Review of Heathers (1989) by Cameron J — 28 Aug 2011

After reading a short synopsis of the film, one would be quick to dismiss Heathers as being just another 80's regurgitation of a high school comedy - one would be extremely wrong/foolish to presume such a thing.

Heathers is the perfect portrayal of extreme teen rebellion - which is all the more surprising considering the lead is of female gender - not only is she female, she's also extremely popular. So those expecting to see another cliche movie of the teen underdog breaking the shackles of the social hierarchy may find themselves sorely dissapointed. Veronica (Winona Ryder) is beautiful, intelligent and desperate to hold onto her social position as one of the "Heathers" even if it means becoming a bitch, but she's not happy with the lifestyle and once she meets JD (Christian Slater) a rebellious cigarette smoking, gun totting pretty boy she sets out to change things for the better even if she and JD have to go to extreme lengths to achieve this.

The concept of escapism being desirable as oppose to being excepted had never been brought to screens in a teen film before, especially in the fashion Heathers presented this concept, with Veronica and JD becoming serial killers on campus. Many who watch the movie will coin the phrase "black comedy" I disagree, Heathers is a teen drama with elements of the horror and thriller genre entwined within it.

Christian Slater and Winona Ryder's chemistry exudes from each scene, making for the perfect murderous pair, with each death comes such tension and quirky dialogue which will please fans of Quentin Tarantino. This movie has nudged it's way into my top ten movies of all time - It's marvelous. This movie is full to the brim with hidden messages (the film dosen't blame Veronica's parents for her misfortunes), the pacing is perfect and the ending is even better....Masterpiece.