Belinda Balaski

Belinda Balaski: The Uncommon Projects. By Brian Kirst

One of the most recognizable faces of the Joe Dante oeuvre, versatile actress Belinda Balaski (Piranha, The Howling) was also a staple guest star on such popular programs as Simon and Simon and Charlie’s Angels. In fact, the kind and generous Balaski (who has been hitting the convention circuit of late) gets almost as much fan mail and recognition for those prime time episodes as she does for her winning appearances in films like Gremlins and Gremlins 2.  As attested by the mini highlight review below, Balaski has truly tackled many a project besides those mentioned, though, and always with passion, nuance and a grand sense of fun.

American Perfekt. 1997. Balaski appears briefly as a waitress in this odd suspense filled, serial killer on the loose project. Director Paul Chart was such a fan of Balaski’s that he wanted her featured in this film even in a small capacity. This film has a dark, if inconsistent air and its true highlights are Amanda Plummer’s mysterious performance and the final twisted confrontation between manipulative baddie Robert Forster and tough ass heroine Faruza Balk. Balaski does light up the screen for the brief time she is on, but her flash by only wets fans appetites to see more of her.

Food of the Gods. 1976. This cult classic is truly memorable not only for its ridiculous sense of fun (mutant rats attacking a series of highly professional actors on a flood drenched rooftop) but for the fierce independence Balaski brings to her character, Rita. There is a strong feminist sense in this film fueled primarily by Balaski’s pregnant character defiantly refusing to marry the child’s father – but there is also plenty of gumption in Ida Lupino’s rifle popping land owner and in lead Pamela Franklin’s quiet integrity. This makes this film a must not only for lovers of bizarre science fiction – horror hybrids but for lovers of strong female characterizations as well.

Runaway Daughters. 1994. In this fun Showtime Joe Dante project, Balaski is at her most beautiful – knocking it out of the park physically even in a waitress uniform. Part of this attractiveness is surely due to Balaski’s over all charm. She endearingly plays a working class mother to Jenny Lewis (soon to be famous solo musician and front woman for the well loved Rilo Kiley), one of the title runaway daughters. This short, sweet romp is Dante’s affectionate ode to 50’s drive in films (and based upon a popular film from that era). Besides, Balaski’s solicitousness, Dee Wallace, Dick Miller and other genre favorites are on hand to keep things rolling nicely along. This also might be worth a look to watch pre-fame Paul Rudd playing a motorcycle riding bad boy who has stolen Julie Bowen’s runaway daughter heart.

<