Review of Dazed and Confused (1993) by Seth Y — 14 Jun 2013

Although I didn't grow up in the 70s, Dazed and Confused portrays the decade exactly how I imagine it. This is a classic coming-of-age comedy that I absolutely love.

Set during the last day of high school in 1976, Dazed and Confused follows various different Texas teenagers as they welcome in summer. On one end, you have incoming freshman Mitch Kramer (Wiley Wiggins) trying to avoid the inevitable hazing that is surely coming his way. He is desperately trying to outrun a group of seniors, led by the arrogant O'Bannion (Ben Affleck). Then there's Randy Floyd (Jason London), the quarterback of the football team who is constantly berated by his coaches for "hanging with the wrong crowd." As a variety of different social groups gather for a night of partying, the result is a truly entertaining display of intersecting paths.

While watching this movie, it's easy to forget that it's from 1993. It feels so authentic to the 1970s that it could truly pass as a film from that time. This was a starting point for a lot of today's well-known actors, including Ben Affleck, Matthew McConaughey, and Milla Jovovich, among others. It truly feels like a bunch of young kids got together and just had a blast while making this movie, resulting in a realistic and wonderful experience.

Dazed and Confused is simple and fun. There is no heavy plot to follow or an insane story-line. It's simply a film about the joy of summer among a group of highschoolers in the 70s. This is coming-of-age in it's finest form. A truly fantastic film. 5 stars.