The early 1980s proved to be a fertile period for aspiring actors in Hollywood; many were offered starring roles, even when the projects themselves weren't exceptional, because they provided exposure. This film marked James Spader’s initial leading role, portraying a withdrawn newcomer whose circumstances echo those of “Rebel Without A Cause.” He finds himself targeted by tough students while simultaneously falling for Kim Richards, who seems to have extraordinarily long hair. Robert Downey Jr., another outsider, offers friendship and displays the comedic flair that would define his future performances. The film carries a sense that these are children pretending to be adults, similar to “Rebel” in that regard. The clothing styles are accurate to the era, and the frequent musical breaks feature new wave music. It’s an enjoyable movie, though not particularly memorable.

Source on TMDB