Few can argue that any decade produced more memorable teen comedies than the 1980's. However, this time around it's not about romance or overly serious in any way. Three O'clock High focuses on Jerry Mitchell, the school bookstore clerk, who unfortunately is given the unenviable assignment of interviewing one Buddy Revell, the school's new psycho, loser, reject. While trying to explain to Buddy about his assignment, Jerry is forced into a fight after school for the heinous offense of touching Buddy's well worn leather jacket on the shoulder. The rest of the film highlights the various methods Jerry attempts to get himself out of the fight, including paying a football player whom he once helped with 6th grade homework. Other desperate measures include planting a knife in Buddy's locker, cheating on an Algebra 2 quiz, and deliberately botching a book report in English class in outlandish, over-the-top fashion. All attempts fail of course, Jerry hits upon a successful gimmick near the end, but then he... Oh, I can't say anymore. Casey Siemaszko is perfect as the nervous nerd Jerry Mitchell. Richard Tyson is also dead-on as loser, Buddy Revell. The film contains some sly commentary about teen fantasies, motives, perspectives on adults, and gossip. Stylish direction by Phil Joanou, including a Film Noir look in an administrator's office, adds immensely to the film's enjoyment. *** of 4 stars.
Review of Three O'Clock High
