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5.5/10
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Set in a senior high school class, J.J. pursues the girlfriend of a rival from a higher clique.Set in a senior high school class, J.J. pursues the girlfriend of a rival from a higher clique.Set in a senior high school class, J.J. pursues the girlfriend of a rival from a higher clique.
Michael J. Fox
- Jay-Jay Manners
- (as Michael Fox)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
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I have seen this movie way back in my youth, sometime during the 1980s. I remember the movie's title, but I couldn't remember the actual contents of the movie. And I certainly didn't remember Michael J. Fox was in the movie. So as I stumbled upon the movie here in 2021, of course I jumped at the chance to revisit this 1983 movie.
It should be said that writers Alan Eisenstock and Larry Mintz definitely delivered a movie script that embodied everything about these types of high school comedies that were aimed at the younger audience with "High School U.S.A.", for better or worse. But as it turned out, I must admit that I definitely enjoyed this movie in its entire length.
The storyline is pretty straight forward, where I will actually lean towards going for a stereotypical storyline for a movie such as this. But it hardly mattered, because the story was good, enjoyable and was filled with good characters, and had an abundance of familiar faces on the cast list.
Now, if you grew up watching movies during the 1980s, then you are in for quite a treat here with "High School U.S.A." in terms of the cast assembly. They had so many good talents and familiar faces in this movie. It would be futile to mention them all, but trust me, the movie is crammed with them.
This movie is a very enjoyable one and it is a light-hearted one, so it makes for some very easy viewing. And that makes "High School U.S.A." a movie that everyone can sit down to watch.
I am rating "High School U.S.A." a six out of ten stars. This movie is definitely worth taking the time to watch.
It should be said that writers Alan Eisenstock and Larry Mintz definitely delivered a movie script that embodied everything about these types of high school comedies that were aimed at the younger audience with "High School U.S.A.", for better or worse. But as it turned out, I must admit that I definitely enjoyed this movie in its entire length.
The storyline is pretty straight forward, where I will actually lean towards going for a stereotypical storyline for a movie such as this. But it hardly mattered, because the story was good, enjoyable and was filled with good characters, and had an abundance of familiar faces on the cast list.
Now, if you grew up watching movies during the 1980s, then you are in for quite a treat here with "High School U.S.A." in terms of the cast assembly. They had so many good talents and familiar faces in this movie. It would be futile to mention them all, but trust me, the movie is crammed with them.
This movie is a very enjoyable one and it is a light-hearted one, so it makes for some very easy viewing. And that makes "High School U.S.A." a movie that everyone can sit down to watch.
I am rating "High School U.S.A." a six out of ten stars. This movie is definitely worth taking the time to watch.
High School USA is one of those sunday afternoon feel good type comedies. It is packed full of familiar faces which make the characters all the more endeering. This film has to be among my personal favorites almost solely on the merits of a classic comedic performance from Crispin Glover. His portrayal of nerdy misfit "Archie Feld" remains for me one of the most unforgetable and entertaining characters I've seen on screen. For those of you who didn't get enough of (Michael J.)Fox and Glover in "Back to the Future" you'll find more gut busting antics from the Duo here. High School USA is a hidden gem in American "High School" genre films and you will certainly enjoy this warm "hero wins the girl" adventure.
My friend had gotten this dvd as a "present" from her aunt and she made me watch it. While it was funny enough seeing Anthony Edwards as a popular prom king type and Micheal J. Fox was great, there was one teeny tiny presence that makes this movie memorable, a young geeky over-all wearing Crispin Glover. What makes it even better is that I had no idea he was in it. My sister and I were watching and when he popped into the scene I involuntarily leaned forward and was like, "Crispin? Woohoo!!" Oh anyways, the movie is not the most original thing but it was entertaining, the part where they wreck Archie's dad's car and make his dad think he did it was surprisingly very humorous. Plus, even if you don't mean to, you'll be finding yourself quoting this movie. Hope you enjoy it as much as me.
More people should watch this movie. I'm quite sure they won't enjoy it as much as my friends or I, but the cast is so fun that it's worth a look. Rowdy class clown J.J. (double J) Manners (Michael J. Fox) is certainly smitten after he bumps in to Beth Franklin (Nancy McKeon) in the hallway. Big problem though-she's dating Beau Middleton (Anthony Edwards) the cocky king of the preps! A class struggle ensues and it's quite wacky to watch it unfold. The supporting cast here is really interesting. You've got Todd Bridges and Dana Plato (Different Strokes), Crystal Bernard (future star of Wings) and a plethora of actors and actresses from older TV shows. Bob Denver plays Crispin Glover's pet supply selling dad. Tony Dow plays the high school's principle. There's even a scene where Anthony Edwards pulls and Eddie Haskell on Eddie Haskell himself (Ken Osmond). There's nothing too original about the plot of this baby (it is a TV movie after all), but it became really addictive for me and a couple of my friends. It's fun to throw quotes around from it. All in all, well worth a couple bucks to watch on video (although I haven't found it in too many video stores). Give it a chance with low expectations and I'm quite sure you won't be too dissatisfied.
"High School USA" could have been a really good flick given the array of stars and up and coming talent, but that was not the case. Instead, it has a flawed script, awful direction, and a lame plot. This could have been a real classic but it ended up being a waste of time. Sad snap shot of the 80s!
Did you know
- TriviaIn a scene where Beth (Nancy McKeon) tells Jay-Jay (Michael J. Fox) that she just wants to be friends, Jay-Jay replies, "Like Wally and Lumpy... I'll pass." Tony Dow and Frank Bank, who played Wally and Lumpy on Leave It to Beaver (1957), also appear in the film.
- GoofsThe Trans Am switches from a 1979-81 model to a base model 1973 Firebird when it enters the construction area and in a public park staircase (note the rear quarter panel, absence of a front fender vent, and the rear bumper (after the vehicle is crashed).
- Quotes
Archie Feld: Chuckie, tell me it's just a couple of scratches. Tell me my father isn't going to kill me.
Chuckie Dipple: The car's totaled, Archie. You're a dead man.
Archie Feld: Oh, no...
Chuckie Dipple: Hey, cheer up. At least we still got the girls... Girls? Girls?
- ConnectionsFeatured in RiffTrax Presents: High School U.S.A. (2020)
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- The Race
- Filming locations
- Excelsior High School - 15711 Pioneer Boulevard, Norwalk, California, USA(High school scenes and environs.)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
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