Light of Day

Watch Light of Day

"When your family is closing you in, music may be the only way out."
  • PG-13
  • 1987
  • 1 hr 47 min
  • 5.6  (3,166)
  • 55

In the 1987 film Light of Day, Michael J. Fox stars as Joe Rasnick, a struggling musician in Cleveland trying to make it big with his sister, Patti (played by Joan Jett). They play gigs at bars and clubs around town, with Patti serving as the lead singer and Joe on guitar. Patti is the more talented and driven of the two, while Joe struggles with alcoholism and a lack of direction in his life.

Their mother, Jeanette (played by Gena Rowlands), is a devout Christian who disapproves of their lifestyle and wants them to give up their music dreams. She runs a sewing business out of her basement and wants her children to join her in the family trade. The tension between Jeanette and her children comes to a head when their father (who is estranged from the family) dies, and they must come together to settle his affairs.

As they navigate their grief and family drama, Joe and Patti also try to secure a big gig at a local venue. They get a shot to play at the Cleveland Rock Festival, but things go awry when Joe's drinking causes an altercation with a fellow musician. This puts their chances of success in jeopardy and strains their already tense relationship with each other and their mother.

Throughout the film, the characters grapple with identity, faith, and the pursuit of their dreams. Patti's passion for music and desire to make it big conflicts with Joe's apathy and self-destructive tendencies. Meanwhile, Jeanette's beliefs and values clash with her children's desires for independence and self-expression.

The musical performances in Light of Day are a highlight of the film, with Joan Jett delivering electrifying renditions of songs like "Light of Day" and "Roadrunner." The film also features a poignant score by composer Thomas Newman.

Despite receiving mixed reviews upon release, Light of Day has gained a cult following over the years and is remembered as a showcase for Jett's musical talent and Fox's dramatic range. It explores themes that remain relevant today, such as family conflict, addiction, and the struggle to pursue creative passions in the face of obstacles.

Overall, Light of Day is a heartfelt drama with compelling performances and a killer soundtrack. It may not be a perfect film, but it's a moving portrayal of the ups and downs of the rock 'n' roll lifestyle and the bonds of family.

Light of Day is a 1987 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6 and a MetaScore of 55.

Light of Day
Description
Where to Watch Light of Day
Light of Day is available to watch, stream, download and buy on demand at Amazon. Some platforms allow you to rent Light of Day for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    1987
  • MPAA Rating
    PG-13
  • Runtime
    1 hr 47 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    5.6  (3,166)
  • Metascore
    55