Pump Up The Volume

Pump Up The Volume (Allan Moyle, 1990)

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Rating: Q=5, P=6 / Average OJ

Scale 1=2, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=3

Coming of Age, High School, Philosophical

I'm not sure why I never saw this film before--it's in that "must see" category of films, for me, just based on the premise. While this certainly is a high school film, it doesn't feel the same as many others made in the 1980s and 1990s. There are similar themes--relationships, angst, loneliness, not fitting in--but the focus is on identity and speaking out. Breaking free from societal expectations. I really liked Christian Slater in this--he is a teen who has a lot to say but is afraid to say it in front of anyone. I certainly felt that way when I was younger and still do, at times. Samantha Mathis also does a great job. A good watch. 

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