Justin's Rating: Naked under my graduation gown
Justin's Review: Boy, if Joe thought Ben Affleck's facial hair was bad in Chasing Amy, then the man's combination poofy hair and artists' goatee is really going to come as a shock in Glory Daze.

Many people drum into your head that your college years are the best of your life. Henceforth, it only makes sense to say that when they come to a close, when friends move on, when the real world (NOT the MTV version) takes over... it gets a bit sad and dumpy. Fortunately, the grads in Glory Daze have some sense of what's important, and go out with aplomb.

Jack (Ben Affleck) is a failing art student who serves as both the narrator and hopeless romantic. Rob (Sam Rockwell) has the title of "whipped dog" by girlfriend Joanie (Megan Ward). Dennis (French Stewart) is a bizarre photographer who sees himself as the father-figure of their house, El Rancho Grande. Slosh (Vien Hong) is a computer major turned raging drunk, and Mickey (Vinnie DeRamus) has both cartoonist fame and no sense of relationships whatsoever. The movie follows them through their final days at college, when Jack decides to hang on to the past (in both his friends and ex-girlfriend) and get his buddies to go along with it.

They throw a major party. They restart their band. They spout a lot of clever little phrases as only college grads have the wisdom to do. They don't go to classes though... do you ever notice how few college movies show their characters in classes?

It's slightly depressing, in the way of Reality Bites and Sleep With Me. But it also has a great sense of humor and cheek that really makes this a grown-up version of Animal House. Don't cry... just laugh one more time.

Keep your eye out for some smart little cameos by Matthew McConaughey, Brendon Fraser, and other people trying to hang on to those bright burning years.

Didja Notice?
What the name of this college is? I had no idea?
How to get free pizza
Elvis is dead
What an art major ends up doing... who knows?

The Movie Store!
Glory Daze: Movie [VHS]
Glory Daze: Soundtrack [CD]

Intermission!
Justin dedicates the review of this film to some of his college friends, girlfriends, and professors that made the angst that much more fun: Lance, Bob, Jessica, Bob #2, Tammy, Lynne, Russ, Wang-Dang, Emily, Renee, Chris, Bill, and Traci.

MRFH-ite Katie wrote in: Just a quick note on the film "Glory Daze." Justin didn't know what the name of the university was -- it's UC-Santa Cruz. Alright, that's it. Keep up the good work over there! I love you guys!

Groovy Quotes:

Jack's Final Message: "Angst For The Memories"

Jack: Ever wonder whatever happens to the pampered rich kids the liberal arts colleges turn out year after year?

Mickey: I like you - the kind of like you where I get to see you naked. No more of this palsie walsie stuff.

Dennis: Preservation through destruction.

If you liked this movie, try these:
Reality Bites
PCU
Animal House

Soundtrack Review: If you're looking for a label to offend anyone living within your stereo blast radius, then this is it. Very interesting tunes, and I speak about the lyrics.