Heathers (1988)

Title: Heathers

Release Date: March 31, 1989

Director: Michael Lehmann

Writer: Daniel Waters

Starring: Winona Ryder, Christian Slater

Genre: Comedy, Thriller

I feel like this is the ultimate late 80's movie. Like, THE ultimate. Not only does it have a MYRIAD of feathered bangs but it has color coded wardrobes full of shoulder pads, trench coats, neon tights, and glorious scrunchies. It has the cliche high school setting (my favorite), Winona Ryder (my favorite), and psychotic/homicidal boyfriends (my favorite). 


The dialog in this movie is priceless, and the phrases like "What's your damage?" and "I've gotta motor" are perfect. The purposeful repetition of conversations adds a lot of dimension to the film. The acting is okay for the age level and I think they could've casted the three "Heathers" a little better, but the chemistry between Ryder and Slater is actually really interesting and fun to watch. I also like the inner "Dear Diary" monologs that Ryder has.  


The one thing that makes this movie way different then every other late 80's/early 90's high school flick is definitely the murderous nature of Slater's character. He's very inspired and the whole "devil may care" attitude makes you love him even when he's got a gun in his hand. 


All in all, I think the writing for this film was prime and the super original plot makes it an underrated 80's classic.


I give this a 7.5 out of 10 stars.