Flick Picks
Movies to Get You in the School Mode

By Jennifer Gioia, staff writer

"Back to school" is a phrase everyone loves to hear. But other then new clothes, the phrase doesn't bring up pleasant memories for me. However, now that I'm not in school anymore, I actually miss it. Every September I have the urge to buy notebooks, folders, and pens.

And although I long for the days of pep rallies and dances, I realize that not everyone feels the same. So here are a few of my favorite high school movies to rev up your spirit.

Save the Last Dance (2001)
With Julia Stiles, Sean Patrick Thomas
Sara gains popularity in an inner-city high school by learning the latest hip-hop moves. I've tried some of the dance moves in public. They didn't work.

Bring It On (2000)
With Kirsten Dunst, Gabrielle Union
The woes of being a cheerleader! What could be more fun than watching an unlucky cheerleading squad cheer their way to the top? After watching this movie, I couldn't stop doing spirit fingers.

She's All That (1999)
With Rachel Leigh Cook, Freddie Prinze Jr.
Artistic hippie Laney gets a makeover, a boyfriend, and a spot on the prom queen ballot—all because of a bet by the most popular guy in class. In my favorite scene, everyone at the prom performs the same dance routine. How come no one did that at my prom?

Can't Hardly Wait (1998)
With Ethan Embry, Jennifer Love Hewitt
If you absolutely hate school, this movie gives you a reason to hang in—that last huge party. The biggest geek in school rocks the party by lip-syncing to a Guns N' Roses song. Hey, it could happen.

Clueless (1995)
With Brittany Murphy, Alicia Silverstone
You might be clueless about the plot of this movie, but it's worth watching just for the catch phrases. As if! The fashions in this movie are guaranteed to give you a toothache.

Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
With Matthew Broderick, Mia Sara
Ferris Bueller has got to be the coolest teen around. Who would have thought a movie about skipping school could be this much fun to watch?

Pretty in Pink (1986)
With Andrew McCarthy, Molly Ringwald
Being from the wrong side of the tracks isn't so bad. Andie gets the guy and stays true to her weird sense of fashion. Keep an eye out for her pink polka-dot prom dress—another '80s fashion nightmare.

The Breakfast Club (1985)
With Anthony Michael Hall, Molly Ringwald
Saturday detention—for most, it's a wasted day. But for these students, it's filled with self-discovery and lots of ruckus. A cult classic and a must-see, especially for the '80s styles.

Footloose (1984)
With Kevin Bacon, Sarah Jessica Parker
One of the cheesiest movies ever. But when it came out, I thought that dancing couldn't get any better. Go ahead, watch it—and laugh at my expense.

Sixteen Candles (1984)
With Anthony Michael Hall, Molly Ringwald
Poor Samantha! Everyone forgets her 16th birthday. But don't feel too bad for her. Like most teen movies, everything works out. And, of course, she gets the hot guy in the end.