The Boost
The Boost

Movie spotlight

The Boost

1988
Movie
95 min
English

Lenny Brown moves to California to find his fortune in tax shelter investments. When the federal government changes the tax laws, poor Lenny finds himself $700,000 in hock with nowhere to turn. His friend, Joel, introduces him to cocaine to give Lenny that needed "boost". What ensues next is a descent into drug addiction and insanity as Lenny tries to regain control of his life, all the while needing that extra "boost".

Insights

IMDb6.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes50%
Google Users67%
Director: Hal AshbyGenres: Drama, Crime

Plot Summary

A struggling car salesman sees his life take a dramatic turn when he meets a wealthy socialite who grooms him for success in the cutthroat world of international finance. As he climbs the corporate ladder, he becomes increasingly entangled in illegal schemes and struggles with his own morality. His ambition is constantly tested by his deteriorating personal life and the consequences of his actions.

Critical Reception

The Boost was met with mixed reviews, with many critics praising the performances of James Woods and Sean Young, as well as the film's exploration of greed and ambition. However, some found the plot to be somewhat predictable and the characters' motivations occasionally unclear. Despite this, it is remembered as a compelling, albeit bleak, look at the dark side of success in the 1980s.

What Reviewers Say

  • James Woods delivers a powerful and unsettling performance.

  • The film effectively captures the excess and moral ambiguity of the 1980s financial world.

  • While the narrative has its flaws, the acting elevates the material.

Google audience: Audiences generally found the film to be a compelling drama with strong acting, particularly from James Woods. Some viewers noted that the story became quite dark and predictable as it progressed, but the performances and thematic elements were often highlighted as positives.

Fun Fact

Director Hal Ashby passed away shortly after the film's release, making 'The Boost' one of his final works.

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