I got this movie on vhs from a thrift store in Connecticut and let me tell you, it's my second favorite purchase ever (first if abortions don't count...lolol jk jk don't hate me). It's pretty much the perfect movie for fans of 80s teen flicks. It's got melodrama, James Spader, and Robert Downey (before he went all "jr." on our asses), who could ask for anything more? Oh you can? Well how about it's also got Jim Caroll and takes place in the San Fernando Valley. Okay maybe the whole San Fernando Valley thing won't be a sell unless you're from there (like I am). So if you're not from there, replace it instead with Kim Richard's hair. Cause her hair is fucking awesome in this movie. Seeeeeee...
Plot synopsis (IMDuhB):
"At the start of his senior year in high school, Morgan's father has lost his company, so the family moves from Connecticut, where they've been in the yacht club, to an apartment in the San Fernando Valley. Morgan has grown up in the shadow of his high-achieving older brother, and he seems to have a knack for getting into trouble. He also has a stubborn streak, so when he finds himself attracted to Frankie, the girlfriend of the leader of a local gang of youthful thugs, he can't stop himself from pushing her for a relationship. The thug thinks of Frankie as his property and sees the cool, urbane Morgan as dead meat. Is this a struggle to the death?"
Honestly, I thought this movie was thoroughly entertaining. You kind of have to be in the mood for it but I think James Spader is able to tone down the cheese and Robert Downey is pretty hilarious. I don't get why a lot of people didn't like this film, but can go on saying The Breakfast Club is much better. This film has a lot more badassery, violence, and teenage shenanigans like you know, breaking into a country club and singing to your love interest while all the rich people slow dance.
My personal favorite character is Kim Richards's boyfriend who looks like he's about 32 years old but is meant to pass as a high school senior. He's pretty fucking mean. Him and James Spader have an epic battle near the end of the film. I don't want to give too much away so i'll just hint at it with this: empty warehouse, guns, and a sneaky attack involving a rope and whistling.
Oh also, did I mention that Jim Caroll is in it? Briefly, yes...but still that's way more awesome than any John Hughes bullshit.
Someone was sweet enough to put the whole movie on youtube:
http://youtu.be/OVpSDfqYeV8
