The Basketball Diaries (1995)

In 1997, I made a vow to see all of Leonardo DiCaprio's movies. Over the years, however, I forgot about my quest and made seeing his body of work [besides Titanic] less of a priority. Anyway, I forgot that The Basketball Diaries existed until today when my pal recommended we watch it. The flick is about Jim Carroll -- a dude who went to Catholic high school, was pretty okay at basketball, and got into drugs and then his life went to pot. Then he started a punk band. Leo does an okay job of portraying him, but it's really hard to see him foaming at the mouth from heroin withdrawal. Oh, by the way, Leo is BFFAEFL with Mark Wahlberg in this. Hot!

The best thing about this movie is that it features a shot of Carmel's apartment building in the Bronx! [It's the brown one on the right]. She and Leo breathed the same air. Sigh!

2/5 pizzas

Adventureland (2009)

I finally got a chance to catch this, and I'm glad I did! So what if it features a Replacements song in the credits? I'm not biased. I thought this was really good. Besides taking place in the 80s and sporting the talents of Martin Starr [he's the best, isn't he?], this movie actually really reminded me of Freaks and Geeks. It's kind of about relationships and making out, but it's also about depression and problems and living in a land-locked town.

Also, having just graduated from a university and having found a minimum wage job, I can totally identify with James, the protagonist. Plus I love David Bowie and Big Star just like he and Em do! Best friends!

4/5

SLC Punk (1998)

A movie about punk rock in the 80s?! Yes, please! Blue, green, and black combat boots? That sounds okay. After the credits, however, I realized this movie was pretty dumb. It's about people who are obsessed with their identities as punx to realize that they are unintelligent, and just not special. All they do is philosophize about anarchy? and corporate control. No big deal, guys. Lots of people think about these things; lots of people dye their hair blue [who are way cooler than you]. You're not that great, Matthew Lillard!

One good thing about this flick: a young, dweeby Jason Segel.
2/5 pizzas

Smithereens (1982)

Uh yes hello? Why didn't anyone tell me about this movie until this summer? Susan Seidelman [a lady, of Desperately Seeking Susan and one directing credit on Sex and the City fame] made this pretty okay movie about punk rock and New York. NEW YORK PUNK IS MY FAVORITE! I didn't even know Richard Hell acted, and he's all up in this movie being a jerk. Also, I watched the extras and saw an interview of his. He didn't age well. I guess he's now part of the Blank Wrinkled Generation.

Also, it seems that Susan Seidelman created Molly Ringwald, because Susan Berman looks just like Molly in this movie, and Molly wasn't in a big movie until 1984. Your welcome, John Hughes.Also, it seems that Susan Seidelman created Molly Ringwald, because Susan Berman looks just like Molly in this movie, and Molly wasn't in a big movie until 1984. Your welcome, John Hughes.

This movie is pretty fun, even though none of the characters have redeeming qualities. The protagonist Wren is really entitled and annoying, but she wears cute Chucks and dresses to make up for it. The deal is that she has left blue-collar New Jersey to move to New York to be a punk star. Sound familiar? Probably not, so click on the below image.

Another nice thing -- the actual band the Smithereens are from New Jersey. Oh hey!

4/5 pizzas