Copper Mountain

In the 1983 movie "Copper Mountain," audiences get to see the early careers of some of today's renowned performers, including a young and budding Jim Carrey and Alan Thicke, known for his role as Jason Seaver on "Growing Pains". The film is directed by David Mitchell and written by Damian Lee, making it an essential part of their filmography. Additionally, Dick Gautier graces the screen with his comedic charm.

"Copper Mountain" cleverly combines elements of comedy, music, and sporting thrills to create a light-hearted, humorous take on the ski resort experience. It's situated in the stunning, icy landscapes of Copper Mountain ski resort in Colorado, providing picturesque snow-covered mountain peaks and frosty settings as the film’s backdrop.

The narrative primarily revolves around the quirky antics of two friends, Bobby Todd (played by none other than the ever-expressive Jim Carrey) and Jackson Reach (Alan Thicke), who each approach their vacation with starkly different motives. Carrey's signature physical comedy and wild energy shine through his character, Bobby, a relatively inexperienced skier who's more interested in the party scene than actually hitting the slopes. Meanwhile, Thicke's character, Jackson, is a smooth, somewhat suave ski enthusiast longing to refine his skills on the snowy inclines.

As humor is a vital part of the film, their antithetical perspectives and pursuits interlace with numerous comedic situations enriching the storytelling. The pair's interactions and encounters, both with each other and the wider cast of characters at the resort, provide the mainstay of the film's laughter and charm.

"Copper Mountain" is not only about the idiosyncrasies of Bobby and Jackson; the film also masterfully weaves a live concert element into its narrative fabric. There are musical performances from some of the bands of the era, providing a nostalgic trip back to the early 1980s music scene. These concerts contribute to the festive, high-energy ambiance at the ski resort, further highlighting the differences in the interests and attitudes of the two protagonists.

Despite its humorous bend, "Copper Mountain" also showcases some genuinely impressive winter sports scenes, accurately capturing the adrenaline-pumping energy of downhill ski races and rendering the excitement of mastering the slopes. The spectacular cinematography conveying the majestic beauty and danger of the mountainous landscapes complements these scenes impeccably. Besides, the winter sports action is cleverly woven into the plot, allowing the movie to explore the broader themes of friendship, passion, and life at a holiday resort while injecting lots of fun along the way.

"Copper Mountain" might be a less recognized film in the careers of Jim Carrey and Alan Thicke, but it is an enjoyable curiosity for their fans. Carrey's iconic comedic style is already palpable in his performance throughout, giving us an early look at the budding talent that would become known and loved worldwide. Similarly, Thicke captivates the audience by playing a character opposite to his well-known family man persona, demonstrating his versatile acting prowess.

Furthermore, the cameo appearances and supporting cast, including Dick Gautier, add extra layers to the overall fun and vibrancy of the movie. Each character brings a different dynamic to the holiday resort ambiance depicted in "Copper Mountain," enhancing the film's quirks and comedy.

So, if you're a fan of 80s nostalgia, early works of big stars, ski films, or just looking for an enjoyable, light-hearted comedy, "Copper Mountain" could be a worthwhile watch. It's an entertaining amalgamation of humor, sport, and music that embraces its era's oral sensibilities wholeheartedly, making it a unique spectacle within the genre.