Suburbia (1983)

The first narrative feature film from Penelope Spheeris, Suburbia is an '80s classic along the same lines as her punk rock documentary The Decline of Western Civilization. Shot in Southern California during the Reagan era, Suburbia effectively captures the time and place that could create a group of discordant young people into a group called "the Rejected." Casting real-life street kids, Spheeris achieves the realism that Hollywood actors couldn't have offered, but the movie still suffers from amateur acting and shoddy production. However, the technical details aren't really the point for the D.I.Y. attitude of the intended audience. With Roger Corman producing, this sociological study is filled with action, chases, and some violence for low-budget entertainment value. The music is a vital element, and fans will be pleased to see footage of bands like T.S.O.L. and the Vandals, as well as the acting debut of Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Made before the idea of punk rock became overwhelmingly marketable and before Spheeris moved on to mainstream fare like Wayne's World, Suburbia ranks up there with Repo Man as an enjoyable rebellious '80s teen movie. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide