Purple Rain
I wasn’t old enough to see the Purple One’s screen debut in theatres, but 32 years after its summer 1984 release, I finally got my chance to see the Kid and Apollonia do their thing at the drive-in theatre. Despite being a tribute screening – R.I.P. sweet Prince – seeing the film as it was intended was nothing short of magic: That sexxxed up and thrusty “Darling Nikki” performance, his terrible temper tantrum(s) turned musical discovery, the moment he realizes the audience does want to hear his music, his enormous kohl-rimmed eyeballs, and that puffy blouse! It’s the soundtrack that shaped a generation – and the music industry – forever. And that hoop earring exchange taught the cool kids a new relationship status symbol between the eras of letterman jackets and Facebook. As for this thirtysomething, I’ll always remember slow-dancing with a hottie crush to the title track, and suddenly realizing no boy would ever be as cool as Prince. “Thank you for a funky time, call me up whenever you want to grind.”
Thu., June 2, 9pm (P)
This article appears in May 20 • 2016.