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Doug McKeon, Catherine Mary Stewart, Kelly Preston, Chris Nash, D.W. Brown ... see more see more... , Jami Gertz , Graham Jarvis , Terry O'Quinn , Jordan Baker , Bob Banks , Margaret Blye , Darren Ewing , Cristen Kauffman , John Miranda , Julie Noble , Timothy Cutt , Charles Dodrill , Clarence Glover , Bryce Kasson , Sarah Maclay , Bob McGuire , Dennis L. O'Connell , Andrew Ream , Phillip S. Wilson

This entertaining teen comedy is set in the effervescent 1950s and involves the friendship of the introverted, clumsy Jonathan (Doug McKeon) and the nonconformist, extroverted Gene (Chris Nash). Jonat... read more read more...han's main objective is to win over the sexy Marilyn (Kelly Preston), in spite of his shyness, while Gene has his own love-life to maintain with his girlfriend Bunny (Catherine Mary Stewart) -- as well as counseling Jonathan on how to attract women. Gene also has to defend himself against Kenny (D.W. Brown) the class bully while trying to work out a borderline relationship with his widowed father, who has zero tolerance for his often wild escapades. As Jonathan and Gene handle life's challenges, the 1950s emerges as a potent presence on screen in the form of background setting, including movies and music, as well as dress and customs that were popular in that distinctive era. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, Rovi

Flixster Users

60% liked it

2,685 ratings

Critics

60% liked it

5 critics

R, 1 hr. 40 min.

Directed by: Mel Damski, Noel Black

Release Date: February 8, 1985

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DVD Release Date: April 5, 2005

Stats: 146 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (146)

  • ajv2688
    May 27, 2011
    ajv2688
    I really liked this movie, the plot is a simple romantic comedy, but it has all the charm and rebelliousness of a 50s teen flick combined with the fun and sexiness of an 80s teen film. Plus, it has a more realistic look at teen romance than other movies of the time, I think. Ov... read moreerall, it's a good movie, and I'd recommend it.
  • ileo
    January 3, 2008
    ileo
    This is a hilarious movie! Filled with lots of laughter, from beginning to end. Loved it!!
  • KLFilmmaker
    September 11, 2006
    KLFilmmaker
    Good 80's coming-of-age movie.
  • TonyPolito
    August 15, 2010
    TonyPolito
    Don't overestimate the potential entertainment value of Kelly Preston's two whole seconds of full frontal; can you spell merkin?

    Just the same, this generally-overlooked, nostalgic, cutesy gander at 1950s teenage romance, sex and bad boys IS worth viewing - even though every si... read morengle cliche scene and phrase you could ever possibly imagine or remember on those topics has been cobbled together to become this script. The James Dean / Natalie Wood 'chicken' car dare from "Rebel Without A Cause" is shamelessly ripped off.

    Still, the film basically works. Mostly because director Damski had the insight to pour his budget into incredibly realistic & detailed set pieces and props, quality camera-work, sharp color - and a no-corners-cut soundtrack.

    There's likely not another film that looks more like days and nights at 1956 MidwestBurg High School that this one; in that sense it even gives "American Graffiti" a real run for the money. Everything from malted glasses to costumes to cars (even a moving van) are, visually, amazingly authentic - and well filmed.

    The 1950ish town square seen actually still exists in the condition filmed here, less a few props, at the center of Nelsonville, Ohio. You'll wish you could pull right up to a speaker and order fries at Jerry's pink-'n-sky-blue-neon drive-in.

    With remaining funds, Damski employed a quintet of then-budding actors you've-sort-of-heard-of, all of whom do really good work, especially considering the lines they've been dealt. At fin, Jami Gertz has never looked lovelier.

    The kids (and you) get to groove to Fats Domino, Elvis, Buddy Holly, The Platters, Little Richard, and other top-notchers, including a few true jewels you might have forgotten.

    RECOMMENDATION: If you liked "American Graffiti," "Grease," "Happy Days" et. al., it's a pretty safe wager you'll be-bop to this one too.
  • MovieGuruDude72
    May 8, 2010
    MovieGuruDude72
    They filmed the one scene near where I went to college. Of course I saw this silly flick. It's part of my upbringing. Silly and a bit cheesy in a 1980s way but still one of my favorite movies. Catherine Mary Stewart was SOOOO adorable. Great fun.
  • nybucks8aem
    September 2, 2008
    nybucks8aem
    Mischief is an awesomely hilarious movie. It is so awesome that it was filmed in Nelsonville, OH and Rockbridge, OH. This is a great comedy movie!!!! One word for this movie HILARIOUS!!!!!!!!
  • wolverineland
    March 3, 2008
    wolverineland
    Great 80's flick set in 1956 Ohio about two buddies, a likeable local loser and the cool misunderstood new guy who help eachother to win the hearts of the two prettiest girls in school. The problem is one lacks the confidence and the other lacks the class. Great performances by M... read morecKeon and Nash as the buddies and Preston and Stewart as the school beauties. Nice cameo by Jami Gertz and a wonderful 50's soundtrack helps make this an underrated classic.
  • movietiffany
    July 30, 2007
    movietiffany
    This was a fun teen sex comedy! It always had me crackin up with all the things they got themselves into. This one is a must see.
  • bluangel268728
    July 7, 2007
    bluangel268728
    It was one of the best "teenage" trouble movies I have ever seen. I was cracking up most of the movie. I love this type of movie!

View All Mischief Reviews

Critic Reviews

Kevin Carr
May 24, 2005
Kevin Carr, 7M Pictures

A must-see for Kelly Preston fans.

David Nusair
May 16, 2005
David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews

...Mischief's characters are likeable and engaging enough to ensure that the movie's raunchier moments feel organic. Full Review

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
August 21, 2004
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice

An unremarkable exploration of adolescence.

Scott Weinberg
January 14, 2003
Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com

Nothing new on the narrative front, but Damski's approach to the mid-50's feel (and the extensive usage of popular songs from the era) helps to keep this amiable comedy afloat. Full Review

Michael Szymanski
September 25, 2005
Michael Szymanski, Zap2it.com

No review available.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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