Solarbabies
Solarbabies (1986) - A Dystopian Roller-Skating Sci-Fi Adventure
Solarbabies (1986) is an offbeat dystopian sci-fi film directed by Alan Johnson, with Mel Brooks as an unlikely producer behind the scenes. The film stars Jami Gertz, Jason Patric, and Lukas Haas, alongside a crew of young actors who skate their way through a barren, water-starved world. Set in a future where the Earth has dried up, Solarbabies rides the line between Mad Max-style chaos and teenage rebellion. With its blend of roller skates, rebel spirit, and bizarre 1980s charm, this cult classic stands out in the annals of forgotten cinema. The film was an ambitious project, though it struggled to find its audience at the time of release.
The Wild Ride of the Solarbabies
The plot follows a group of orphans known as the Solarbabies, who live in a harsh, authoritarian world where water is the most precious resource. The orphans discover a mystical glowing sphere named Bodhi that could potentially bring water back to the Earth. As they journey across the wasteland, pursued by the sinister police force known as the E-Police, they bond over their quest to restore life to the planet. Along the way, they face off against various enemies, including a tyrannical warden and an oppressive regime intent on controlling the last remaining water supply. The adventure is as wild as it is strange, with the Solarbabies' mission symbolizing hope in a hopeless world.
A Cult Classic with Heart and Wheels
Solarbabies may not have been a hit when it first came out, but it has since found a dedicated following among fans of quirky, underappreciated films. The movie is a heady mix of youthful energy and post-apocalyptic grit, with enough roller-skating action to keep you on the edge of your seat. Despite its flaws, there's a charm to Solarbabies that can't be denied—a sense of earnestness and adventure that shines through the dusty, dystopian setting. It's a film that captures the spirit of the 80s in all its neon glory, making it a nostalgic trip worth taking for anyone who appreciates forgotten gems.
