Remember kids, never mix-up speed pills and acid doses on your impressionist art test day. It doesn't end well.
Backed by a terrific soundtrack and photography by a young Andrew Davis (future director of Under Siege, The Fugitive, and Holes), Jonathan Kaplan's abrasive, anti-authoritarian, youth-based rally cry still packs a punch despite a standard plot.
The screenplay, by future River's Edge writer/director Tim Hunter and Charles Haas (Matinee, Gremlins 2) has frequently hilarious dialogue and the aimless wanderings of the young cast around their vast, empty, boring Colorado milieu are complimented by lengthy takes of the performers simply being kids. Not dumb, sadistic, or even faux movie kids, but just teens hanging out and trying to wring some excitement out of their mundane surroundings. The details are just right, particularly the detritus and unfinished nature of this slow-growing, would-be community.
Kaplan, who would also helm the fine Truck Turner, The Accused, and the surprisingly hopeless Unlawful Entry, handles his (mostly) inexperienced youth ensemble with aplomb. It's clear some are better than others and certainly our two leads, Michael Eric Kramer and especially Matt Dillon (in his film debut and star turn) are compelling to watch as we witness their attempts to break free of the both their parental and local law enforcement restrictions. I am absolutely LIVING for a thrilling pan-and-zoom where Kramer is simply laying on his bed, wearing his huge headphones and staring at the ceiling, listening to Cheap Trick’s “Surrender.” Chills.
What's most distinctive about the script is that although the story beats cover well worn territory, neither party (kids vs. adults) are completely without fault, although the chaotic, even apocalyptic final sequence is a satisfying display of pyrotechnics and just desserts.
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