"The Outsiders",based on the S.E. Hinton novel of the same name,is perhaps one of the best movies of the 1980's.Amazingly,Hinton began the novel at the age of 15 and she completed it at age 18!
When it was adapted for the big screen,the cast was packed with future big-name stars and the novel literally came to life in stereo sound!
The main character is Ponyboy Curtis,played by C.Thomas Howell and the plot revolves around the ongoing local feud betweeen the poor kids (Greasers) and the rich kids (Socs) in a small Oklahoma town.When Ponyboy and his friend Johnny are attacked and almost murdered by some drunk Socs,Johnny strikes back and kills their attacker and their life on the run begins.Johnny later will be fighting for his life after being severely burned while rescuing kids from a burning building,risking his freedom as he was wanted for murder.The film is punctuated by frequent"rumbles" and a deep friendship across social lines between Ponyboy and a rich girl named Cherry(Diane Lane).Ponyboy and his brother Sodapop(Rob Lowe) live with their brother Darry(Patrick Swayze),who quit school after their parents died to support them all.Their Greaser buddies are all like a big extended family and they are played by Tom Cruise,Matt Dillon,Emilio Estevez & Ralph Macchio.They all grease their hair,wear tight jeans and t-shirts and leather jackets and I believe it is set in the late 50's or early 60's judging by the clothes and cars!
At the end of the film we see aspiring writer Ponyboy reflecting back on the course of events and being inspired to start an English composition about everything that happened.I am shocked that nobody has attempted to remake it,with everything else being revived on film but glad to see it remain untouched.Who could play those characters as well?C'mon,Tom Cruise was good in this,it was before he lost his mind-lol.Naturally,I have it on DVD and think I might dig it out and watch tonight!If you have never seen it,you should rent it sometime,especially if you like 50's themed movies.
No comments:
Post a Comment