308. Heathers; movie review

HEATHERS
Cert 15
103 mins
BBFC advice: Contains strong language, sex references, suicide theme

If only school bullies could really be given the treatment which they receive in Heathers.
Well, obviously I don't mean that they should all be bumped off but a bit of gentle retribution would go a long way.
Michael Lehmann's film was a ground-breaker when it was released 30 years ago - combining psychopathic revenge with a dab of teenage pathos.
Since then there have been so many films of its ilk that it would be easy to forget its originality.
It was the springboard for the career of Winona Ryder who went stratospheric until the limelight overwhelmed her.
Alongside her were other star names of the 80s and early 90s, Christian Slater and Shannen Doherty, who have long since disappeared from the A-list.
Ryder plays Veronica, a reluctant ally of a high school’s ‘popular girls’ who are dreadful bullies and, coincidentally, all have the first name Heather.
Indeed, after an unlikely liaison with a cool new-boy loner, she wishes that their leader (Kim Walker) were dead and he dares her to make it so.
Thus, begins a murderous rampage which gives him his kicks and from which she cannot escape.
Personally, I am not a big fan of this type of black humour but there is more to Heathers than comedy
- I was more interested in its quirky exploration of American society's institutionalised discrimination and favouring of the haves over the have-nots.
Sounds a bit deep for a bloody black supposed giggle-fest, doesn't it but, mark my words, all the elements are there.

Reasons to watch: For its underlying pathos rather than its comedy
Reasons to avoid: Its mean streak

Laughs: None for me
Jumps: None
Vomit: Yes
Nudity: None
Overall rating: 7/10

Director quote - Michael Lehmann: "There’s something particularly disturbing about seeing something as hard-edged as Heathers being played by actual teenagers."

The big question - Why aren't bullies embarrassed?

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