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Whatever (1998)
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Overview
User Rating:
Director:
Writer:
Susan Skoog (writer)
Release Date:
10 July 1998 (USA)
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Tagline:
1981. In an era of just say no, they said yes.
Plot:
A teen faces her impending adulthood in the carefree sex and drug revolution years of the early 80's prior to fears of AIDS...
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Plot Keywords:
Drugs
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Sex
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High School
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New Jersey
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Art Teacher
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NewsDesk:
(20 articles)
'New Moon' Stars Invade Stores On Nationwide Tour
(From MTV Movie News. 10 November 2009, 3:06 AM, PST)
Where Does Rihanna's 'Russian Roulette' Fit In The History Of Racy Covers?
(From MTV Newsroom. 20 October 2009, 2:26 PM, PDT)
(From MTV Movie News. 10 November 2009, 3:06 AM, PST)
Where Does Rihanna's 'Russian Roulette' Fit In The History Of Racy Covers?
(From MTV Newsroom. 20 October 2009, 2:26 PM, PDT)
User Comments:
a subtle portrait
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Cast
(Cast overview, first billed only) | Liza Weil | ... | Anna Stockard |
| Chad Morgan | ... | Brenda Talbot |
 | Frederic Forrest | ... | Mr. Chaminski |
 | Kathryn Rossetter | ... | Carol Stockard |
| Marc Riffon | ... | Martin |
| Dan Montano | ... | Zak |
 | John G. Connolly | ... | John Woods |
 | Gary Wolf | ... | Eddie |
 | Tony Torn | ... | Mr. Stanley |
| Trey Compton | ... | Sam |
| Joe Mantragna | ... | Chris |
| Matt Rumbaugh | ... | Tony |
| Jim Neville | ... | Rob |
| Garret Spencer | ... | Joe |
| Destiny Matranga | ... | Lynn |
Additional Details
MPAA:
Rated R for pervasive teen drug and alcohol use, language including sexual dialogue, sexuality and some violence.
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
112 min
Color:
Certification:
Filming Locations:
Company:
Fun Stuff
Goofs:
Anachronisms: Sam can be seen in at least two scenes wearing Batman: The Animated Series pajamas. BTAS debuted in 1992. Whatever takes place in 1981.
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Soundtrack:
Proud Mary
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FAQ
This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.more (31 total)
Message Boards
Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Whatever (1998)| Recent Posts (updated daily) | User |
|---|---|
| Wheeling, W.V. | grantcatton |
| What a lame movie | barte76 |
| whatever! | FilmJunkieWannabe |
| Help with a song | Utopia2-0 |
| SANJAH GURGANPREET | FilmJunkieWannabe |
| Whatever sequel | FilmJunkieWannabe |
Recommendations
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I thought this film was a thoughtful reflection on an overlooked period of time. The significance of it's taking place in 1981 was the last hurrah of the "Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll" era. AIDS soon followed, and casual sex died. The sex is a big part of the story, a realistic portrayal of a teenage girl's struggles with her newborn womanhood.
The peer pressure to do drugs, smoke, and have crazy meaningless/meaningful sex, all induced by the young idiots around her, happens to most American kids. Anna's dreams of art school are nearly crushed by the combination of her friends, her lonely, pathetic mother, and the usual teenage self-deprecation. It's not hard at all to relate to this character.
It seems that this movie was too subtle for some viewers. Perhaps some people don't want to know the female side of stories we've seen the male counterparts of (quite redundantly) through the years. I welcomed the fresh point-of-view the film possesses. My only true beef would be that it may have been a little too long, but then again, wasn't this writer/director Susan Skoog's first film?
A good film with fine direction of realistic performances (with the exception of the "nerdy" teacher - ugh) and a nice accompanying soundtrack. Overall, I liked it quite a bit.