release year: 1982
genre: high school comedy
viewing setting: home laserdisc, 6/19/97
what I expected: wild humor
what I got: a good mix of humor, drama, and sex
synopsis: This is a slice of the wild life at a high school.
impressions: Funny, sad, but most of all, entertaining. It's got a wide array of characters and subplots, and is really a well-written movie that deals with a lot of issues facing teens (at least in 1982!)
acting: Jennifer Jason Leigh plays the virgin seeking release, who gets more than she bargained for. Phoebe Cates is her somewhat-more-experienced friend. Sean Penn does an outstanding job as Spicoli, a surfer trapped in a student's life.
cameo: Nicholas Cage makes his screen debut as a cook in the fast-food place; he's only on screen for about three seconds and it's a background shot.
final word: This is not only entertaining, it may make you have deja vu and/or nostalgia. High schools aren't like this anymore, I'd bet.
rating: C+