There are hijinks and conflicts aplenty and maybe a little bit of wish fulfillment, but it's an effectively heartwarming watch for anyone who. Instead, through the ups and downs of the year, Spud makes friends, bonds with an alcoholic teacher (the always welcome John Cleese), and even finds himself in the middle of a near love triangle.
#GAY ANIME BOYS IN UNDERWEAR MOVIE#
Our hero's "private" issue sees him targeted for some light-hearted ribbing, but as a PG movie (in spirit) it never takes the route of a gross or cruel gag. The coming of age film is a subgenre of its own typically highlighted by life lessons, defeats, and triumphs, and Spud follows suit accordingly. It feels overdue for a remake, but this time around I'd love to see it unfold at an all-girls school as they're just as capable of kicking ass. Granted, that's partially because it's a boys school and there are no girls, but it makes for an adrenaline-fueled adventure with teens who get to become action heroes. It's a great piece of fantasy fulfillment for teenage boys that doesn't go the route of a T&A hunt. The honor and loyalty that's been instilled in the boys, in turn, fuels their courage making for an almost cheer-worthy action picture.Įveryone has movies that are automatic watches when they show up on while channel-surfing, and this is one of mine. It's a YA film of a sort, but it's also an action-oriented "home" invasion movie complete with violence, danger, and extreme threats. and co-writer David Koepp give them plenty to do. They all bring personality and energy to their characters, and director/co-writer Daniel Petrie Jr. Sean Astin leads the group of boisterous teens forced to become heroes at the wrong end of a machine gun, and he's joined by the likes of Wil Wheaton and Keith Coogan. It's a funny, sweet, rowdy, and ultimately triumphant film that always leaves this Catholic school veteran smiling. The underappreciated Mary Stuart Masterson plays the girl who connects with Michael while the various teachers are given weight by legends like Donald Sutherland, John Heard, and Wallace Shawn.
The boys are horndogs and pranksters fighting against the restrictions of a religious institution in the 50s, but while those elements are on display there are some surprisingly serious threads running through it too. There's sadness in the situation endured by Michael and his sister, the shop girl has her own slowly unfolding tragedy, and the corporal punishment exhibited by one of the school's teachers is no laughing matter.Īndrew McCarthy, always the quietest of the Brat Pack, finds the heart and simmering anger in young Michael while three of his troublemaking friends come courtesy of Kevin Dillon, Patrick Dempsey, and Stephen Geoffreys. This mid-80s period comedy looks, for all intents and purposes, like just another teen sex comedy. Will she fall for his charms and pocketbook? Or will she fall for the cantankerous male teacher who wasn't too keen on her presence? Either way, she has to fall in love with one of them. After opening with Jan's fantasies about marriage to powerful men it's no surprise to see that reality approaching in the form of one of the boy's very wealthy father. The downside to its home in the 1950s, though, is that it still exhibits some old-fashioned sexism of its own. Seems like it shouldn't be an issue, but back in the 50s? Madness at an all-boys school! A modern take on the tale would probably see some sexual tension or shenanigans arise, but these were simpler times leaving the film to focus on morality, social expectations, and what it means to be a great teacher instead. The structure here is as expected with the conflict between teacher and student finding resolution on a path of respect and love, but the change-up here is with the addition of a female teacher (played by Greer Garson).
It's a story that could easily be updated and remade for new American audiences, although the argument could be made that Scent of a Woman was already an unofficial adaptation of sorts so never mind. Bullying is a real issue, and private schools have long proven to be a hotbed for the barbarity of youth. Thomas Hughes' source novel was first published in 1857 and has been adapted for the screen several times - twice for television and three times for the movies - and its core themes and plot remain every bit as relevant today. It's an extremely well-crafted and smart morality tale. The ruffians aren't fooling around as they abuse, berate, and even burn young Tom, but his actions spark a rebellion resulting in a terrific montage of kids turning the tables on the bullies with orchestrated pranks and attacks. The new headmaster wants to squash it out of his school, but while most kids just go along with it (whether it's happening to them or others) it takes Tom stepping up to bring it all down. Friendship, honor, and respect are the threads running through this classic tale, but all of them are wrapped around a main narrative involving bullying.