"Edge of Seventeen" is pretty close to accurate in its portrayal of life in the '80's. It also has a few genuine laugh moments, many "I've been there too" scenes, and very likeable performances by all the leads. The film takes a misstep in the sex scenes. The one in the dorm room has no reason to exist. What does it add to the story or its characters? Several people were either using the rest room---or they agreed with me. They walked out as the scene progressed. Lea DeLaria is a blast as the gung-ho lesbian cafeteria manager. She is both funny and warm. Chris Stafford is mesmerizing as "Eric." A positive review in the Seattle Times compared him to Montgomery Clift---in both physical appearance and ability to convey conflicting emotions with his expressions. So, the entire film I had the feeling I'd seen Stafford before...but it was really Clift I was thinking of. Stafford is very brave here, asked to do some pretty awkward things in the name of the character---and doing them with simplicity and charm. It is a shame that more money was not spent by Strand releasing on both a better sound track dubbing and more publicity. The poster for the film is like an afterthought---probably a foot by a foot in size. It didn't come close to filling the poster sign board. But, "Edge of Seventeen" will undoubtably fill a void in the lives of some teens currently trying to "come out" in little town USA. Or perhaps fill the void many of us felt for NOT coming out as teens in the glam '80's.
Review of Edge of Seventeen
