My review was written in June 1989 after watching the film on Taurus video cassette.
"On the Make" is an unusual picture, not the teen sex comedy its title implies but rather a cautionary tale about AIDS in the heterosexual community. A bit preachy, it's nevertheless a nicely executed drama, currently in regional theatrical release.
Structured as a flashback from a young man's funeral (we later learn he had AIDS), pic mainly takes place at a disco where leads Bobby (Steve Irlen) and Kurt (Mark McKelvey) go through the usual dating rituals. There's some sharp writing by producer Fred Carpenter and co-scripter James McTernan on the range of lines (both clever and hoary) used to break the ice with members of the opposite sex.
Generally light tone becomes serious when Irlen's problems in finding a permanent relationship come up, and melodrama intrudes when he barely saves his young sister (Teresina) from being raped by an old high school nemesis (Kirk Baltz).
Payoff is Kurt's announcement of his 100th female conquest (he's even compiled a complete list of names). That contrasts with news that he's got AIDS. Pic's message is to assume responsibility, Kurt also is painted as a bad guy due to his callous treatment of Tina (Laura Grady). He's made her pregnant and then insists she have an abortion.
Safe se message here is still timely, though pic's skirting of the AIDS transmission issue dates it a bit. Another drawback is that the characters don't do anything but dance and date; material focusing on their jobs and schooling would have helped flesh out the one-note story.
Acting by a cast of fresh talent is generally good, with McKelvey and villain Baltz particularly distinctive. Lensing on locations in Nassau County, New York is crisp.
