Random Topic Jump: Since when do cops act like the school's guidance counselor? Officer Ray is the all compassionate police man with a heart of gold, can't stand to see a good kid mixed up with the wrong people. Blah, blah, blah. Too bad he wasn't there when Jim needed him the most. But isn't that what always happens in the movies? That one character who can make it all better is MIA at the most vital time. Now its up to the rest of the characters to take matters into their own hands. We see how well that ended up, Plato dead. Worst part is that Jim didn't mess up the situation, the cops did.
Another Question: How many kids can you fit into Buzz's car? It was like a freaking clown car, they just kept piling in, one sharp corner and they would have all been flung from the car. Do you think that people actually drove that way or was this just another way for the film to show out of control teens?
Who has the power in Jim's family? Its obviously not Dad, he's a henpecked husband. So is it Mom or Grandma? Ooo and Mom pulled the guilt card on Jim saying how he doesn't appreciate that she almost died giving birth to him...I wanted to punch her, its the oldest guilt trip in the world. And what is with the Daddy complex's these kids have? Is it because many fathers were at war when the kids were young?
The chicken car scene reminded me of the movie Footloose when the guy goes to jump but he is stuck, and of the movie A Walk to remember when the teenage prank goes horribly wrong and the kid is hospitalized. Teen Stupidity runs rampant in movies from all generations. I guess adults never think too highly of the next generation.
The film strongly reminded me of the short film we saw last year, Don't tell me, ask me where the adults want to fix the gang problem and the good teenagers come forward saying don't tell me what to do, ask me how to help fix the situation. Both movies remind us that although many teens are causing problems, there are many others who want to fix the situation. Not all teenagers are bloodthirsty criminals.
I really like some of the points you bring up here. First off, I did think that certain moments of this film were outwardly preachy and certainly meant for audiences just as much as it was meant for the characters. The line that you specifically mention when the father says “Don’t let them choose you” is a perfect example of the film overtly calling attention to its message.
ReplyDeleteThere was something I really liked about the relationship between Jim and Officer Ray. Although it was a little strange, I think that’s why I liked it. It’s an original relationship between two characters that is rarely seen in films.
I think your comment about Buzz’s car being a clown car is hilarious. It’s actually a very accurate comparison to how teens would drive then or even drive now. I think it’s a little exaggerated but to me that makes it kind of humorous.
You mention the fact that it’s ultimately the cops that mess up and kill Plato without fully understanding the situation. As much as the film comments on out of control teens, what do you think the filmmakers are saying about the police force? We have positive characters such as Officer Ray but then negative actions like at the end of the film. Do you think the filmmakers put the police in a positive or negative light? I’m actually not too sure. Maybe both, just like the teenage students?
I think it is a 'nobody's perfect' message and the movie is trying to show that we all have to work at making the whole situation better
ReplyDeleteThis is a really amusing post. The clown car thing made me giggle.
ReplyDeleteAnd ah yes, '50s movies and Helpful Mr Policeman--well, except that he wasn't around when Jim actually sought him out for help, which is interesting.
I'd like to see you working more closely with the readings.