My Top 10 Teen films.

Recently, I was watching the 1999 film, 10 Things I Hate About You. I absolutely love the film, and was more than happy to watch it, even though I have seen it plenty of times. Watching it however, got me thinking. What are in my opinion the best teen movies? And what does the silver screen so often portray in teen flicks, to achieve box office sales. So this is my list (in no particular order) of my favourite films for teenagers. I couldn't get all of my favourites into ten, but I've taken a good shot at it!

The Princess Diaries (2001; Dir- Garry Marshall; Starring- Anne Hathaway, Julie Andrews)

Most famously known as the film that introduced Hollywood to Anne Hathaway, the screen version of the Meg Cabot book series, was a hit amongst teenagers. The story tells that of an ordinary 16 year old girl, who discovers that she is princess to the land of Genovia. There was the obvious appeal, in the sense that it was your classic rags to riches story, but the film also contained buckets of charm. With all those relatable 'oops moments' (like with the gum), and a brilliant cast (Julie Andrews. Nuff said.), it's a film that resonates through my childhood, and one that I know that I will happily rewatch now.

Easy A (2010; Dir- Will Gluck; Starring- Emma Stone, Amanda Bynes, Penn Badgley)

This film is, in my opinion, hilarious! As per usual, Emma Stone shines with a fervent vibrancy and genius comic timing. The film narrates the life of Olive Pendergast, whose supposed promiscuity is the hot topic of the school, problem is- none of it is true! What's actually happening is that she is pretending to sleep with various 'nerdy' guys, so as to make a bit of money. The film is fresh, risky and so funny. The adult cast also shine, especially Patricia Clarkson and Stanley Tucci as Olive's quirky, yet supportive parents. It is a definite watch, even if just for the brilliant musical number scene. The narrative teaches the consequences of spreading rumours, but in a fun, light hearted way. It also has references to 80s films. If that isn't perfection, I don't know what is.

Pitch Perfect (2012; Dir- Jason Moore; Starring- Anna Kendrick, Brittany Snow, Rebel Wilson, Skylar Astin)

Again, another comedy, but this time one with an amazing soundtrack. When Beca (Anna Kendrick), arrives at Barden university, she has one aspiration. Get through college so she can become a DJ. However, as she gets roped into collegiate level a capella competitions, the game is on. The film has more than one brilliant musical number, and that's not even the film's most redeemable feature. Rebel Wilson, of 'Bridesmaids' fame, brings humour to every situation, with her classic stupidity but also her puns. Anna Kendrick is our reluctant protagonist, and she is such a clear representation of most teenagers who hate the education system. Also, the girls' rivals, The Treblemakers- an all-male a cappella group, are brilliant as they contrast so perfectly with the 'Barden Bellas'. A film to make anyone laugh, at any age.

The Hunger Games (2012; Dir- Gary Ross; Starring- Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Woody Harrelson, Donald Sutherland)

The long- awaited adaptation, of Suzanne Collins' best- selling novel, The Hunger Games showed a cinematic maturity that most teen films don't achieve. Filmed clearly as an action film, rather than a film about some teenager, the film delivered. As a fan of the book, I should probably dislike its less than faithful adaptation, but what Gary Ross did deliver; is an amazing film in its own right. Jennifer Lawrence shines as Katniss Everdeen, who is entered for 'The Hunger Games'- a fight to the death- in the place of her sister. The narrative follows the lead- up to the games, and the battle itself. The books will live forever and this film definitely will too. One memorable technique, is the use of steady cam/ handheld camera. It was used to immerse the viewer in the action and does just that (well mostly). The film also uses unusual editing;  they actually discourage the use of continuity editing, and have a ridiculous amount of jump cuts. Maybe because it reflects the shaky nature of their society. Another creditable performance: Donald Sutherland. He is absolutely terrifying as the corrupt and menacing President Snow. With all these features, its amazing action sequences, and haunting soundtrack- I eagerly await the upcoming sequel. (Since writing this, I have seen it. Phenomenal.)

10 Things I Hate About You (1999; Dir- Gil Junger; Starring- Heath Ledger, Julia Stiles, Joseph- Gordon Levitt)

The aforementioned 90s flick, is one of my all-time favourite films. The modern take on Shakespeare's 'Taming of the Shrew', was an instant classic, with its great wit and memorable characters. Julia Stiles is very believable as Katarina- the shrew herself. Her dry humour and sarcasm is flawless, and that pitted against Heath Ledger's natural charm means that the couple have great screen- chemistry. Also brilliant is a very young Joseph Gordon Levitt, who plays that hopelessly in love Cameron. The film is clearly a 90s film, yet it somehow retains Shakespeare's charm and wit, as well as feeling new and relevant now. It is one of those rare films with more than one memorable scene that fans like to bring up: Heath Ledger singing in the stands; Kat's moving poem; The fight at prom. It is a feel-good classic comedy, in my opinion. 

 

 

 

 

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012; Dir- Stephen Chbosky; Starring- Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Ezra Miller)

Adapted from his own novel, which is a cult classic among teenagers, Stephen Chbosky set out to adapt his novel for the big screen. He did this perfectly. As always, some changes had to be made, and some scenes had to be cut, however i think that the author made his choices eloquently.The story narrates the freshman year of Charlie, a young introvert whose depression makes life harder than it ought to be. What I love so much about this film however, is the realism. The story discusses important teenage issues, but without glamourising them. Everything is very much the reality of it. The film is shot beautiful, with interesting ciematography choices having been made to frame our protagonists journey. Also enhancing what is such an important coming-of-age story, is the soundtrack which makes use of many classic tracks such as David Bowie's 'Heroes' and The Smiths track 'Asleep'. All 3 of the main cast are fantastic, portraying their characters with such believability and depth. This is especially impressive in the case of Logan Lerman, who throws away his usual charming, cocky hero archetype we are used to (Percy Jackson, The Three Musketeers). Also, Emma Watson reestablishes herself as an important factor in the showbiz industry, with her breakout performance after the finish of the Harry Potter series in 2010.

The Breakfast Club (1985; Dir- John Hughes; Starring- Emilio Estevez, Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald, Ally Sheedy, Anthony Michael Hall)

No 'Best Of' lists would be complete without this, when it comes to teen movies.The 80s hit is considered by many to be THE classic teen movie. For
those who don't know the premise, the story details the saturday of 5 teenagers, whose paths have never crossed, who have winded themselves in detention together. It is one of the jewels of the film world when it comes to character development, as we know that every single one of our protagonists leaves the film being the binary opposition of who they were at the start. As well as some beautiful heartfelt scenes, (one of the most famous actually being almost entirely improvised), the film is renowned for its many moments of humour- most of which include the bumbling teacher who is meant to be supervising them. A film that can be crude yet moving within a 5 minute gap, it is a treasure for all teenagers, and adults too. It is one of the John Hughes teen collection, along with films such as Sixteen Candles and Weird Science. In my opinion, it is the best of them. Let's also not forget the memorable climax scene, with Judd Nelson punching the air in celebration of getting the girl. Shaped by the track that launched Simple Minds in the US; the ending is one that everyone will always remember.

Mean Girls (2003; Dir- Mark Waters; Starring- Lindsay Lohan, Jonathan Bennett, Rachel McAdams, Tina Fey)

Written by the brilliantly funny Tina Fey, this is probably one of the most quoted films of our generation. It tells the story of Cady (pre-crazy Lindsay Lohan), as she enters school for the first time at 16, after having been homeschooled in Africa her whole life. We see her try to navigate her way with different members of the school, in particular 'the plastics'- the aforementioned Mean Girls of the title. Although, it's not the best piece of cinema, it sure is a good laugh! It's also responsible for bringing light to talent such as Amanda Seyfried (Mamma Mia, Lovelace) and Rachel McAdams (The Notebook, Sherlock Holmes). The film has many memorable moments and lines, which will probably be etched into teenagers brains for the rest of their lives. Although the film is nearly a decade old, its themes still seem relevant today- with its accurate portayal of teen culture and school cliques and hierachies. Ultimately- it's just a good film to watch when you're feeling down!

Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986; Dir- John Hughes; Starring- Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck, Mia Sara, Jennifer Grey)

  

"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." the poignant words of Ferris Bueller; which will live forever in yet another John Hughes classic. Again, a film that so perfectly captures the essence of youth and the presence of the 80s, it's as if John Hughes was a teenager himself in writing this. The narrative tells us about Ferris Bueller, everyone's favourite guy- and his wild day off school; into which he drags his girlfriend and best friend. It's fast paced, memorable, and most importantly- it's fun! Matthew Broderick is completely charming as the titular protagonist, and you too are immediately won over into wanting to 'Save Ferris'. At the same time, you feel the frustration of his sister as she tries to get him into trouble. A classic that warms everyone's hearts- Ferris Bueller is one of those iconic teen characters who will never age. I'm pretty sure that nobody will ever forget the enormous musical number in this either!

So there you have it. Some of my favourite teen films! Were I to have more options, I probably also would've given shout outs to films such as 17 Again (2009), Juno (2007), Wild Child (2008), A Cinderella Story (2004), Grease (1978) and many more. All in all, I think the key to a good teen film is something funny, heartwarming, and at the core of all these movies- must be characters that we as teenagers today can relate to.