The Stöned Age (1994)

Waste of time

The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

It is an exhilarating, distressing, funny and profound film, with one of the more memorable film scores in years,

It's sad that many people who commented on this gem, either didn't get it, nitpick over it's faults (yes they are there but all movies have them), or want to compare it to Dazed and Confused. They are two different movies altogether. For one the kids in Dazed and Confused were essentially the 10% - rich, athletic, and popular kids in school partying it up. Then of course there was the rest of us.If you were an average teen in the late 70's or early 80's, driving, drinking, and smoking whatever you could afford then you got this movie for sure. Smoking skank weed out of a crushed Shlitz Malt Liquor tall can - been there, did it. Driving a vehicle that was a barely moving invitation for the cops to bust you (try a brush painted green Chevy Luv pickup for nasty)- did that too. Getting wasted and crashing the rich kid/jock kegger with your friends - did that more times than I can count.I especially liked how the writer/director portrayed Joe and Hubbs - for once long haired, hard rock listening, beer swilling, stoners weren't turned into violent sociopaths. There was no nannying Lifetime style message about drug and alcohol use. These were good kids, who while on the wild side, would more than likely grow up to be pretty responsible adults - like most of us did.It's sad there was never a follow up to this one. I liked the characters enough that seeing them in later years (can you picture both Joe and Hubbs being the father character, dealing with the hip hop listening punks of today - I could)would surely be worth seeing.This a great, nearly forgotten gem that deserves the 10 I gave it. Crack open a tall OX 45, light up some lumbo and enjoy

WHen Dazed and Confused made it's big splash, you knew there had to be a b level equal. The Stoned age is more then b level material, and is quite funny at the same time.The story is the familiar two guys looking for fun on a weekend night. There are the several misadventures as they guys meet up with two chicks, who just happened to be eyed up by the competition, the recently paroled Crump.One of the funniest part of the film belongs to the two straight laced cops who continually follow the two stars around. Both are so straight, they are funny. No matter what the situation, there's the one cop who relates it to his own youth, to show the teens that at heart, he was at one time, one of them.This is one of the few films that China Kantner has done. She's good looking, despite the efforts to dress her down into more of a tomboy. While Hubbs is after the hot blonde Lainie, Joe is paired with Jill (China Kantner). The uncomfortableness between the two does turn into an attraction. Where Hubbs is just in it for a one night stand, Joe is a little more mature.When Crump arrives to stake his claim, Hubbs runs form the fight, and Joe does so relunctedly, but does return. Only this time, he's confronted by the chicks father. Joe stands up for the honor of both girls has they are berated by their father. His act impresses Jill, and Hubbs returns to rescue his friend.The ending was great because by the end, the side kick has stood on his own, and you sense the roles between Hubbs and Joe has changed for the better.Keep an eye for cameo's by FRankie Valli, Buck Dhrama, and Eric Bloom of the legendary Blue Oyster Cult, (who themselves are a key plot element), Taylor Negron, and in one of his first roles, Jake Busey. Overall, a very enjoyable escapism flick that doesn't fall into formula.

Invariably this movie is compared to "Dazed and Confused" as they are both roughly about teenage life in the 70's. The similarities end there. D&C is infinitely more polished and better in pretty much every category. The production on "The Stoned Age" is poor as clearly the producers did not have a lot of money to roll into this one. Writing isn't very good. Costumes have serious holes if they are actually trying to be authentic to the 70's era styles.Having said all that, this is a pretty funny movie if you can get past the many many weaknesses. Along the lines of Bill and Ted's or Waynes World and with the huge bonus of Keanu Reeves or Dana Carvey NOT being in the movie. Mindless, childish humor that works on a lot of levels if you grew up in the 70's and are an adult, or if your an adolescent currently. I wouldn't pay 7 bucks to see this in a theater by any means but it's worth a few bucks from the local video store. And if you have some good herb to smoke while you watch, it will enhance your viewing experience. You tend to forgive the many failures of the movie. Not endorsing smoking dope necessarily. I haven't in years but when I did, this movie was much better. After all, it is called The Stoned Age and smoking ensues throughout the flick. All I'm saying. :)

If your going to watch this movie make sure you have a case of Ox 45's….and they better be talls. The Schnappster would work too if you are also wanting to party with the foxes. One of the main characters in the movie is named Joe…he reminds me of Mondoman. Who's Mondoman you ask? Just some dude. There's also a chick in the movie who looks just like the chick on the cover of the Virgin Killers album. You can't forget about Crump's brother, even though he's jerk. I'd kick his ass if it wasn't for his massive upper body strength. Any way, the movie is great! The movie has some great lessons in it. But really the is about Joe. "Ever since Joe got hit by that laser at that Blue Oyster Cult Show he's been acting like a p***y"…but enough of Joe. Joe and Hubs technically worm Crump's brothers chicks, and I'm not talking about chicks with zits…I'm talking about fine chicks. That's where the movie gets good. I don't want to give away the whole movie but just remember: Every band puts out at least one p***y song so they can find out who the f***ts are!