Throb
Throb is an American television sitcom broadcast in syndication from 1986 to 1988, created by Fredi Towbin. It revolved around thirty-something divorcee Sandy Beatty who gets a job at a small New Wave record label, Throb. Beatty's boss is Zach Armstrong, who looks like Michael J. Fox but dresses like Don Johnson. Beatty also has a 12-year old son named Jeremy. Beatty's best friend was Meredith, a single teacher who lived in her building, and her co-workers included hip business manager Phil Gaines, and Prudence Anne Bartlett, nicknamed Blue. During the second season, Sandy moved from her original apartment to the recently vacated penthouse in her building. She took in her co-worker, Blue, to help with rent, but the differences between straitlaced Sandy and the very free-spirited Blue became more pronounced as they both lived and worked together. Notably, it was the first time much of the American TV audience saw Jane Leeves, who later gained fame as Daphne Moon on Frasier. Also notable is the casting of a young Paul Walker, who played Jeremy Beatty for the first season. Walker became a leading man in Hollywood some 15 years later, particularly after his breakthrough role in The Fast and the Furious.
Insights
Plot Summary
A naive, struggling musician lands a gig as a roadie for a chaotic and self-destructive rock band. As he navigates the backstage antics and the pressures of the music industry, he finds himself drawn into the orbit of the band's enigmatic lead singer. The film explores themes of ambition, disillusionment, and the often-unglamorous reality behind the rock and roll facade.
Critical Reception
Throb received a mixed to negative reception from critics, with many finding its attempts at satire and humor to be heavy-handed and its characters unlikable. While some acknowledged its gritty portrayal of the music scene, the film ultimately failed to resonate with a wide audience or critical consensus.
What Reviewers Say
- The film's portrayal of the music industry is seen as overly cynical and lacking in genuine insight.
- John Turturro's performance is noted as a highlight, but it's not enough to salvage the weak script.
- The humor often falls flat, making for an uneven viewing experience.
Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce for 'Throb,' but those available suggest a polarized reception, with some appreciating its gritty realism and others finding it to be a depressing and uninspired look at the music business.
Fun Fact
The band featured in the film, 'Circus of Dreams', was a fictional creation for the movie, with its music composed by Barry White.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources