IT WAS THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL IN 1976, A TIME THEY’D NEVER FORGET… IF ONLY THEY COULD REMEMBER.

The Slacker (1991) director strikes again with another report from Texas, this one set in 1976 when he was 16 years old. Obviously, the most engaging character in this ensemble drama is a young teenager idolizing the rowdy, older kids at school. Largely plays out during one night of partying, this film (which has gained a cult status) does for the 1970s what American Graffiti (1973) did for the ’50s, complete with a perfect soundtrack of rock classics. Captures the spirit of its time, and it’s fun spotting familiar faces who went on to have successful careers.

1993-U.S. 102 min. Color. Written and directed by Richard Linklater. Cast: Jason London (Randall ”Pink” Floyd), Wiley Wiggins (Mitch Kramer), Sasha Jenson (Don Dawson), Rory Cochrane, Milla Jovovich, Marissa Ribisi… Matthew McConaughey, Ben Affleck, Parker Posey, Renée Zellweger.

Trivia: Co-produced by Linklater. Zellweger’s first film.

IMDb