Dazed and Confused

The movie and characters feel so lived in. It's as if these characters have always existed and we're just experiencing this last day of school with them. The chemistry and dynamic between characters feels very genuine and natural. Everyone's just so cool and chill with each other - with the exception of a few. It really does feel like you're hanging out with them. It almost makes me nostalgic about high school. There's this feeling that nothing bad can happen and that the world is limitless. On top of all this, it's a very funny movie.

It's a very re-watchable movie. A time capsule of a bygone era - a better era. An iconic movie. The 70's soundtrack definitely helps to create the iconic moments while also complimenting the tone of the movie perfectly. Much like a high schooler, the movie has a rebellious, anti-establishment and anti-authoritarian nature to it. The story is a very simple one, nothing amazing. Rather it's in the way that it's told along with all the moving parts and characters that make the movie more interesting. It's very easy to get invested in the characters and everything that's going on. It's such an entertaining and good time that the movie goes by in the blink of an eye.

If you ever want to have a good time, want to laugh or you ever feel lonely - give this movie a watch, it'll make you feel better. Highly highly recommended. Raw score: 8.6/10.

Dazed and Confused is a lot like the time in which it takes place. The film doesn't have much of note to say, but you get the sense that it has a good time just being there. By 1976, Vietnam was in the rear-view mirror, as were much of the struggles of the previous decades. It was almost like people were sick and tired of caring about things and just wanted to get wasted. Notice how nobody seemed to care when their teacher was trying to tell them about the 1968 Democratic Convention or our "aristocratic" forefathers. There is a certain innocence about the period that our up-tight and violent world of today could use right now.

Our film shows us the trials and tribulations of kids just looking to get high, drunk, or just save their butts from being paddled on the last day of school. Not much of note happens in this film. We just see kids doing what kids are still doing. They are all just out to have a good time. There are plenty of familiar faces in this cast, but nobody really outshines anyone else. The film is paced in a manner that doesn't let us get to know too much about the characters. We spend a minute or two with one group of friends, then we see what another group is up to. The most memorable scenes in the film are more painful than funny. We see next year's freshman class (girls and guys) get pummeled by the seniors. We see the destruction of property. We see a fight or two break out. Plenty of beer and pot are consumed by all. And there really isn't much else to it.

Linklater films the action from a completely neutral vantage point. There is nothing at all pretentious or preachy about any of the subject matter. We see some cool cars, tight jeans, long hair, and just about anything you would associate with this time frame. The film lacks the humor of Porky's or The Hollywood Knights. It also lacks the tragic desperation of The Last Picture Show. That said, this film is still worth taking a look at. Especially if you were in high school at the time. I was just a toddler in 1976, but I could still relate to these characters, and their need to party.

7 of 10 stars.

The Hound.

Dazed and Confused takes its viewers on a nostalgic trip back to the 1970s, delivering an experience that's as groovy as it is hilarious. From start to finish, this film had me grinning ear to ear, yearning to step into the bell-bottomed jeans of its characters and experience the era firsthand. This coming-of-age comedy captures the essence of teenage rebellion and camaraderie with effortless charm.

As a newcomer to the film, I found myself thoroughly enchanted by its whimsical portrayal of high school life in the '70s. The impeccable soundtrack, featuring iconic hits from the era, sets the perfect backdrop for the shenanigans of our teenage protagonists. Whether it's cruising around in vintage cars or engaging in mischievous antics, every scene is infused with a sense of carefree abandon that's simply infectious.

I couldn't help but give Dazed and Confused a solid 8 out of 10. It ticked off all the boxes for what I look for in a comedy, delivering countless laughs. However, while the ensemble cast is undeniably charismatic, I couldn't shake the feeling that the film could have delved deeper into the stories of its main characters. While we get glimpses into their lives, I found myself yearning for a bit more depth and development.

Nevertheless, this minor quibble hardly detracts from the overall enjoyment of the film. Dazed and Confused remains a timeless classic that celebrates the spirit of youth and rebellion. Whether you're a child of the '70s or simply a fan of feel-good comedies, this film is sure to leave you with a smile on your face and a newfound appreciation for the grooviest decade of them all.

When I entered grade 9, I never really got an initiation. Sure the older kids asked me if I was a minor niner, but I said I was in grade 10. They never paddled my ass, drew a penis on my face or made me push a penny on the bus floor with my nose. I got through grade 9 with ease. I also never grew up in the 70's so I thought I might miss the whole generation thing with Dazed and Confused. Even though it was made in the 90's.

Who would think that a film about high school kids beating up younger ones, getting drunk and high and partying all night would make a good film? Well, I did for one.

Dazed and Confused is not the first teen party film I've seen, but it is one of the best, so good that it transcends that genre. Can't Hardly Wait is suppose to be my generation party film, I think, but I feel more connected to Dazed and Confused then any other. Probably because Linklater is dedicated to his craft and isn't looking to cash in on a certain craze. I can honestly say this is his best film.

It boasts an young cast of early talent, like Ben Affleck, Matthew McConaughey, Adam Goldberg, Rory Cochrane, Milla Jovovich, and so on. I think it's great to see all of today's actors in a film like this, just having a good time.

The film has a great soundtrack that embodies that time era, as it should. Dazed and Confused is a film that I can enjoy no matter what mood I'm in. So many teen high school films these days are moronic and try way too hard to be funny to immature kids. This is a true high school film that has heart and doesn't need to stoop to that low level, even with it's content being so childish.

Sit back, relax and enjoy Dazed and Confused.

Dazed and Confused (1993)

Cast: Jason London, Rory Cochrane, Sasha Jenson, Wiley Wiggins, Michelle Burke, Matthew McConaughey, Adam Goldberg, Anthony Rapp, Marissa Ribisi, Shawn Andrews, Cole Hauser, Milla Jovovich, Joey Lauren Adams, Jason O. Smith, Ben Affleck, Christin Hinjosa, Parker Posey, Nicky Katt.

Directed by Richard Linklater.

"Dazed and Confused" is one of the best teen films ever made, and for many reasons. It stands the test of it's time, along with George Lucas' "American Graffiti" and John Landis' "Animal House". It shows the highs and lows of partying, friendship, and drugs. The plot is about upcoming seniors and freshmen in a Texas town on the full last day of School in 1976. The characters are very likable in this, well, at least most of them. Richard Linklater gives a great independent direction. This isn't a film that encourages kids to do drugs, but it shows a true portrayal of teenagers in a America, in a very fun way. "Dazed and Confused" is one of my all-time favorite films, and one that I can watch over and over again. Well done.

5/5 stars.