Rock 'n' Roll High School (1979)

Rock ‘n’ Roll High School: Directed by Allan Arkush, Joe Dante. With P.J. Soles, Vincent Van Patten, Clint Howard, Dey Young. Ramones fanatic and delinquent Riff Randell battle it out with the strict new principle of Vince Lombardi High School, Miss Togar, with help from the Ramones.

“u0026quot;Rock u0026#39;nu0026#39; Roll High Schoolu0026quot; is clearly a bad film. The acting ranges from very bad to very broad–and there isnu0026#39;t much else. The plot is practically non-existent. And, the film is just cheap–very, very cheap–which isnu0026#39;t surprising since itu0026#39;s a Roger Corman film. Corman managed to make a ton of money on nearly every one of his 400 or so films–mostly because with minuscule budgets, it was practically impossible NOT to make money! So when you watch the film, donu0026#39;t expect an Oscar-contender! Itu0026#39;s just a very cheap film that was intended for a very narrow audience…teens. But itu0026#39;s also a cult film–one that has some very devoted fans. While I donu0026#39;t think the film is wonderful, itu0026#39;s far more than just a cheap-o film–there are some things about it that are actually rather enjoyable.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe film is set at Vince Lombardi High School. The principal is a fun-hating fascist and the students are mostly interested in sex, drugs and rock and roll. And, that really is THE plot of the film–in addition to including the punk group The Ramones. I am a huge Ramones fan and STILL am amazed they agreed to do the movie. After all, they had no respect for authority (that was their shtick) and yet here they appear in a film that is filled with LOTS of lameness. Lame…very lame. But itu0026#39;s nice they were in the film because although there isnu0026#39;t a plot, it is nice to hear their songs–and many of their best songs. My advice is to ignore the plot, listen to the songs and enjoy the goofy moments. My favorite goofy parts were every minute Clint Howard was in the film as well as every time a mouse appeared as well! You just have to see the film to understand what I mean.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eOverall, for enjoyability Iu0026#39;d give this one a 7. For quality of production, perhaps a 2. Overall, a 5 seems reasonable. Now the film is NOT for all tastes. There is lots of inappropriate behavior by the teens, so I assume a lot of folks wouldnu0026#39;t understand the film. Also, if you are a young person who knows little of the late 70s, youu0026#39;ll probably just laugh at the ridiculous fashions and dopiness of the film. BUT, if you are a middle-aged guy like me who thinks the Ramones are one of the greatest groups in history, then are you in for a treat!”