1980s were a great time for young actors in Hollywood. So many performers were given vehicles to launch their careers, even if not always of top material, it got them visibility. This was the first lead for James Spader, as the moody new kid in school, in a situation striaght out of "Rebel Without A Cause". The rought boys pick on him, although he is instantly smitten by temptress Kim Richards, who has the longest hair in film history. Another misfit, Robert Downey Jr. befriends him, showing with a comic charm that would become a trait in later years. The movie has a feel that these are kids play acting as adults, but "Rebel" did that that as well. The fashions are on-trend, the frequent music interludes are new wave cool. This is a fun watch, if unremarkable.
