The Heavenly Kid 1985

In the sweltering summer of 1967, the fiery passion and reckless abandon of youth ignited a conflict between Bobby Fontana, a rebellious greaser, and Joe Barnes over Emily, the object of their affections. The ensuing game of chicken ended in tragedy for Bobby, who perished as his car careened off the edge of a precipice into a blazing inferno.

Bobby’s spirit awakens to find himself hurtling through the cosmos on a speeding train, which finally comes to rest at a station marked by an imposing escalator that ascends into a radiant beacon known as “Uptown”. However, he is denied entry and instead encounters Rafferty, who explains that Bobby has yet to prove himself worthy of a ticket Uptown and must first complete an assignment.

Decades pass in limbo before Bobby receives his mission: he is tasked with returning to the mortal realm as a guardian angel and confidant for Lenny Barnes, a talented but tormented high school student who is relentlessly bullied by Fred Gallo and Bill McIntyre. With strict instructions from Rafferty to keep his presence hidden from everyone except Lenny, Bobby sets out to guide his protégé.

Bobby’s interventions take many forms, including a makeover that transforms Lenny into a confident and charismatic individual, as well as expert guidance in navigating the treacherous waters of high school politics. He also facilitates Lenny’s courtship of Sharon, the most coveted prize in their peer group. However, as Lenny’s star rises, Bobby begins to realize that his protégé’s newfound success has come at a steep cost – namely, a growing disdain for authority figures and a rejection of his own friendships.

The revelation that Emily, Lenny’s mother, is none other than Bobby’s former love, and that she is now married to Joe, the man who was the unwitting catalyst for Bobby’s demise, sets him on a path of introspection. Despite being warned by Rafferty that he will meet a similar fate if he intervenes in Lenny’s life, Bobby chooses to defy protocol and reveal himself to Emily, confessing his enduring love for her.

Emily’s shocking disclosure that Bobby is indeed Lenny’s father sets the stage for a heart-wrenching confrontation. When Fred challenges Lenny to a high-stakes game of chicken at the local quarry, Bobby sees an opportunity to sacrifice his own chance at transcendence and save Lenny from a similar fate.

As the fiery wreckage of their ill-fated car ride smolders behind them, Lenny and Bobby (together with Lenny’s newfound appreciation for life) make a daring ascent up the cliff face, their bond strengthened by the shared experience. With the dust settled, Bobby takes the opportunity to guide Lenny towards redemption, facilitating his reunion with Melissa.

As they part ways, Lenny is treated to an emotional farewell from Bobby, who assures him that their friendship remains unbroken and will forever be a source of strength. With his heart full and his spirit renewed, Bobby then presents himself to Rafferty, volunteering to fulfill the terms of their agreement by embarking on a journey “Downtown” – a destination synonymous with the underworld.

However, Rafferty’s response is not what Bobby had anticipated. The latter’s incredulity gives way to confusion as Rafferty reveals that their original deal was never meant to be. It transpires that Bobby had unknowingly earned his own ticket to transcendence by learning to value someone more than himself – a profound realization that has far-reaching implications for his eternal fate.

As the motorbike roars to life, Bobby and Rafferty soar into the sky, leaving the mortal realm behind. With a sense of liberation and purpose, Bobby steps onto the escalator, poised to embark on an ascension “Uptown”, his soul now destined for a higher plane.