Film Reviews & Movie Analysis

Much like the idea of Summer Holidays my Back to School days have long since passed me by. That being said, when September rolls around, and I see the aisles stocked with stationary, my commute filled with tiny soldiers and their massive backpacks, and the air takes on that refreshing crispness, I can’t help by think back.

MOVIES

When I started drafting this list it was filled with every cliche ‘High School’ Movie you could think of… you’ll be glad to see I managed to expand it ever so slightly.

1. Mean Girls (2004)

Long before Lindsay Lohan was busting weird dance moves, she was Cady Heron, a homeschool kid fresh from Africa (but don’t ask her why she’s white!), who quickly learns that she hasn’t quite left the jungle behind. This movie should really be terrible – and yet it works. Whether it’s the cast or the blatant and unrepentant American High School cliche of it all, you’ll be quoting lines from this movie like your life depends on it in no time.

2. Clueless (1995)

You may wear pink on Wednesdays but just remember: Plaid came first. Clueless is packed with all the innocent nostalgia of being a teenager, where all you were concerned with was your own little world and its goings on. It’s a kinder and sweeter movie than Mean Girls though people may try to group the two female-centric movies together. Have I mentioned that the movie is also loosely based on Jane Austen’s matchmaking novel Emma? How could you possibly go wrong.

3. Juno (2007)

Things get a little more down to earth with Juno, the coming of a age story centered around a pregnant teen and the decisions she suddenly has to face. An indie phenomenon that has you quickly rooting for witty Ellen Page (who plays the titular character) and will undoubtedly put into perspective any pimple related freak outs you might have had at her age. Backed by a stellar cast, it’s real, it’s raw and it’s brilliant.

4. Dead Poets Society (1989)

Everyone has that one teacher that made them want to do better, to try harder, to be more. Oh Captain my Captain. Robin Williams embodies whoever came to your mind perfectly as John Keating – the new and slightly unorthodox English teacher at an elite male boarding school. He teaches his students to not just think outside of the box, but to dream there too. Sigh. It’s a mellow movie that still manages to throw in a tonne of emotion.

5. The Edge of Seventeen (2016)

This one is perfect to watch after a particularly shit week. You know the ones where you don’t want anyone to cheer you up? You just want to sit and revel and complain…. and complain and complain. Nadine (Hailee Steinfeld) sits on the edge of the school social structure – not that she cares, she has her best friend who sits along with her. When that changes Nadine has to figure out who she is and what the people left around mean to her.

TELEVISION

As much as one loves a movie set in a school there’s something a little more personal when it’s done on the smaller screen, and the characters and their issues come back week to week.

1. Dear White People (2017 – Present)

Graduating from high school doesn’t mean the drama or the quest for finding yourself ends. This show explores the personal problems, triumphs and struggles of the black students of an Ivy League college. This show is great for reminding yourself to stand up for what you believe in, regardless of the opposition. It’s about finding your people and finding your voice – and making sure you don’t let go of either one.

2. Gossip Girl (2007 – 2012)

I am so sorry not sorry that this one made it onto the list. This show is filled with so much unbelievable drama, borderline incestial boyfriend/girlfriend swapping, secrets and gossip that all that’s left for you to do, is sit back and love to hate. It’s the perfect soapy drama that will make you rethink holding grudges against friends – seriously some of the shit these characters put each other through still gets me. The New York backdrop gives it an original flare and before you know it you’ll be yelling at the screen and having intense conversations with friends about the characters’ constant stupidities.

3. Veronica Mars (2004 – 2007)

A long time ago, *Clap clap* before Jessica Jones, there was another smart mouthed Private Investigator on the scene who didn’t give a shit. Focused on cleaning up the halls of Neptune High, social pariah Veronica Mars made you crave being an outcast – why the heck not, it came with the best one liners a loyal friend, and charging your classmates when they asked for your help.
Mildly Interesting Fact: Krysten Ritter who plays Jessica Jones used to be on this show.

4. Glee (2009- 2015)

You know those songs that take you right back to a certain time and place at school with friends? (Pussycat Dolls: Buttons – Year 9 Math Classes). Well Glee is the ultimate high school soundtrack. It managed to capture some intense teen moments in reimagined favourites and revived classics. Yes it was cheesy as hell, and no; school wasn’t all a big song and dance, but it also reminds you that (on the rear occasion) it was be fun.

5. Community (2009-2015)

Probably the most adult thing on the list, Community still manages to hold on to the essence of what we love about shows and movies  that take place in an educational setting. Following an odd group of characters that come together for a study group in Community College, each episode is filled with so much craziness and laughter that for a brief fleeting second… you kind of wish you could go back.
And that is my top five back to school vibe movies and television series’. What movie or show instantly makes you nostalgic (or cringe in memory) of your time in the mandatory education system?

My Last Top Five: Of 2018 So Far
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