Customer Reviews

High School USA

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I'm amazed I'd never heard of this film before. I bought it because I love Michael J. Fox and it looked like a funny movie. I was very impressed by it! Even though it was obviously a TV movie (there are fades for commercials still intact) and it is pretty low budget in terms of any kind of stunts or special effects, it's really funny and sports a great cast. In addition to Fox, you've got Anthony Edwards, Crispin Glover, Jon Gries, and half a dozen more recognizable names. The movie itself is really funny. It's about a guy (Fox) who likes a girl (Nancy McKeon), but she's dating the self-proclaimed king of the school (Edwards). Edwards' character and his cronies really give Fox's character (and the other non-kings) a hard time. So it's up to the underdogs to prove that kings don't belong in high schools. It's a great movie about friendship and there's even a drag race for an added bit of high school movie fun. Despite its moments of cheesiness, this is a real treat and I'd definitely recommend it.

Back in the 1980s, NBC had the midas touch when it came to making TV movies with the top teen stars of the period. This was the first of many: High School USA. It's also amazing because at the time, the teens of the cast were top stars:

Michael J. Fox (Family Ties) Nancy McKeon (The Facts of Life) Todd Bridges (Diff'rent Strokes) Dana Plato (Diff'rent Strokes) Crystal Bernard (Happy Days) Lauri Hendler (Gimme a Break) Cathy Silvers (Happy Days)

Even some up and comers like Crispin Glover and Anthony Edwards have notable roles. This wasn't only an 80s teenfest. It features some of the teen actors of the 50s and 60s, all who made welcomed returns to acting through this film. It has a funny plot and entangles many subplots. If you are a fan of 80s teen flicks, then get this one. It's fun to watch.

I've been trying to find this movie for years! Another 80's classic, you'll be laughing all through the movie...."I'm getting my licence on Friday" is a classic line. This is a rare movie and a great classic to own.

My older brother taped this off of TV years ago and it always became a running joke amongst myself and my siblings. I was so excited to see it put onto DVD. The movie itself is pure camp, but that it what makes it so enjoyable. It is the epitome of 80's made-for-tv-movies with all the great stars of that time. I highly recommend this for a laugh.

I had this movie on tape from tv probably close to 18 years ago...? Maybe that long...? Anyway, I lost the tape of course and could never remember the name of this movie. I was shocked to see this on Amazon for such a low price. If you like 80's movies with pretty much every great 80's up & commers actors/actresses, buy this!!! If you can't appreciate JJ Manners charm than why are you even reading this?

It's very disappointing that the only home versions of the made-for-TVer HIGH SCHOOL USA (1983) are questionable ones. The VHS manufacturer, UNITED AMERICAN VIDEO, dubbed their product at SLP speed, the very slowest, and without HiFi audio. The few tapes I own from them have a crap picture, a bad hiss in the sound and major tracking problems.

As for the DVD outfit TRINITY HOME ENTERTAINMENT, their extensive catalog of skin flicks and slasher trash doesn't inspire me. After searching out reviews of their discs, I couldn't find anything specific to transfer quality, no raves or rants, yet I'm not prepared to plunge the necessary scratch to risk finding out if they are of better quality than UAE or not.

Is it fair to judge a home video outfit by their catalog? That's an individual choice. I gave this one a pass, for what it's worth.

Michael J. Fox has always made light entertaining movies, although this is not one of his best. Seeing a young Anthony Edwards was a plus.
I enjoyed it.

I remember when HIGH SCHOOL U.S.A. first aired back in 1983. It was a big deal at the time to have a made for TV family movie (do they even do that kind of thing anymore?) that featured the young actors of that period starring alongside the young actors of yesteryear (or now, the year before yesteryear). Jo, Kimberly Drummond, Willis Jackson, and Alex P. Keaton were the students and Gilligan, Dobie Gillis, Eddie Haskell, and Wally Cleaver were among the teachers/faculty/parents. It was creatively written, though many of the gags were lame and corny even for back then.

I won't say it's not corny. I won't say it's not embarrassingly lame in some parts. I won't say it's not too silly for it's own good. But I also won't say it's not fun. Indeed, for all it's lameness and corniness, this is still a fun movie to watch.

i grew up on this movie! i think i was like 9 or 10 wheni first saw it. it's hilarious! yea, it's cheesy, but that's what makes it so great.

If you like the movie, then the DVD is great. I enjoy Michael J Fox in his early movies. This is clean enough to show to students (no language or drugs or violence or sex.