With “John Wick: Chapter 4” further dominating the box office and garnering much acclaim, it’s managed to stir a lot of ballyhoo from fans. In particular its use of great movie references that it utilizes to advance the narrative is a huge highly. In the climax as John Wick is on the run, a radio DJ (Marie Pierra Kakoma) pops up to inform everyone over the air waves on where he is, this leads to a big turn of events in Wick’s fight for survival. The obvious “The Warriors” nod is a brilliant callback, and one that inspired me to recollect some of my favorite movie Radio DJ’s.
Happy Harry Hard On – Pump up the Volume
“Pump up the Volume” is a bona fide childhood favorite. It’s a drama with a slight touch of comedy about Happy Hard On, a mysterious DJ played by Christian Slater, who leads his small conservative town in to a full on rebellion. He’s forced to go up against a slew of adults that want to strap the town down in strict rules, but his voice acts as a source of inspiration, and redemption to the very end. It’s a great performance from Slater.
K-Billy – Reservoir Dogs
Stephen Wright’s role is mainly comprised of his voice, but K-Billy and the Super Sounds of the Seventies program is one of the most memorable moments of “Reservoir Dogs.” Not only is the music used to usher in certain moments in the narrative, but Wright’s dry delivery of his dialogue allow for a lot of chuckles and sharp humor. Lest we forget that his introduction of “Stuck in the Middle” from Stealer’s Wheel ushers in one of the most disturbing, and iconic moments in cinema history.
Stevie Wayne – The Fog
Stevie Wayne is the gorgeous DJ for Antonio Bay, a beautiful but engaging guardian who watches over the sea from her light house/DJ booth. When the fog begins rolling in to Antonio Bay, she has torn between saving her son, and staying in the light house committed to helping those at the mercy of the fog. It amounts to an intense fight for survival, and her duty keeps her constantly in peril. She’s a highlight in such an enormous horror movie.
Super Soul – Vanishing Point
As Super Soul, Cleavon Little is fantastic chronicling the journey of Kowalski in his efforts to evade authorities and make it to his intended meeting point. Armed with the Dodge Charger, Kowalski achieves some immense feats, and Super Soul becomes crucial in his rebellion. He’s a sympathetic character who guides Kowalski and suffers for the cause through the very end.
The D.J. – The Warriors
Hey Boppers. There’s nothing better than Lynne Thigpen as the enigmatic DJ in “The Warriors,” as she’s required to churn out a performance using just her lips. And she accomplishes the task with excellent results. She is both a mystifying guide and a nemesis for the Warriors, offering up to the minute updates on their mission to Coney Island, and slyly giving tips to rival gangs anxious to bring them down. We don’t know much about the DJ, we just know that she is a part of this gang land, and she bears zero allegiances at the end of the day.