Review of Reality Bites (1994) by Justin C — 09 May 2010

Reality Bites tells the story of recent college graduate, Lelaina who is trying to balance romance, friendship, and a new career. Romanitically Lelaina is faced with deciding between a rich, well established corporate type Michael, and aimless, listless, and confused Troy. On a broader level Lelaina's choice represents the choice that the Gen Xers faced - establishment or counter culture. Lelaina's decision shouldn't be to surprising and the movie ends rather predictably.

While Reality Bites has aged slightly - I'm not sure it translates as well in the era of American Idol - it still resonates. I wouldn't be at all surprised if some future generation rediscovers this movie when the excesses of this current generation have been exhausted. Ultimately Reality Bites is best appreciated by white sub-urban youth who lived in the first part of the 90's. We had lots of questions, few answers, knew the world was kind of screwed up - but really had no idea of how to fix it. Like Reality Bites we hope that true and real relationship will save us. Only time will tell if we have chosen Michael or Troy - chances are we will try to choose both.