Mischief

Released in 1985, Mischief is a coming-of-age film that seamlessly blends humor and drama to capture the essence of adolescent romance and friendship. This memorable film stars Doug McKeon, Catherine Mary Stewart, and Kelly Preston in leading roles.

Doug McKeon plays the character of Jonathan Bellah, a shy and socially awkward teenager who can't seem to summon the courage to pursue his romantic interest, the radiant Marilyn McCauley, portrayed impressively by Kelly Preston. Marilyn is the ultimate American dream girl, encapsulating 1950’s beauty and charm while leaving a trail of admirers wherever she goes. Jonathan, infatuated with her, dreams of capturing her attention but lacks the assertiveness and experience to make a move.

In comes Gene Harbrough, an enigmatic new student in town who takes an immediate interest in Jonathan and becomes his self-appointed mentor in the arts of love and romance. Harbrough is essayed by the dynamic actor Chris Nash, who brings a certain devil-may-care charm and boyish charisma to the role. As the school's new bad boy, Harbrough is unabashed and unapologetically rebellious, creating interesting dynamics with the various characters he encounters throughout the film.

The charming Catherine Mary Stewart features as Bunny Miller, a sweet and sympathetic character who adds a different flavor to this ensemble. Stewart’s calming presence and innate charm beautifully offset the film's high-energy shenanigans.

The story takes place in a quaint town in Ohio during a simpler time - 1956 - which is accurately captured through the film's spot-on production design and nostalgic musical score. Director Melvin Damski effortlessly recreates this period's vibes, allowing viewers a realistic snapshot into a time gone by. The lush green surroundings, period-specific costume designs, and classic American cars paint a portrait of Midwest Americana that's both enchanting and evocative.

The plot explores themes of adolescent discovery, the tumultuous nature of high school relationships, heartbreak, friendship, and the inevitable march towards maturity. Mischief is essentially a story about Jonathan's transformation, with guidance from Harbrough, from a timid, insecure boy into a confident young man who's not afraid to face his feelings for Marilyn. In their unconventional friendship, the two boys learn about life, loss, and the immense courage it takes to be honest with oneself.

While Mischief interweaves several subplots and character arcs, the central component always remains the nuanced, evolving friendship between Jonathan and Harbrough. Watching two such contrasting personalities navigate their way through high school's trials and tribulations provides ample opportunity for comedy and allows for a profound exploration of friendship's value.

Interestingly, Mischief also presents a fascinating look into the 50's youth culture – complete with hot rod racing, sock hops, gritty comic books, and of course, rock-n-roll music. The cultural backdrop of the film might not be something today's generation can directly relate to, but it's presented with such a degree of authenticity that it becomes hard not to be caught up in the film's nostalgic atmosphere.

In terms of performances, the film boasts some genuine talents. Doug McKeon channels Jonathan's vulnerability and earnestness in a way that makes the character endearing and relatable to any teenager grappling with the complexities of adolescence. The late Kelly Preston brings her natural charm to the role of Marilyn, embodying the glamour and carefree spirit of the era, while Chris Nash masterfully manages a character who, while initially coming off as a rake, shows considerable depth as the plot unfolds.

In conclusion, Mischief is a heartwarming, often poignant tale of youthful rebellion and desire. It deftly taps into the heartache, thrill, and confusion emblematic of the teenage years while grounding its narrative in a distinctive sense of time and place. Whether you're a fan of coming-of-age films or simply enjoy well-crafted period dramas, Mischief is a movie that warrants your attention.