Photo: (Miramax Films, Columbia Pictures, Paramount Pictures)
You've got your post-school soundtrack, but what about some cinematic therapy for this tumultuous transition time? Here's a lil help -- and humor -- from your Hollywood friends! And hey, congrats from graduating HS, college, School of Hard Knocks or wherever you graduated from. And if you haven't graduated from anything, you should still read this story.
+ "American Pie"
Photo: Universal Pictures
This randy rager of a high school comedy very openly, and hilariously, discusses the trials, tribulations and flutes of getting it on. It's senior year and this crew of misfit men-children wanna get lucky, but sex is hella complicated -- just ask that apple pie -- so things get #awkward before they get awesome. Enjoy the antics, but remember to protect yourself when things get passionate at your grad party -- and just avoid that MILF, mmkkaaay?
+ "Fast Times at Ridgemont High"
Photo: Universal Pictures
This classic 80s coming of age flick is probably most well-known for young Sean Penn's portrayal of iconic stoner surfer Spicoli -- but the plot gets way thicker than the smoke billowing from his VW van. It deals with teen pregnancy and abortion, too -- which was pretty edgy material since this was pre "Teen Mom." Screenwriter Cameron Crowe (he went on to write and direct "Jerry Maguire" and "Almost Famous") based the movie on an undercover Rolling Stone assignment at a San Diego high school. So watch out, one of your friends may be penning the next high school expose as we speak. But the real moral of the story is this: Don't let peer pressure from older cool kids put you in a tight spot -- they're just as clueless as you. (Speaking of which, the film's director Amy Heckerling would go on to give us the "Clueless." As if.)
+ "Can't Hardly Wait"
Photo: Columbia Pictures
This late 90s treasure -- chock full of then up-and-comers like Jennifer Love Hewitt, Seth Green, Jason Segel, Selma Blair and Jaime Pressly, puts the high school hierarchy on blast at an epic graduation party where all the tradish cliques collide with hilarious results. But the best part is watching supernerd William seek his revenge on jock jerk Mike (Carlisle Cullen before he was everyone's fav vamp dad!). Getting picked on sucks -- and they didn't even have to deal with friggin Facebook. These days we're dealing with cyberbullying and if you're getting picked on via nasty comments on FB or other ways online, you're not alone. A Thin Line can help you stand up to cyber bullying and give resources on the matter.
+ "Ferris Bueller's Day Off"
Photo: Paramount Pictures
Life moves fast according to this film's hero. But you still need to take some time to experience the glory of Ferris Bueller's creative takedown of yet another "sick day" during a legendary senior year. And no, we're not endorsing that y'all bail on class but at least Ferris opted for some culture when he sneaked away for a "Young Wild and Free" adventure. And this film isn't all fluff. (DUH, it's yet another John Hughes masterpiece. Please watch every movie this man has made. NOW.) It features the poignant plotline of Bueller's BFF Cam, whose dad shows his sports car more love than his son. Cam ends up mentally breaking down in the middle of their hooky hijinks -- and we bet some of y'all have felt like freaking out during all this crazy change, too. So reach out to your crew and check out the resources at Half of Us.
+ "Adventureland"
Photo: Miramax Films
Reality check: your parents might not pay for you to do whatever you want after you graduate. But it ain't that bad -- you could be like Jesse Eisenberg's character in this retro romp and get a seemingly wack summer job but end up learning a butt-ton about yourself through your interactions with the cast of loveably lost souls at the local amusement park. That could totes be you! So sack up and get employed -- wherever and whenever you can -- because first jobs might not rock, but you gotta start somewhere. And who doesn't wanna put "carnie" on their resume?! And while you're at it, make sure to vote in this year's prez election to get your voice heard about the lack of jobs for young folks. Or just create a "Hire Me" billboard.
