Flying (1986)

Flying is the kind of scrappy, big-hearted 1980s drama that wears its sincerity on its sleeve, turning pain and setback into the fuel for an underdog comeback you can’t help but lean into. It’s cheesy in that unmistakable era-specific way, but the charm is real: a warm, feel-good vibe, an upbeat soundtrack that practically begs you to root along, and the early screen presence of Olivia d’Abo and a young Keanu Reeves adding extra nostalgia to the mix. The movie isn’t trying to reinvent sports romance—it’s aiming for straightforward inspiration, emotional catharsis, and that triumphant, crowd-pleasing lift. If you’re in the mood for something earnest, nostalgic, and delightfully uncomplicated, Flying lands with the kind of comfort-movie satisfaction that makes you glad you pressed play.

Flying (1986) is clearly aiming for an uplifting, against-the-odds teen drama about grief, recovery, and proving yourself through athletics and first-love feelings. The problem is it plays like a checklist of 1980s sports-movie beats—predictable turns, clunky dialogue, and performances that often feel more earnest than convincing, with a low-budget look that can make the big moments land softly. If you’re hoping for the polish, intensity, or originality of better-known dance/sports classics, this will likely feel like a bargain-bin imitation rather than the real thing. That said, if you’re in the mood for simple, cheesy inspiration and can forgive obvious tropes, there’s a certain sincere, time-capsule charm to it.