As we continue the run up to the Oscars, our movie-themed Friday Fantastic Fours roll on. There aren't many more fertile grounds for Hollywood than high school. Pretty young people, teenage angst, fast cars crazy parents and teachers are all excellent grist for the movie making mills.
What are the four best high school movies of all time?
- The Breakfast Club - the best of John Houston's 1980s high school movies. The excellent cast can't even be hurt by the inclusion of Judd Nelson. An inspired concept, great sound track, romance and laughs all in one great film.
- Dead Poet's Society - a tear jerker that reminds us just how hard it is to be a teenager. Robin Williams is spectacular in this beautifully filmed, but sad story set a private boys school.
- 10 Things I Hate About You - Edgy Heath Ledger and super cute Julia Stiles are supported by a hilarious cast in this film shot at an actual Tacoma, WA high school.
- Ferris Bueller's Day Off - Someone should have shot Matthew Broderick right after he did this movie. He was perfect. Mia Sara, Alan Ruck, Ben Stein, Jennifer Gray and Charlie Sheen all fill in around the antics. The most fun movie of this genre.
I really could have done another whole list on great high school sports movies, but I stayed away. This week.
Everyone have a great weekend!
I'm not good at ranking... but...
Ferris Bueller
Dazed and Confused (some of the best-written dialogue exchanges)
Say Anything
Fast Times at Ridgemont High
Hon mention: American Pie, Lucas, Breakfast Club (although I think it's pretty overrated and loses a star for the letter at the end), Napoleon Dynamite, Footloose
Sub-genre, private academies:
Rushmore, Toy Soldiers, Taps, Dead Poets, School Ties
Genre twisters: Karate Kid (great movie, but more of a sports movie by plot definition than a high school); Hoosiers (much more of a sports movie than HS, main char is the coach); Lean on Me (more about principal)
Posted by: Matt | February 25, 2011 at 02:09 PM