In 1986legendary stuntman, actor, writer, and director Gary Kent put a film together dealing with a grim subject. Stepping out of the world of stunts, he wrote and directed this film starring a then relative unknown Esai Morales and another legendary stunt man Chuck Bail. Can a little known film from the 80’s still hold the weight it did at the time of its time of its original release?
Rainy Day Friends follows a young Hispanic hot-tempered man who finds out he has cancer, but refuses to accept it or help and flees to the streets to deal with it alone. Along the way he meets a tough ex-fighter pilot dealing with the same affliction, and develops and unlikely friendship to deal with the disease and the system that could care less. Not only does this film hold up, it is more relevant now than ever. It’s almost as if Kent had traveled to the future to see what is going on to develop this story. Filled with current topics that are more of a problem now than they were then, makes this movie feel even more effective. The performances are all well executed, but the true star is Morales. Before showing off his brilliant acting abilities in La Bamba, he left everything on the table for his role in this film. Bringing to life a troubled street kid dealing with not only his disease, but also drug abuse, racism and a system that cares about nothing but the numbers crunch of profits. He delivers numerous powerful moments as well as manages to continue to keep the character growing as it moves forward in both physical and emotional characteristics. The film tackles the health care system, immigration, drug abuse, racism, economy, and the very real threat of cancer. Instead of making a deep dark depressing story of a person’s fall into the black hands of cancer, it uses it as a backdrop to deal with the inner turmoil of people and the power of friendship to bring all these issues to light without ever really getting to preachy. Kent not to forget about his stunt roots still managed to throw in some stunts. One in particular kicks starts the film and is not only well crafted and executed, it managed to nab Kent the Best Movie Stunt of the Year award by the International Stuntman Awards.
This is a straightforward powerful movie that has something to say and successfully tells the audience. What makes it work on a bigger level is that it still manages to create a film that is enjoyable to watch even if you choose to ignore what it’s trying to tell you. If you have ever dealt with a life crisis whether it is sickness or anything else, then this is a movie you have to see.
Be sure to check out the all-new special feature Then and Now featuring Gary Kent, Esai Morales, Chuck Bail and many of the others involved in this special film to give their thoughts and feelings on being involved. In addition check out Kent’s book Shadows and Light: Journey’s With Outlaws in Revolutionary for a history of getting this film made as well as his incredible history in the film industry.
For more information or to purchase Rainy Day Friends, Pyramid, or his brilliant book head over to http://garywarnerkent.com/
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