I have a feeling my taste in movies would offend today’s so-called mainstream critics. I tend to dislike award-winning films because most of them are awful in my warped mind. I prefer to watch movies that the critics dubbed unwatchable, such as 1988’s comedy Vibes (PG; 99 mins) starring Cyndi Lauper, Jeff Goldblum, and Peter Falk. The comedy-adventure received its first Blur-ray release earlier this year, courtesy of Mill Creek Entertainment, featuring a VHS retro slipcover.

In the film, Cyndi Lauper plays a ditzy psychic named Sylvia Pickel, who first discovered her medium powers after meeting her spirit guide, Louise, at the age of 12. Besides being able to trance, she knows how to astral project herself. Out of the blue, a stranger, Harry Buscafusco (played by Peter Falk), offers her $50,000 to travel with him to Ecuador and help locate his missing son. She agrees to the job and brings along her psychometrist pal, Nick Deezy (played by Jeff Goldblum).

Shortly after they arrived in Ecuador, they realize Harry isn’t telling the truth. They’re really there to help him locate a lost city of gold and outrun several cliched villains.

Critics panned Vibes upon its original release, resulting in its bombing at the box office.

Final Thoughts

Vibes is a likable flop that never found an audience, and it’s one of the rare ‘80s comedies not to receive a cult following, which is surprising since it stars Jeff Goldblum. I read somewhere that they described the movie as “Romancing the Ghostbusters in the Temple of Doom,” which kinda gives you an idea of what the movie is all about.

The video and sound qualities are exceptional on the Blu-ray. There are no special features or bonus features.

Overall, I enjoyed re-watching Vibes. I saw the edited version several times on cable in the early 1990s, and it’s held up pretty decently over the years. I recommend picking up the Blu-ray (Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart) if you come across it.