I saw another review which said, 'it never bores' and then gave it 2 out of 10. It's on that same basis that I'm giving it 7 out of 10. It's entertaining escapism from beginning to end. I mean, it is drivel or course, but that's not the point. It's okay for 80s movies to be drivel, as long as they hold our attention, and take us back to that time in a fond way. That's really why most of us watch 80s movies isn't it? It's to remember the energy and the feel of that period, when life seemed simpler in many ways. We knew who we were and what we were meant to do. And that's what this film does....the characters know who they are, and what they are meant to be doing....even when they don't. Even existential crisis in the 80s was simpler (in films at least). It's a good trip back in time.

"Cocktail" from 1988 is one of the films that solidified Tom Cruise's superstar status. He stars in this film with Bryan Brown, Lisa Banes, and Elizabeth Shue.

Cruise plays Brian Flanagan, a young man with a lot of dreams of making big bucks. After getting out of the service, he relentlessly seeks a job in New York City, finally snagging one as a bartender in a upper east side, trendy bar, where he works alongside Doug Coughlin, his boss. Before long they're an attraction in and of themselves, throwing bottles to one another, finishing off each other's drinks, all the while dancing, turning, and gyrating.

Brian goes to business school as well, but given his late nights, it's exhausting and not very fulfilling.

He and Doug both have dreams of owning their own bars, and the two become great friends. However, after a huge fight, Brian goes to Jamaica and runs a bar there, making good money and falling for Jordan, a pretty waitress (Shue). Then Doug shows up, having married rich, and when a very classy, upscale woman (Banes) comes to the bar, Doug bets Brian that he can't get to first base with her. He does, and Jordan sees him do it, and drops out of the picture.

Back in New York, Brian finds out living with a high-powered woman is no picnic - in fact, it's pretty humiliating -- and he runs into Jordan again.

"Cocktail" doesn't have much of a plot, but it has two very attractive leading men, sexy Bryan Brown and, of course, Cruise, handsome even with his old nose and looking quite different than he did in "The Color of Money." He's very charming,likable, and exudes a lot of youthful energy. He has some emotional moments, too, which he handles well.

"Cocktail" is a light film aimed at a younger crowd than I was even in 1988, but anyone can enjoy its swinging New York atmosphere, lazy Jamaican sun, great soundtrack, and two wild bartenders. Underneath it all, it's about the dreams of youth and the reality of being out in the world. That's a message everyone learns pretty quickly.

The stage curtains open ...

"Cocktail", despite being cringeworthy in parts, is a guilty pleasure of mine and a film I have enjoyed watching from time to time over the years. It came out at a good time in my life, so just the very thought of the movie will bring a smile to my face as it takes me to a good place with great memories. It is also highlighted by a fun soundtrack with "Kokomo" by the Beach Boys leading the way.

Young Brian Flanagan (Tom Cruise) returns home from the military with big dreams and aspirations of making it big, getting rich quick. So, he strikes out on the streets of New York to find employment, only to be turned away at every point. He finds his way into a bar and meets the man who will change his life, Doug Coughlin (Bryan Brown). They become fast friends and rise quickly in the nightlife scene until a girl comes between them. Brian goes to Jamaica where he meets Jordan Mooney (Elisabeth Shue) - the girl who will also change his life. Things are going great until Doug shows up again.

Yes ... the acting in this one is pretty pitiful. Tom Cruise is so full of himself in this movie that even his laughs seem fake (part of that cringeworthy factor). The relationship between Brian and Jordan is almost believable. What really shines in this movie though, is the chemistry and the relationship between Brian and Doug. This is where the movie succeeds. I love the back and forth banter between these two.

I know this movie bombed with critics and moviegoers alike, but as I mentioned, I like it. Watching them toss and flip bottles to the sounds of 80's music with a heavy dose of early Tom Cruise flair and a fun story - this one is a recommend at 7 stars out of 10. I still watch it today and smile just as much each time. Besides, it has one of the best poems ever filmed.