Lick Me - ALL OF YOU

Updated March 10, 2000

Lick Me - ALL OF YOU. The immortal words of Parker Posey.

Dazed and Confused is by far one of the "feel good" movies of the 90's. It is one of the few movies that I not only bought but watch on a regular basis. Not since Breakfast Club has a movie been able to pin point an era of teenage angst and social goings on. There are no scenes that lag or force you to use the fast forward button.

The movie covers one day in the life of these Texan teens who's biggest challenges seem to be getting skin tight jeans zipped up, who's party to go to and if being a member of the football team really gets you laid.
The cast of relative unknowns at the time pull off the movie with great ease. Most people are surprised to see Ben Affleck and Renee Zellweger in this movie since they went on to do big named movies. The unpolished and mopped haired Matthew McConaughey (A time for Killing, EDTv) plays a character that reminds me very much of Fonzie (cruising around with high schooler's and picking up chicks 5 - 10 years younger than himself and taking too much pride in his mode of transportation). Parker Posey (Rave, Injustice, Fun House) , Joey Lauren Adams (Big Daddy, Chasing Amy) and Rory Cochrane (Empire Records) also used this movie as a stepping stone to bigger roles.

1976 never seemed that cool to me since I am a native of England. We didn't have the hoopla of Bicentennial celebrations and fireworks and reenactments of 1776. It was interesting to see what the U.S was like during this period of them. While I don't consider this to be a completely accurate portrayal of Americana circa 1976 it gave me the 'fun side' of it.
The characters portray real life individuals, not super models or rich kids with BMW's. They drive beat up pick up trucks and station wagons. It is a very down to earth, honest and comical look at a real coming of age movie. The threat of AIDS, violence (other than a freshmen running from a soon to be senior), irritated prejudice, drug addiction and general social discord were just not a problem in the 70's.

In my opinion this movie is a must see for anyone who liked Breakfast Club, American Pie or the television show My So called Life. If I could give it more than two thumbs up I certainly would. You might also see a movie called "Stoned Age" on the shelf, just pass by it. It might seem interesting but it will lull you away to sleepyland. Would highly recommend for those who lived through the 70's.