Review of The Outsiders (1983) by Kendall I — 15 May 2011

Three other movies popped into my head while watching this--Stand By Me, The Breakfast Club, and West Side Story. while there wasn't cheesy-as-hell dancing, there certainly was plenty of overblown teen angst and "drama," a theme filmmakers--especially in the 80s--seem to love taking seriously.

the acting was average. the boys were OK, but they were trying too hard. Diane Lane was about the best. the story was pretty bland. there were four or five key moments that had the potential to really pull you in and get you involved, but they all just sort of happened quickly and/or nonchalantly.

plus, for a story about supposed tough-guy greasers, Carmine Coppola's score was laughably melodramatic. I guess the overall point is that while image is a huge thing for teenagers, it isn't at all what defines them.

that along with the conversations surrounding "Nothing Gold Can Stay" were about the only things that saved this movie from the bottom of the "schmaltzy teen drama" bin. but I'd probably throw it on top anyway.