ScreenGeeks Radio Episode 09
This week, we talk about school movies along with DVD and theatrical releases. Show notes will be coming tomorrow.
Our thanks to Josh Green from FirstShowing.net for joining us again.
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This week, we talk about school movies along with DVD and theatrical releases. Show notes will be coming tomorrow.
Our thanks to Josh Green from FirstShowing.net for joining us again.
on August 21st, 2007 at 2:04 am
great stuff- I guess it’s inevitable to skim over some high school movies since there’s hundreds, but I think these deserve a mention:
1. Heathers- Winona Ryder and Christian Slater in this classic dark comedy about how everyone has clicks in high school and you either kill them or join them. In a morbid twist, to become popular and be accepted among the kids in this high school you have to commit suicide. Mean Girls was sort of a Heathers-lite, but I found that one enjoyable too. Heathers has the classic, “I love my dead gay son” line and has the unforgetable moment where Christian Slater pulls a friggen pistol on a jock that’s harrassing him- something I would fantasize about.
2. Election- Another classic dark comedy by writer Tom Perrota who went on to write “Little Children” and directed by Alexander Payne. Reese Witherspoon gives an unforgettable performance as Tracy Glick- the relentless do-gooder who will stop at nothing to win the student election, even if it means stomping the history teacher into the ground, played by Matthew Broderick, who is great at being pitiful in this movie. Ferris really gets the tables turned on him in this flick- great stuff- hilarious dialogue and a great supporting cast.
3. Fast Times At Ridgemont High- funny and actually captures some of the pain in early relationships that’s pretty unexpected for a movie this goofy. Sean Penn steals every scene he’s in as the clueless Jeff Spicolli.. This is a role call for future talents- you got Forest Whitaker, Eric Stoltz, Nicholas Cage in a cameo, Judge Reinhold in a triumphant performance, and Jennifer Jason Leigh. Plus you got Mr. Hand. The ending at the 7-Eleven-type stop is a classic.
4. Class of ‘84- surprisingly good thriller with some solid performances by Roddy Mcdowell, Timothy Van Patten and an early Michael J.Fox who was about thirty years shy of hitting puberty. Think The Warriors set in a high school with the toughest gang. A true cult classic- the ending is truly suspenseful and it’s all the more effective due to the cast’s commitment. There are some bravura moments- definitely worth a look.
5. Dazed and Confused- Like Fast Times, another role call for future talent- I’m not going to list them- if you haven’t seen this movie then you’re not a critic- it’s a terrific American Graffiti like sequel set on the last day of school and the evening that follows. Funny stoner humor for sure, but it’s got its share of poignant moments too. Great performances and an awesome soundtrack to boot.
6. Art School Confidential and Ghost World- must sees by director Terry Zwigoff and cartoonist/writer Daniel Clowes- both films are hilarious and heartfelt. Art School has one of my favorite endings of all time.
7. The Wanderers- Dave- you need to see this, so borrow it from Barry. It’s one of the greatest, “Why haven’t I heard of this movie?” viewings ever. It’s American Graffiti combined with The Warriors. Smart, weird and unforgettable.
Quick mentions:
Flirting- Early Nicole Kidman boarding school romantic comedy- very well done.
Back To School- See it for Rodney Dangerfield and Sam Kinison- hilarious moments. It’s a shame both of these comic geniuses are no more.
Billy Madison- my favorite retarded comedy. Sandler’s movies are still retarded, but now they’re devoid of humor too. I love Sandler beaming the kids with the dodgeballs to the Ramones “Beat on the Brat” Chris Farley as the bus driver is hilarious. Bradley Whitford KNOWS he’s in a stupid movie and just goes for it and turns the energy all the way up with the villain cliches You got Steve Buscemi in a great cameo and Bridgette Wilson as the hottest teacher ever to grace the screen. Creepy cafeteria lady, Sandler’s outbursts and the demise of O Doyle yeah, it’s stupid, but it’s fun. Greatest line from old woman: “If peeing your pants is cool, consider me Miles Davis”
Ferris is my favorite- it’s how I start my work day. The break room is empty, I put Ferris in the VCR and I’m in an instant good mood. At least I know Ferris is going to have a kick ass day and I know he’s going to get away with it. The scene where he’s racing home is one of my favorite sequences of all time.
so you guys got me rambling- good episode!!!
on August 21st, 2007 at 10:40 am
Maybe I’m just an idiot. But where is the forum?
on August 21st, 2007 at 12:03 pm
Oh, you’re not an idiot. I’m looking into what forum software to install that’s going to be the easiest to administrate. I’m hoping to have something installed this week.