Off-season Movies to Watch: Vision Quest

Vision Quest.

One of the best coming of age films that never really got the recognition it truly deserves. Amazing soundtrack, the best song being “Only The Young” by Journey. This opening scene gives me chills. They just don’t make films like this, with such an impact as Vision Quest anymore. The passion and message behind this film is beyond what many can comprehend.

THIS is the true U.S.A. I would like to feel again.

When I say coming of age; I can tell you that it has that identity in my own life. Like the main character Louden Swain, I rented this movie at the recommendation of one of the best baseball coaches I ever had. This was when I told him I had made the decision to wrestle (without ever wrestling in my life) to get in the best shape of my life. He said I had to watch Vision Quest. He was right.

It was around this time of year I rented this movie from Blockbuster and I was more inspired than ever. I did get in the best shape of my life. When spring rolled around and I put on my baseball spikes I could run circles around my teammates. To conquer the sport of wrestling, drilling day after day in that sauna-like wrestling room; it was a coming of age for me. A discipline I couldn’t have learned in any other sport. Wrestlers are tough dudes. To look another guy in the eye and know it’s you versus him for six long minutes; and he’s there to kick your ass, well you better have packed your stones.

I would face state champions. I would face guys who know fight professionally in UFC. I mostly ended up in a hold I couldn’t even tell you the name of. But I went toe to toe and blow for blow with some of the baddest dudes in the 160 weight class. Back in 1999 and 2000 in Ohio, that was the class everyone avoided. Like Louden, when I cut the weight to get to 152 I had some of my best Saturday’s.

Incredible 80’s movie, great soundtrack; highlighted by Journey and Madonna. Great little love twist thrown in there. And a character that will inspire you and have you rooting hard for him.

Give it a watch as we pass the winter months.