Nothing is taken seriously and nothing should be -- it's only rock 'n' roll.
Rock 'N' Roll High School (1978)
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Reviews Counted:21
Fresh:16
Rotten:5
Average Rating:6.6/10
Runtime: 1 hr 33 mins
Genre: Musical & Performing Arts
Synopsis: In this campy, classic musical tribute to the rock legends the Ramones, the students of Vince Lombardi High School are a wild and rebellious bunch who are sick of sitting in school--they want to go... In this campy, classic musical tribute to the rock legends the Ramones, the students of Vince Lombardi High School are a wild and rebellious bunch who are sick of sitting in school--they want to go see the Ramones in concert. With the lowest academic scores in Southern California and pathetic athletic teams that haven't won a game in years, the school's last three principals had nervous breakdowns and were committed to the funny farm. But that's no concern to the kids, who just want to rock. Riff Randall, the leader of the frisky students, writes the song "Rock 'N' Roll High School" and leads a brigade of her peers to a Ramones concert. However, when a fierce new principal cracks the whip and attempts to silence the rock music by burning stacks of the students' records, a riot breaks out. The Ramones arrive at school and join forces with the students to take over the school and, in a glorious exclamation of victory, burn it down. The terrific soundtrack includes such Ramones favorites as "Blitzkrieg Bop," "Pinhead," and "Teenage Lobotomy" in addition to the title track. [More]
Starring: P.J. Soles, Ramones, Vincent Van Patten, Mary Woronov
Starring: P.J. Soles, Ramones, Vincent Van Patten, Mary Woronov, Paul Bartel, Dey Young, Clint Howard, Dick Miller, Loren Lester
Director: Allan Arkush
Director: Allan Arkush
Composer: Ramones
Producer: Roger Corman, Michael Finnell
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Reviews for Rock 'N' Roll High School
It's more cleverly cut than shot -- which means that it moves quickly and energetically even as the concepts and characters disintegrate.
For all its throwaway humour, this is basically just a pleasant reworking of the kids versus adults rock'n'roll movie format of the '50s.
We may never again see a teen comedy in which a school can explode and the movie can still be considered essentially good-hearted.
It's not like Rock 'N' Roll High School was pioneering brilliant cinema, but it is a brilliant little piece of work within its own framework.
The pity is that with a bit more care and flair, it could have been a really sweet little movie.
Latest News for Rock 'N' Roll High School
July 31, 2008:
Stern's Rock & Roll High School Remake Gets a Writer ![]()
After years of discussions, it appears the Howard Stern-produced remake of Rock & Roll High School is moving forward, with Alex Winter writing the script. More...
October 11, 2006:
Ramones Biopic: All Revved Up And Ready To Go?
Gabba Gabba Hey! The story of the Ramones, perhaps the most influential American punk band of the 1970s, may be getting the biopic treatment soon. More...
August 17, 2006:
Critical Consensus: "SOAP," "Material Girls" Not Screened; "Accepted" Denied; "Sunshine" Shines
This week at the movies, we've got snakes.... on a plane ("Snakes on a Plane," starring Samuel L. Jackson), slackers on a campus ("Accepted," starring Justin... More...
September 08, 2005:
Roger Corman's Back Catalog Finds a Home ... at Disney?
Legendary indie filmmaker Roger Corman has signed a deal with Buena Vista, which will result in a Disney logo on the back of the next "Death Race 2000" DVD, says... More...
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| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 88% 88% | Inglourious Basterds |
| 78% 78% | The Hangover |
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