I didn't really expect much out Dazed and Confused, having never even heard of it before I received it for Christmas. I guess I was really missing out, because this is easily one of the best teen movies of all-time. It's like 1,000 summer nights all rolled up into one. The cast is relatively large, but all the characters are really cool in their own unique way. Plus, with a soundtrack that includes Aerosmith, Alice Cooper, Black Sabbath, Foghat and KISS, where could it go wrong?
It's the last day of school for juniors and 8th graders. That means they're seniors and freshman now. That's all the plot information that's really necessary to enjoy this movie. The rest of the film is all about the character interaction as they party, cruise, and generally have a good time. After one of the parties is busted up, they've got to figure out something else to do. I've said that the characters are the best part of the movie so I might as well talk about them. Pink is probably the star, a quarterback who doesn't believe he should sign a piece of paper saying he won't drink or use drugs before or during football season. Slater is the typical pothead kid, but his speeches about George Washington belonging to an alien cult is hilarious. Mitch Kramer is a freshman lucky enough to be able to tag along with the seniors, and he's on a conquest to get an older girl.
Matthew McConaughey plays Wooderson, who is probably the coolest guy in the whole movie. Like with most of his roles, his sly charm is not lacking as the older guy who still parties with the kids. Ben Affleck shows up as O'Bannion, the trademark jerk who no one really likes. Of course, the rest of the cast is full of jocks, stoners, drunks, geeks, nerds and anyone else who feels like partying
The party itself, being one of the last scenes, is also the most memorable, as it gives you a great idea of what it was like to be a kid during those times. Party all through the night, then hop in your car to drive to the closest big city to buy front row seats at the Aerosmith concert. Doesn't sound much better than that.