Just One of the Guys [DVD] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]

How does a gem like this go unnoticed for so long?-- Leonard Maltin is the only moive critic with the courage to look past the fact that this is a teen movie and actually give it a fair chance. I kind of wonder if the other film critics I have read even watched the movie, or just decided since it was a teen comedy and none of the "brat pack" was in it it must be bad.-- This film is funny, unique, intellegent, serious, challenging, and, okay, sexy too. But compare this film to more popular cult 80's movies like "Valley Girl." I enjoy "Valley Girl," but compared to "Just One of the Guys" "V. Girl" is an empty movie. Sure, it's basic premise is great, the Romeo and Juliet story, the untouchable valley girl who falls in love with the rebel city punk, but the execution of this story, the acting, the cinematography, are all very substandard. Compared to "Guys" which is well shot, well acted, and well written. How it has escaped cult status is beyond me.-- The themes in "Guys" are deep, heck, they're even literary. The psychology, the sexual identity crisis, homophobia, social ineptitude, popularity, sex, career prospects, the end of childhood, sexism, peer pressure, music, fashion, appearance, I mean, you could just go on and on. You could write a book on the many levels this film operates on. You could devote a masters thesis on the literary interpretations of everthing from the characters, to the dialogue, the situations, even the images and physical appearances.-- Am I reading too much into a fluffy 80's teen sex comedy? Well, okay, maybe I am. But that's the fun of this film, it operates on so many levels it's staggering.-- RENT IT! You won't be sorry.-- And as for JOYCE HYSER (are you out there JOYCE?) this woman should have been a major MAJOR star. Her acting ability is matched only by her beauty. I've seen some of her other movies (like "Wedding Band"), films that are not that great, but she shines in them, turning each scene into something beyond the limits of the film she's stuck in.-- In one scene in wedding band she is at a restaurant about to propose to her boyfriend, her co-star (whom I won't name) seems to be sitting there waiting for his paycheck, but Joyce pours herself into the scene to the point that not only do you feel for her character, you feel for Joyce herself.-- JOYCE, we love you! Please do more films, I'll see them all.

I'll skip the "over-the-top" superlatives of some of the other reviewers in this group, but "Just One of the Guys" is a fun, intelligent comedy with a host of well-drawn characters large and small. It follows the formula -- but it doesn't. Its comedy is three-dimensional. Although it has much to say about teen angst and growing up, it never takes itself too seriously, so we can laugh along the way. Even the class bully is handled with a sense of humor. You hate him, but that's okay because so does everyone else.
Is the movie dated? Yes, in many respects it represents its decade -- the 80s. But its humor and its message have not dimmed with the years. It's not just a kid's movie, either. I've watched it many times, and at well over 40, I'm no kid. As for Joyce Hyser, she carries the film with grace and humor and a range that would make most of the "big stars" of the movies today jealous (if they understood what she was doing). And -- as has been noted by another reviewer -- only Leonard Maltin among the "official" critics gives this movie a chance. I hope it comes out on DVD, and that it includes an interview with its star and some of the other principals. A real sleeper. Enjoy!!

A light pleasant comedy with great 80s fashion and music. Great one liners and a nice ending. Interesting to see Joyce Hyser who is so pretty be able to pull off being a guy. Buddy (her younger brother) is a riot and Terry meets lots of interesting classmates at her new school. William Zabka (Karate Kid, Back to School) plays the standard jock bully. Brings back memories of my days in high school when we didn't have to worry about going through gun detectors to go to school. Sadly this movie is often overlooked and can't be found on video for less than $80, but it does show up on cable a lot. I hope this comes out on DVD one day. This movie always puts me in a good mood!