April Exploitation/B-Movie Challenge #10-11

Over The Edge (1979) feels like a movie that I should have heard a lot more about than I have. The film centers around New Granada, a planned community that is so caught up in appearing to be the perfect place to live that it has isolated it's youth and turned them into second-class citizens. With nothing better to do and an inflated sense of self-importance, the police force is constantly at odds with the teenagers of the suburban community. When this tension finally reaches it's breaking point and a local boy is shot dead by an officer, the youth of the town rebel against the authority figures in a violent riot. Originally Over The Edge saw a very limited theatrical release, but has gained a cult following over time. It definitely deserves it! This is a prime example of a movie that would never be made today. The "kids" act like real 12 to 15-year-olds do, swearing, drinking, doing drugs, and just generally making poor decisions like we all did when we were that age. The film does a good job of making you care for these characters so that when they finally rebel, it feels justified. Also, the kick-ass soundtrack featuring Cheap Trick, The Cars, and The Ramones certainly doesn't hurt. Over The Edge is a great film that deserves to be way more well known than it is. 5 out of 6 beers.

 

  

 

  

Massacre At Central High (1976) is another good example of a movie that would never get made today. It revolves around David, the new kid at school and friend of Mark, one of Central High's elite. When David refuses to have any part in the bullying that Mark's friends dish out, they cripple him under the wheel of a car he was working on. Out for revenge, David takes the group of bullies out one by one. Massacre At Central High was actually a way better movie than I was expecting and the plot took some interesting turns that separate it from your average revenge film. Although in post-Columbine days I doubt it will ever get a legitimate release, it's definitely a cool little flick that's worth seeking out. 4 1/2 out of 6 beers.