This movie has it all. A great premise, a slow build-up (with constant shots of the clock ticking toward the dreaded 3 o' clock), and a satisfying conclusion. I loved the opening sequence as Jerry has to rush to get to school on time (that groovy track "Something to Remember Me By" is on the soundtrack currently available on CD) and the movie just builds from there. This movie has a lot going for it, most notably Casey Siemaszko in the lead role as Jerry. I love this guy! I would have definitely hung with his crowd back in my high school days. Richard Tyson is the perfect school bully although he looks like he's much too old, he was probably around 30 in 1987. I love the use of exaggerated camera angles to heighten the effect of impending doom. Not surprising since Phil Joanou was a video director (he followed this up with U2: Rattle and Hum) Everyone looked like actual people and not perfect Hollywood actors. Really, if you have an afternoon to kill, I would check out this gem, currently available on DVD.
Review of Three O'Clock High
