple Rain. I know, I know, late to the party, but better late than never, right? As an editor, I gotta say, the pacing is... well, it's the 80s. Things drag. The dialogue is cheesy as all get-out in parts, and the acting? Let's just say Prince was a musician first, actor second (or maybe tenth). I mean, the storyline with his abusive dad and his own anger issues felt kinda ham-fisted, like they were trying too hard to give him depth. BUT, and it's a BIG but, the music. Holy moly, the music. When "The Kid" (Prince, duh) is on stage, everything else fades away. The performances are electrifying. The First Avenue nightclub scenes felt so real, like you could practically smell the spilled beer and feel the energy of the crowd. "Purple Rain" itself, that final performance? Chills. Straight up chills. And Apollonia? Gorgeous, but her acting was… nonexistent. Still, she had a presence that somehow worked. I think what really got to me was seeing Prince at that raw, vulnerable stage of his career. You can feel the passion, the struggle, the genius just pouring out of him. Sure, the movie is flawed, and I'm sure a modern edit could tighten it up considerably, but those flaws kinda add to its charm, you know? It's a time capsule from a specific moment in music history. Ultimately, would I recommend it? Yeah, absolutely. Just go in knowing you're there for the music and the vibe, not the flawless narrative. And maybe fast-forward through some of the more awkward scenes. Just sayin'. What did you guys think?