I saw this around 1980 when it first came out. I was in High School myself and could relate to some of the rebellious shenanigans pictured in this film. So right off the bat, this low budget affair already had elevated itself from other teen rebellion films. Another favourable move was to make the issue of trying to figure out how to date a girl a major plot point. This was another thing I could relate to. Some genuine laughs occur as the school wheeler-dealer (Clint Howard - looking closer to 'Gentle Ben' age) gives the school hunk lessons. All that despite the PG rating.
Then there are the Ramones. I read in the IMDb trivia page that several very high profile bands were approached to appear in the film. Bands like DEVO, Cheap Trick, even Van Halen might of been the major characters. Luckily, they all blew their chance because the film would have been more about the charismatic and popular members than the high school students. Instead the Ramones, very introverted and seemingly camera shy, were just about the music. Although my high school friend was heavily into the Ramones and had a few of their albums, it was the on screen performances that got me hooked.
Over 30 years later, with Joey Ramone gone, I was able to appreciate his pure talent as a songwriter. In other words, the real formula for success for this band wasn't attitude, presence, the hair, or being at the right point in music history to make a breakthrough. Instead it was Joey's ability to write very catchy songs and lyrics. All the songs featured in the film are equally classics. That is certainly one of the reasons why the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I finally got to see the band live in front of perhaps 100,000 people at a Lalapalooza show in the late 90s. Playing alongside Soundgarden, Metallica, amongst other big names, they held their own with the audience.
The best thing about this film is that it refuses to stop a joke short. Each gag scene in the film seems inspired (my favourite is the lunch ladies being punished by being bombarded with their crappy food). Performances are also energetic and the editing crisp. There are no dead spots in this brisk film. For anyone older than junior high or high school age, for sure this film is a bit immature. Even so, memories of your days in high school are relatable with some poignant reflections of what hell it was during that time (like a dorky kid being stuffed inside a locker.) The climax of the film benefits from real pyrotechnics and of course great music.
Then there are the Ramones. I read in the IMDb trivia page that several very high profile bands were approached to appear in the film. Bands like DEVO, Cheap Trick, even Van Halen might of been the major characters. Luckily, they all blew their chance because the film would have been more about the charismatic and popular members than the high school students. Instead the Ramones, very introverted and seemingly camera shy, were just about the music. Although my high school friend was heavily into the Ramones and had a few of their albums, it was the on screen performances that got me hooked.
Over 30 years later, with Joey Ramone gone, I was able to appreciate his pure talent as a songwriter. In other words, the real formula for success for this band wasn't attitude, presence, the hair, or being at the right point in music history to make a breakthrough. Instead it was Joey's ability to write very catchy songs and lyrics. All the songs featured in the film are equally classics. That is certainly one of the reasons why the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I finally got to see the band live in front of perhaps 100,000 people at a Lalapalooza show in the late 90s. Playing alongside Soundgarden, Metallica, amongst other big names, they held their own with the audience.
The best thing about this film is that it refuses to stop a joke short. Each gag scene in the film seems inspired (my favourite is the lunch ladies being punished by being bombarded with their crappy food). Performances are also energetic and the editing crisp. There are no dead spots in this brisk film. For anyone older than junior high or high school age, for sure this film is a bit immature. Even so, memories of your days in high school are relatable with some poignant reflections of what hell it was during that time (like a dorky kid being stuffed inside a locker.) The climax of the film benefits from real pyrotechnics and of course great music.