Three O'Clock High
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Movie Reviews of Three O'Clock High
Movie Review: A Must Have for Any '80s Kids Despite the Bareness of It
Summary: 4 Stars
As far as the plot of this movie is concerned it has been thoroughly described already by many others. Jerry has an awkward initial encounter with Buddy Revell which leads to Buddy challenging Jerry to a fight after school, Jerry then tries to do anything and everything possible to get out of their fight with zany consequences but in the end Jerry mans up for a climatic end all the while using elaborate and sophisticated crane camera shots, end review. If it was good or bad at the end of the day it's up to you to decide though let me just say this is one of those films that after viewing it leaves you the impression of either loving it like crazy or hating it so much you'll want to bury every release print, Betamax, VHS, DVD, (and if there is one)upcoming Blu-Ray copy in existence and never look back. If you have already seen the movie the DVD's technical features and not the storyline might be the biggest factor in deciding if this DVD is worth your purchase or not and that is what I would like to focus on.
When details first arose about a Three O'Clock High's DVD edition almost a year before it was released the speculation was it might be a bare bones release with no extras and that is exactly what we get, no director`s commentary, no behind the scenes feature or even the original trailer. Though the DVD can't be judged for what it could of or should have been if we just stay focus on what's actually on it, one can make a fair assessment on it.
One can say the biggest letdown for this DVD is its lackluster audio offerings. The DVD has no Stereo 5.1 sound, no secondary audio language option (even though there are many known dubbings of this film in different languages like Spanish, French, Portuguese), no director's commentary, no extra deleted footage, no behind the scenes features, just one sole 2 channel stereo track (yes, really just one audio track on the DVD). From the start it was a given more likely than not the audio was going to be on the paltry side but many were still hopefully that at least it would have a director's commentary or even just a small featurette with the director on his experiences and present views on the film. It really is a shame that there is no Phil Joanou director's commentary track given his high energy personality and ability to vividly remember intricate details about his past projects. Had their been a director's commentary track, it would of more than made up for the small audio offerings.
Despite the DVD's audio 'downers' this release's biggest strength is that for the first time since being released in theaters the movie is in a widescreen aspect ratio of 1.85:1 rather than the formatted to fit your screen Pan and Scan TV broadcast and video releases that was the only available format for this movie throughout the years. The widescreen aspect of this release almost entirely makes up for the just one stereo audio track this DVD has to offer. In this widescreen format you get to experience the real richness of the camera work (especially crane work) done on this movie (which director Phil Joanou planned and test ran several months prior to actual shooting). From the beautiful panoramic views of surburban Ogden, as well as the high school's beautiful architecture to the rowdy pep rally in the gym, to the climatic fight scene that perfectly captures the Roman Gladiator-esque arena atmosphere the director was aiming for but lost with the old Pan and Scan version of the film, in this DVD everything comes alive and made new with the widescreen ratio.
The widescreen aspect is also made better with the well done picture quality this DVD brings to the table as well. The picture quality is as good as you can get when making the transfer to DVD. One thing is certain that the company who worked on the DVD release of this film did an incredible job cleaning up and producing a very clean picture. This release beats out all other releases and TV broadcast of this film. The image is so clean and crisp that one can see the heavy dust particles flying in the air in Jerry's room at the beginning of the movie.
You may be discourage from buying the DVD because of the bareness of it compared to other films that are packed with quality extras, but in the end the new added dimension of finally being able to view it in widescreen format makes it unique in the sense that not since the theater release has one been able to see the whole picture. Also throw in the fact the movie's catchy theme song Something To Remember Me By by Jim Walker plays completely in the end credits makes it not bad at all. The only solid argument I can think of against buying this DVD is if there were a newer format release in the works that included a director's commentary track or other added bonus material, other than this is a decent release of the film on DVD.
Movie Review: Three O'Clock High
Summary: 4 Stars
Assume this is a comedy about high school kids that does NOT need to teach a valuable lesson. Assume this is a look at a somewhat exaggerated incident between a geek and a bully in the 1980s. Assume this is for entertainment and I need not remind you not only did John Hughes not make it, but it wasn't a huge hit when it released. Assume you will get 90 minutes of light high school fun in Hughes style and you will be happy. Although I was long out of high school during the 80s, I loved the movies from that period and have most of them.
This may not have gotten the recognition of some of them especially the John Hughes films, but it certainly is worth a look. I am kind of disappointed that I haven't seen that many fun to watch high school movies since. At the very least rent this one. Based on reviews here I bought it because I enjoy Eighties movies. I wasn't disappointed. This is very much like a John Hughes film. The cast doesn't stand out like in "Breakfast Club", but they are still quite capable and you won't be sorry you went to the effort to see it. Decent acting, directing, sets, and good music by Tangerine Dream make this well worth a look.
A young man is given an assignment by the school paper to interview a new young man at the high school. The only problem is all the rumors make him out to be a murderer. They aren't to far off. When our hero tries to avoid the fight he is challenged to at three o'clock, all avenues of escape are blocked. The writing may not be quite the caliber of John Hughes, but it is still alot of fun. I recommend this to any fan of those better known Eighties movies like "Ferris Bueller's Day Off". If you enjoyed this be sure to catch "My Bodyguard" and "Hiding Out". Good quality DVD and very good replayability.
Movie Review: High Noon at Three P.M.
Summary: 4 Stars
THREE O'CLOCK HIGH is a forgotten gem and one of the better high school teen movies from the 80's. Casey Siemaszko (BACK TO THE FUTURE, STAND BY ME) plays Jerry Mitchell who inadvertantly gets challenged to an after school fight with the new kid in school, Buddy Revell (Richard Tyson -KINDERGARTEN COP, BLACKHAWK DOWN). Buddy is mean, moody, huge, and probably has a questionable past. This happens practically at the beginning of the school day so the film focuses on Jerry's activites the rest of the day leading up to the time of the fight. He gets in all kinds of funny predicaments (at some of his classes, and at the student supply store which he runs and operates) trying to figure out how to get out of the fight. In the meantime the rest of the school finds out and want to be there (at the school parking lot). The audience is allowed to watch, along with Jerry, the school clock(s)and see his 'life' ticking away. There are many twists and turns involved including a scene where the two meet up again at a math class (actually sitting next to each other) and Jerry helps Buddy cheat on a math quiz. The film could have been predictable, but the fight does insue and it is handled with good direction, care and timing. The filmakers let Jerry hold his own against Buddy with a great and amusing payoff. Then, part of the ending is taken straight out of IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE. Genuinely, a smart movie with some interesting camera work, good production values, a good performance by Casey Siemaszko and a good supporting cast which includes veterans Jeffrey Tambor (AND JUSTICE FOR ALL) and John P. Ryan (THE RIGHT STUFF). Note: Look for Mitch Pileggi (Agent Skinner from the X-FILES) as the school security guard.Movie Review: Underated 80's Classic finally comes to DVD
Summary: 4 Stars
I've waited a long time for this movie to be released on DVD. It languished way too long in the overpriced retail rental VHS format. Though the DVD is bear bones; no extra scenes, no commentary, not even the obligatory paper insert with the scene list(!?); it's still a must have for any fan of 80's teen movies.Casey Siemaszko is excellent! The "Book Report" scene and the song "Something to Remember Me By" both help make up for the DVD's lack of extras. The quirky camera zooms & angles, plus quotes like "Your face looks like non-fat milk." are the cherry on top.
My other favorite thing about the film is that I get to remember what real 80's fashion and hair looked like from all the background student extras. Not some Hollywood stylist's interpertation. Gawd... did we really wear all those horrid colors with those fluffy poodle cuts??? Sheesh!
Movie Review: It 's a cool "HighSchool comedy" movie
Summary: 4 Stars
I really enjoyed this movie, All the action passes always checking the clock, shows as the desperation is taking a young person who always were correct and nice in an apparent ruffian and bad student. Very good music and photografy, a detail: the starring actor like his against figure (a young R Tyson) have 26 years old each one and they simulate to be 18.
Comment in spanish for people who speak Spanish:
Toda la acción transcurre checkeando siempre el reloj, muestra como la desesperación va llevando a un joven que siempre fue correcto y pulcro en un aparente rufián. Muy buena la música y la fotografia, un detalle : el actor protagonista al igual que su contra figura (un joven R Tyson) tienen 26 años cada uno y simulan ser de 18.