The days are already getting colder and pretty soon it will be one of my favourite times of the year, back to school. Whether or not you’re headed back to classes these movies will get you in the collegiate mood.
Drew Barrymore & Leelee Sobieski in Never Been Kissed
Never Been Kissed, 1999
Drew Barrymore stars as a 25 year old investigative reporter. On her first assignment she has to go back to high school to get the scoop on teenagers “nowadays”. One problem; she was a loser when she was actually a teenager, and now she really doesn’t fit in. David Arquette and Molly Shannon co-star in this hilarious coming of age, again, film.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s (Sorceror’s) Stone, 2001
You’re a wizard (your name here)”, are the words every young person my age longed to hear. But since I can’t go back to school at Hogwarts I’ll have to content myself with watching baby faced Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint take that first train ride, sit under the sorting hat and battle you know who. Well I could do without that last one.
Shannen Doherty, Lisanne Falk, Kim Walker & Winona Ryder in Heathers
Heathers, 1988
This biting black comedy was one of Winona Ryder’s first leading roles. The film takes a shot at the politics of the teen social hierarchy, and society as a whole, as the popular girls and bullies in school are killed off one by one. Trust me, it’s a lot more satire, a lot less horror in one of the most quotable teen films ever made.
Ginnifer Goodwin, Julia Roberts, & Julia Stiles in Mona Lisa Smile
Mona Lisa Smile, 2003
Julia Roberts stars as an art history professor teaching her first year at Wellesley. Exasperated with the stuffy teaching style and the anti feminist expectations of the young women at the school she challenges the students to think for themselves, in and out of the classroom. Kirsten Dunst, Julia Stiles, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Ginnifer Goodwin co-star.
Matt Damon in Good Will Hunting
Good Will Hunting, 1997
It was either this or Dead Poet’s Society, and I’m more of a young Matt Damon than a young Ethan Hawke person, Reality Bites notwithstanding. Will Hunting is a young math prodigy who works as a janitor at M.I.T. When his talents are discovered by a member of the faculty he is given an opportunity for a different life. But first he has to face his personal demons with the help of his therapist, played to Oscar winning perfection by Robin Williams, and his new love, played by Minnie Driver.
Reese Witherspoon in Legally BlondeLegally Blonde, 2001
Reese Witherspoon shines in this sleeper hit about an intelligent yet ditzy blonde who, when dumped by the man of her dreams decides to follow him to Harvard law. Much to the shock and chagrin of the other characters she is, through hard work, imagination and that sunny personality a huge legal success. A classic fish out of water tale, this film has heart and humor that will doubtlessly inspire several rewatches, and maybe even a bend and snap!
Honourable mention goes to: Clueless, Election, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Animal House, The Breakfast Club & 10 Things I Hate About You.