Nice Girls Don't Explode

Nice Girls Don't Explode is a 1987 American romantic-comedy sci-fi film. Directed and written by Chuck Martinez, the movie features performances from accomplished actors Barbara Harris, Michelle Meyrink, and William O'Leary. Released by Skouras Pictures, the movie is a whimsical exploration of love, manipulation, and overprotection complete with light-hearted humor and engaging dialogue.

The plot of Nice Girls Don't Explode centers around April Flowers, superbly played by Michelle Meyrink, who is led to believe by her overly protective mother, Ruth, compellingly portrayed by Barbara Harris, that she has a dangerous predisposition. April is convinced that she has a peculiar anomaly – an inexplicable trait that triggers spontaneous combustions and sets anything ablaze around her whenever she becomes physically or emotionally excited. This puts a dramatic spin on her dating life, making it nearly impossible for any sort of romantic relationship to flourish.

Ruth's eccentric machinations to keep men away from her daughter range from the comical to the absurd. She skillfully spins various scenarios into dramatic catastrophes, often involving fire, to frighten off any potential suits for April. She is willing to go to any lengths to ensure that her daughter stays single and 'safe', manipulating both April and her suitors to believe in this made-up condition.

Nevertheless, love proves to be a force hard to restrain when April meets a charming young man, Andy, portrayed with a refreshing mix of innocence and determination by William O'Leary. Despite April's belief in her 'condition', Andy perseveres to win her heart. He becomes determined to unravel the puzzle and break down the walls that April's mother has so vehemently erected around her.

Confusion ensues as Ruth does everything in her power to sabotage this budding relationship. The film creates a delicate balance of drama, romance, and comedy as it follows Andy's endeavors to decode the bewildering events happening around April. Love, deceit, and a lot of fires make the narrative of Nice Girls Don't Explode an entertaining viewing experience.

Barbara Harris's performance steals the show. The Academy award-winning actress presents an unforgettable portrayal of a mother driven by her obsession to keep her only daughter safe and under her control. Her comedic timing and theatrical flair bring life to an otherwise conventional motherly figure and make the storyline funny and enjoyable.

Racing against both Ruth's intrusive interference and April's perceived condition, O'Leary's character is challenged with discovering the truth about all these mysterious infernos. His impressive ability to shift from light-hearted romance to comedy illustrates the versatile nature of his talent.

Meyrink embodies the angst-filled character with an endearing grace. Her ability to maintain a sense of naivety and gentleness amidst the chaos caused by her 'condition' strikes a chord with viewers. Her portrayal highlights the absurdity of the situation and makes one empathize with her plight.

On a broader scale, Nice Girls Don't Explode humorously explores the themes of overprotectiveness, independence, and the lengths one can go for love. It creates absurd scenarios to present situations we see in everyday life, enhancing the charm of the movie. Despite being a product of the '80s, the film's themes remain relevant, thus lending it a timeless feel.

The director, Chuck Martinez, combines elements of comedy, romance, and science fiction into a unique blend that keeps viewers engaged and entertained from start to finish. Using these different genres cleverly, he manages to maintain an atmosphere of tension, anticipation, hilarity, and romance that completes the film.

In conclusion, Nice Girls Don't Explode is a fun, light-hearted, and novel film from the late '80s. The enchanting performances from the cast and the absurdly hilarious premise make it a must-watch for those looking for a unique cinematic experience. The film explores themes of love, manipulation, and overprotection in a uniquely comedic way that makes it an entertaining ride for viewers. So, if you're looking for a mix of wit, charm, and a bit of chaos, get ready to dive into the world of April Flowers, where a simple date triggers explosions and a romantic pursuit is filled with smoke and fire.