The 5: Five Underrated Coming of Age Movies
Coming of Age movies are themselves a right of passage in life. No matter what generation you hail from, you had your pick of a few great movies that you could identify with– American Graffiti, Rebel Without a Cause, Little Darlings, Meatballs, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Porky’s, The Breakfast Club, Wet Hot American Summer, Clueless, American Pie, Superbad, The Perks of Being a Wallflower— just a few of the coming of age films that have become timeless classics. We picked five teen right of passage movies that you might have missed. They’re not as famous as the others— aaand maybe they’re not as brilliant as the others. But they have cool kids, social misfits, great soundtracks and yes, someone is going to lose their virginity. All worthy films to help you reminisce about those sexually awkward, identity forming days.
1. Hollywood Knights
“Everything changes, you know that. Nothing stays the same.” – Smitty
Think American Graffiti meets Porky’s. Hollywood Knights should have been one for the ages, but for some reason never became as ingrained in American culture as some of the other teen flicks. Robert Wuhl as Newbomb Turk, Fran Drescher, Tony Danza, a stunning young Michelle Pfeiffer, the cast is perfect. The premise is simple– everyone’s favorite Beverly Hills drive-in, Tubby’s, is closing, and the gang has one last night before everything changes. The movie is full of dick and fart jokes, pranks, quotable lines and an outstanding soundtrack from the era including Wilson Pickett, The Drifters, Ray Charles, Martha and the Vandellas, and plenty of surf songs. Teen themes include sex, girls, cars, and being one of the boys. It’s no American Graffiti but it’s a damn good time. Watch the trailer.
2. The In Crowd
“Momentus” — Perry Parker
It’s Rebel Without a Cause with a lot more dancing. Set in the 60’s, the In-Crowd centers on a group of kids who dance for an American Bandstand style dance show. Del Green is the smart kid in the suburbs who is bored by his suburban friends. He’s hot for Vicky, a city kid who dances on tv, but Vicky wants Dugan, the guy with the muscle tee, and the motorcycle. There’s some cringe moments here, (like the scary moment when Dugan breaks in to Del’s house and … and… challenges him to a dance off?). Ok so that’s weird. But this movie is worth a watch for Joey Pants playing tv-dance-show host Perry Parker alone. Oh and the soundtrack. Dig that. Some deeper cuts from Arthur Conley, Mitch Ryder, Smokey Robinson, Wilson Pickett. Coming of age themes: boy wants girl, girl uses boy to sneak off with her unworthy boyfriend, the age-old question of whether to chase your passion or play it safe, and the times they are a changing. Watch a lil bit right here right now.
3. California Dreaming
“Learn to play volleyball. Anything can happen.” –Duke
The coming of age movie for surfers! TT is a young boy from Chicago who heads out to California, on his own, to start a new life. He tries desperately to make friends with the cool kids, and get the girl of his dreams. He’s awkward, of course, so the girl won’t even look at him, and the “cool kids” have no time for him either. Lucky for him a weird former-athlete-turned-beach-bum is ready to take him under his wing and teach him a few things. Sweet little TT is played by Dennis Christopher who went on to star in another coming-of-age classic, Breaking Away, and has since appeared in over 40 movies, most recently showing up in QT’s Django Unchained. Yeah, the “kids” all looked about ten years older than the youngsters they portrayed, but we forgive. Coming of age themes: party at the beach, fitting in, getting the girl, and growing up. Watch the trailer.
4. The Flamingo Kid
“That’s Phil Brody, he’s the King” — Hawk
Rich kids, poor kids, and tough decisions all around. Does our hero go to college and get an education? or does he go to work for Phil Brody, “the King” selling cars. Is he ashamed of his poor blue collar father? Matt Dillon stars as Jeffrey, the kid from the wrong side of the tracks who gets a taste of the good life working at his friend’s country club. He’s struggling with an identity crisis, but will he do the right thing in the end? Shades of Caddyshack here, but substitute gin for golf. Directed by Gary Marshall, and starring an all-star cast- Matt Dillon, Fisher Stevens, Richard Crenna, Janet Jones in a bikini and Arrested Development’s Jessica Walter. No shock, another great soundtrack. Rumors of a remake are always floating around, but why make a remake when so many people never saw the excellent original? See you at the El Flamingo. Watch the trailer.
5. Empire Records
“Damn the man. Save the Empire.” — Mark
Set in the 90’s Empire Records is another “one last day before everything changes” coming of age movie. The major teen groups are well represented here– you’ve got a slut, a princess, a depressive odd chick– plus plenty of stoners, a brooding strange kid who wants to change the world and they’re all working in a record store, trying to beat “the man.” Anthony LaPaglia, Debbie Mazer, Liv Tyler, Maxwell Caulfield and a very young and adorable Rene Zellweger all take center stage. Standard coming of age themes include a scheme to raise money to save the shop, a young boy in love with a girl who just wants to be “friends” and a party to end all parties. Watch the trailer.
Read more comedy news, stories, interviews with comedians, videos and comedy clips on our home page. Get more comedy news. Watch more viral videos. Read more interviews with the best comics in the business.
.
