What if a talented, artistic, but socially inept high school boy was obsessed with an unattainable, social climbing co-ed? And what if, at the same time, he had an attractive, rebellious, drum-playing female friend who loved him, and would do anything for him, although he was completely oblivious to her?
Keith (Eric Stolz) is the artist, obsessed with beautiful but clueless Amanda (Lea Thompson). Although Keith's desire drives the action, the core of the film around which Keith and Amanda revolve, is Watts, the rebellious drummer, played radiantly by Mary Stuart Masterson. Watts is frustrated by Keith's inability to see how much she loves him, and how right she is for him, blinded as he is by his fascination with Amanda.
Keith and Watts have great chemistry together, especially the scene in which she gives him practice kissing, to prepare for his big date with Amanda. This film is much better than some recent teen romance titles such as Can't Hardly Wait, Down To You, and She's All That. You can see in Masterson's portrayal of Watts, the acting ability she would bring to her later films such as Fried Green Tomatoes, as well as two of my personal favorites: Bed of Roses with Christian Slater, and Chances Are with Robert Downey Jr.
Labels: comedy, drama, high-school, romance, teenager
Internet Movie Database
Metacritic 55/100
RottenTomatoes Averages (critics=64, viewers=70)
