Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Crispin Glover | ... | Layne | |
Keanu Reeves | ... | Matt | |
Ione Skye | ... | Clarissa (as Ione Skye Leitch) | |
Daniel Roebuck | ... | Samson | |
Dennis Hopper | ... | Feck | |
Joshua John Miller | ... | Tim (as Joshua Miller) | |
Roxana Zal | ... | Maggie | |
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Josh Richman | ... | Tony |
Phillip Brock | ... | Mike | |
Tom Bower | ... | Bennett | |
Constance Forslund | ... | Madeleine | |
Leo Rossi | ... | Jim | |
Jim Metzler | ... | Mr. Burkewaite | |
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Tammy Smith | ... | Kim |
Danyi Deats | ... | Jamie |
A group of high school friends must come to terms with the fact that one of them, Samson, killed another, Jamie. Reactions vary, as Layne is intent on protecting Samson and smuggling him out of the state, while others think it's best to go to the police. Matt's tough little brother also finds out about the body and no one knows quite how the police will learn about the murder or who will be blamed for it. Written by Christine Sai-Halasz <sai@mit.edu>
This film is one of the best of 1986 with creepy, yet intriguing performances from Crispin Glover and Dennis Hopper! The Reagan years were pretty bleak for a lot of people, not just teenagers, but this flick really captured the desperation and despair. Well-directed with great script (apparently based on a true story), I don't really see any weaknesses in this. The opening shot was brilliant.
Keanu Reeves was decent for a change and Miss Skye was right on the money. Hopper had three other great performances that same year (Blue Velvet, Texas Chainsaw II, and Hoosiers). I imagine this has a cult following and I wonder how this picture would fare if it was re-released. Super stuff!