The creative minds of Hollywood have long found inspiration in the drama of high school. For your countdown to back-to-school viewing pleasure, the Courier assembled, in a completely unscientific and biased-towards-the-1980s way, the following top 10 school-themed movies.
Easy A (2010)
This flick made it into first place because it’s clever and doesn’t whitewash, much, the sharp edge of the high school gossip mill. A clean-cut girl who is rumoured to have lost her virginity turns the tables on the gossipers and uses the lie to her advantage. It is funny and yet deep. Stars Emma Stone, Amanda Bynes, Penn Badgley, Dan Byrd. Rated PG-13.
Fame (1980)
This film will resonate with anyone who dreamed of making it in the arts. A group of talented teens audition for and attend a New York high school for gifted performers. Numerous imitations should not be mistaken for this original. At risk of receiving bags of hate mail, this beats Glee and High School Musical (s) hands down. You will laugh, you will cry and then you will buy the soundtrack. Stars Eddie Barth, Irene Cara, Lee Curreri. PG.
Heathers (1988)
Those more modern-day Mean Girls have nothing on the original mean girl, Heather Chandler, in this mash of romantic comedy, teen thriller and cult classic. Not politically correct — killing popular kids, fake suicides and a “quirky” kid who brings a gun to school — but it entertains in its own subversive way. Four girls, three named Heather, highlight the class and social divide within high school walls. It is worth a viewing just to see several stars pre-train wreck. Stars Winona Ryder, Christian Slater and Shannen Doherty. Restricted.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
Based on the critically acclaimed but controversial novel of the same name, the film centers on loner Charlie, a high school freshman who is let in on a more grown-up world by two seniors. It deals with issues of suicide, sex and drugs. The joy of this film is the quality of the acting. No stilted beginner performances here. Stars Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Ezra Miller. PG-13
Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)
This coming of age flick is included here mostly because of the pressure from the Courier newsroom, some members of which knew every line by heart. Undoubtedly a cult classic, Fast Times is based on writer Cameron Crowe’s observations undercover at Clairemont High School in San Diego, Calif. in the late ’70s and adapted from his book of the same name. It follows a group of teens through a school year and their struggles with teachers, love and part-time jobs. (Think That ’70s Show on steroids.) Stars Sean Penn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Judge Reinhold. Restricted.
The Breakfast Club (1985)
You knew we had to include this John Hughes ’80s staple. This dramedy follows an eclectic, if lilly-white, group of high school deviants on their day of detention. Each character represents a high school stereotype — from the jock to the nerd to the brooding outsider. Watching this film as a family may show the youngsters that parents do understand the social landmines that pepper the teen years. Stars Emilio Estevez, Anthony Michael Hall, Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald, Ally Sheedy. Restricted.
Harry Potter film series (2001- 2011)
Yes, all of them. Mostly centered around the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, these films, based on the books by J. K. Rowling, are a favourite of kids and adults alike. The films are escapist and no matter how big a bully one might face in the 2014-2015 school year, Lord Voldemort has him or her beat. Stars Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson. PG-13.
Back to the Future (1985)
This first film, though really based on a potential case of incest, was the highest grossing film of 1985. It is about teenaged Marty’s time travel back to his parents’ high school to try and unite them and save his own existence. It is clever and sure to dazzle kids who have never seen it (“Where are their cellphones?”) and parents who haven’t watched it for a while. Stars Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson. PG
Saved! (2004)
Religious satire is the undercurrent of this film. It follows Christian student Mary in her Christian high school as she tries to un-gay her gay boyfriend. Mary becomes pregnant along the way and hilarity and life lessons ensue. The film is worth a watch because it is different, daring, clever and, with over the top satire, manages to capture what it’s like to be a teen in a confusing and complicated world. Stars Jena Malone, Mandy Moore, Macaulay Culkin. PG-13
The Karate Kid (1984)
Kids these days deal with cyber bullies more than schoolyard ones, but this popular film still resonates. Teenaged Daniel is an outsider in his new school, but finds his own way to fit in through a martial arts master/ home handyman who agrees to teach him how to beat his opponent. While watching, try to wrap your head around the fact Ralph Macchio is now 53-years-old. Stars Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue, Martin Kove. PG
