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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:
Whatever? This is probably what you are saying to yourself.
more (31 total)
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:
It's Got To B 3
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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
If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
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| The Sweet Hereafter | The Ice Storm | Across the Universe | American Beauty | King of New York |
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| News articles | IMDb Drama section | IMDb France section |
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Yes, this is a "real" movie. It's certainly not getting the attention of the mainstream Hollywood summer blockbusters but it's a lot more powerful and enjoyable.
Synopsis: The story takes place in a working class new jersey suburb set in 1981 and centers on a young woman, Anna Stockard played by newcomer Liza Weil. Anna, in her senior year of high school, comes from a broken family, hangs out with the party crowd and is uncertain of her future. Although seemingly intelligent and artistic, she lacks focus. It's unclear if Anna will end up like her hard drinking and drugging friends or fulfill her ambition to go to art school in New York City.
The film was written and directed by New Jersey native Susan Skoog and unlike other films about the 80's (e.g., Boogie Nights), "Whatever" provides a very realistic view of this era. The clothing, hair styles, slang, and music all represent the suburban early 80's not the Hollywood version.
Although many of the characters are unappealing, the film still manages to capture you. I was both riveted and disturbed by it. Weil carries the film by playing Anna with a stoic integrity - you sense that she is a survivor. Skoog has created a film where you feel as if there was a hidden camera viewing a real teenager's life back in 1981. Skoog and Weil appear to have promising careers ahead of them.
If you want to see asteroids, bombs, fireballs and explosions, the 10 plex has a whole bunch of them. If you want to see a movie that is affecting, albeit, slightly disturbing, drive a little further and checkout "Whatever ".