Bright Lights, Big City isn’t a good movie. It’s naked Oscar bait that was designed to help Michael J. Fox break away from Family Ties. While surrounded by a mix of heavyweights from Kiefer Sutherland to Dianne Wiest, nothing works. Why? Well, because the film won’t make Fox’s character into a bad guy while showing him sink deeper into coke-fueled misery. Phoebe Cates is great with what she gets, but it’s never enough.

Michael J. Fox is a personal favorite and I’ve seen everything he’s ever done. However, there is a reason why this film always gets overlooked. No one wants to watch a story about a good enough guy that can’t stop snorting rails. Pick it up as prep for when 80s All Over eventually hits April 1988.

Bright, Lights Big City special features

• Commentary with Author/Screenwriter Jay McInerney
• Commentary with Cinematographer Gordon Willis
• ‘Jay McInerney’s The Light Within’ featurette
• ‘Big City Lights’ featurette
• Photo Gallery
• Original Theatrical Trailer