The stage curtains open ...
In light of other 80's college films (such as "Back To School" and "Real Genius") came this Matthew Modine feature, "Gross Anatomy". Although the aforementioned films were campy front to back, this addition was more dramatic in its approach and delivery. Still, it doesn't take itself too seriously and is a fun turn, despite the heavier topics it tackles.
Joe Slovak (Modine), is a 1st year medical student who finds that it takes more than "head smarts" to become a good doctor, and his non-conformist ways are put to the test when he has to rely on team work to succeed. From Day 1, he is at odds with the program director, Dr. Woodruff (played effectively by Christine Lahti), most of his team, and especially with Laurie (played by Daphne Zuniga), another 1st year who is determined not to allow anything or anyone distract her from her schooling. As he overcomes obstacles in his own education, Joe learns much more than he bargained for when he enrolled himself into gross anatomy.
I loved this movie when it was released to the silver screen, and now, over 30 years later, I still love it. Matthew Modine wasn't your typical leading man in movies, and he is really known only for a handful of them ("Vision Quest", "Full Metal Jacket", "Pacific Heights", and this one). However, there is no denying his onscreen charm and charisma. He was perfect in this role as the smug, self-confident student trying to make his own way. Daphne Zuniga was his perfect opposite in this film, and the chemistry was spot on and works well here.
I highly recommend "Gross Anatomy". It is fun, engaging, yet serious when it has to be - and those parts are done right. I have seen this one maybe a total of 4 or 5 times in the past 3 decades, and each visit was a renewed pleasure. I am sure my next viewing will be just as enjoyable as the last. A solid 8 stars out of 10.
In light of other 80's college films (such as "Back To School" and "Real Genius") came this Matthew Modine feature, "Gross Anatomy". Although the aforementioned films were campy front to back, this addition was more dramatic in its approach and delivery. Still, it doesn't take itself too seriously and is a fun turn, despite the heavier topics it tackles.
Joe Slovak (Modine), is a 1st year medical student who finds that it takes more than "head smarts" to become a good doctor, and his non-conformist ways are put to the test when he has to rely on team work to succeed. From Day 1, he is at odds with the program director, Dr. Woodruff (played effectively by Christine Lahti), most of his team, and especially with Laurie (played by Daphne Zuniga), another 1st year who is determined not to allow anything or anyone distract her from her schooling. As he overcomes obstacles in his own education, Joe learns much more than he bargained for when he enrolled himself into gross anatomy.
I loved this movie when it was released to the silver screen, and now, over 30 years later, I still love it. Matthew Modine wasn't your typical leading man in movies, and he is really known only for a handful of them ("Vision Quest", "Full Metal Jacket", "Pacific Heights", and this one). However, there is no denying his onscreen charm and charisma. He was perfect in this role as the smug, self-confident student trying to make his own way. Daphne Zuniga was his perfect opposite in this film, and the chemistry was spot on and works well here.
I highly recommend "Gross Anatomy". It is fun, engaging, yet serious when it has to be - and those parts are done right. I have seen this one maybe a total of 4 or 5 times in the past 3 decades, and each visit was a renewed pleasure. I am sure my next viewing will be just as enjoyable as the last. A solid 8 stars out of 10.