Review of Over the Edge (1979) by Darcy L — 03 Jun 2009

I highly recommend this film about a group of young teens who rebel against authority in their 'faux' gated community. While the adults and parents of the town are collectively bent on profit and land development for their own gain, the kids realize that there is no safe place for them to be themselves.

The cops in charge of keeping the peace only add to the tension to push everyone, over the edge and the film blazes a path to the exciting conclusion after a tragic event. Sound familiar? This film pre-dates movies about racial profiling and troubled youth setting a cinematic tone for an entire genre.

As a period piece, the film brilliantly captures the sights and sound of the demise of the 70's era with all it's sexual freedom and drug use. It also points forward in Orwellian fashion to the conservatism of the 80's and the growing notion of the generation gap, alive and well in any era.

There is an almost eerie 'after school special' quality to this movie and some unanswered questions that leave gaps in the plot. BUT the overall direction and spirit of the film is true to the teen experience.

This film above all else features an incredible cast of young actors and great music from the era. Matt Dillon makes his screen debut here but the real treasure is Michael Eric Kramer.