Doesn't stand the test of time...

Rating: 3/10 (22 June 1999)

I saw this when it premiered, and liked it a lot better then. This has not aged well. Of course, I am almost 40, but these issues seem slight to me now. The situations one now faces as an adult are Olympian in proportion to what these kids whine about. So, here is an essential fact to remember when looking at this film: Most teenagers think their parents don't care, don't listen, and don't know anything. They're wrong. The truth is, the world doesn't revolve around post-puberty teenagers. The issues raised here most often occur because of poor communication (which is not necessarily always the fault of either parents or teens). No one, not even grown-ups, have all the answers. Deal with it. And yes, sometimes bad stuff happens to kids like the Judd Nelson character, but if it ain't you, get over it. (This does NOT mean I condone that behavior, or encourage people to ignore it if they see it. It is here for drama.) Think I'm full of s**t? Look at the high school these kids "go" to...I went to one "like" it, and last time I checked, the people I graduated with were pretty much okay. The problems they face now sure aren't "high school" in nature.
Hughes does a lot of damage demonizing parents here. The Estevez character may dislike his father, but he would thank him in the "grown-up" sequel (which could still be made...it's not like any of these actors went anywhere. They're available).
Some good scenes, b.s. ending. A "3" out of "10." No one ever reviews how the janitor and Bender interact and what they talk about, thereby ignoring what should be an integral part of the film and an insight into "grown-up" behavior.