When the class goody goody (Doug McKeon) befriends a James Dean wannabee (Chris Nash), it's loose his virginity or else as he goes after the pretty Catherine Mary Stewart while Nash makes a play for Kelly Preston. There's lots of great 50's music moving this period comedy along yet some light sentiment as the motherless Nash envies what McKeon has while McKeon really wants to be like Nash. You know, the whole "Grass is always greener" syndrome, and for opposites to have a strong friendship, it ends up being a lot deeper than "Grease", not as exploitive as teen films made in the 50's, and certainly not as soapy as "A Summer Place". There's also not an overabundance of parent nagging, just enough to make some minor plot points and fair to the adults. The foursome seem like teenagers, not the overages actors of "Grease".
Lots of funny moments, particularly a scene in class with a nasely voiced teacher giving a lecture on the chain in command of government and calling on McKeon to summarize what she said, catching him in an awkward moment and getting a real shock as the other boys in class laugh. The mixture of comedy and drama works well together here, and the original 50's recordings sound absolutely great, like a brand new 45 RPM. This is one of those unsung 80's films where nostalgia really works. McKeon is a great leading hero, and even more endearing than he was in "On Golden Pond". There are lots of references to 50's celebrities and trends, and that will make the audience feel like they've gone back in time.
Lots of funny moments, particularly a scene in class with a nasely voiced teacher giving a lecture on the chain in command of government and calling on McKeon to summarize what she said, catching him in an awkward moment and getting a real shock as the other boys in class laugh. The mixture of comedy and drama works well together here, and the original 50's recordings sound absolutely great, like a brand new 45 RPM. This is one of those unsung 80's films where nostalgia really works. McKeon is a great leading hero, and even more endearing than he was in "On Golden Pond". There are lots of references to 50's celebrities and trends, and that will make the audience feel like they've gone back in time.