Youngblood is a feelgood coming of age drama which features some big names. Rob Lowe, Patrick Swayze, Cynthia Gibb and Keanu Reeves. So what do I think?
Well, first, this is a title I have seen many times I was young and where I always found myself rooting for Dean Youngblood, played by Rob Lowe. How can't you? He is a likeable guy and seems to be determined and ambitious. He doesn't want to be stuck on some farm. And who can blame him? Still, his father is trying to tell him that a career in hockey isn't all that, especially, if you are not on top of your game all the time. Basically, the film is constantly giving examples of why you need to have discipline and be mindful of your daily life outside hockey.
Second, this is an Eighties flick. I am sure a lot of bad films have been made in this decade, but even those I would say are better than the bad films made today. Why? Because I am an Eighties kid. I grew up in this decade, and I love everything Eighties. I really don't understand the hate for it like Quentin Tarantino does. Anyway, Youngblood is very much Eighties in the way it tells the story.
I do have to point out some of the negatives, though. For a coming of age drama, the drama, is almost absent. There are several moments in the film where you expect Dean to fight the coach or others, but he remains quiet. One could argue, that he is the shy person trying to avoid arguing. I would say that this goes for the other characters too. Derek Sutton, played by Patrick Swayze, wants to have a good career too. But doesn't seem that bothered at first. Until we get to know him a little better. There are great dynamics between him and Rob Lowe. Still, their interactions could have been deeper and more profound. The same can be said about the relationship between Dean and Jessie. It's the compulsory romance sub-plot. It really makes you appreciate Rocky, where a lot is going on between Adrian and Rocky. You would expect Jessie's father, Dean's coach, to be hostile towards him because of this. He kind of is, but it's never explained why he doesn't let him play more. See, the film missed an opportunity to up the drama by having Dean confront his coach about this.
Despite these flaws and the rather light approach to the drama, I did find myself enjoying the hockey sequences. Even when it's very clear, that most of the time, it's the stunt doubles doing the work. Overall, a nice little film I can recommend for one time watch only. For multiple viewings this will fall short.
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