kgprophet I saw this around 1980 when it first came out. I was in High School myself and could relate to some of the rebellious shenanigans pictured in this film. So right off the bat, this low budget affair already had elevated itself from other teen rebellion films. Another favourable move was to make the issue of trying to figure out how to date a girl a major plot point. This was another thing I could relate to. Some genuine laughs occur as the school wheeler-dealer (Clint Howard - looking closer to 'Gentle Ben' age) gives the school hunk lessons. All that despite the PG rating.Then there are the Ramones. I read in the IMDb trivia page that several very high profile bands were approached to appear in the film. Bands like DEVO, Cheap Trick, even Van Halen might of been the major characters. Luckily, they all blew their chance because the film would have been more about the charismatic and popular members than the high school students. Instead the Ramones, very introverted and seemingly camera shy, were just about the music. Although my high school friend was heavily into the Ramones and had a few of their albums, it was the on screen performances that got me hooked.Over 30 years later, with Joey Ramone gone, I was able to appreciate his pure talent as a songwriter. In other words, the real formula for success for this band wasn't attitude, presence, the hair, or being at the right point in music history to make a breakthrough. Instead it was Joey's ability to write very catchy songs and lyrics. All the songs featured in the film are equally classics. That is certainly one of the reasons why the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I finally got to see the band live in front of perhaps 100,000 people at a Lalapalooza show in the late 90s. Playing alongside Soundgarden, Metallica, amongst other big names, they held their own with the audience.The best thing about this film is that it refuses to stop a joke short. Each gag scene in the film seems inspired (my favourite is the lunch ladies being punished by being bombarded with their crappy food). Performances are also energetic and the editing crisp. There are no dead spots in this brisk film. For anyone older than junior high or high school age, for sure this film is a bit immature. Even so, memories of your days in high school are relatable with some poignant reflections of what hell it was during that time (like a dorky kid being stuffed inside a locker.) The climax of the film benefits from real pyrotechnics and of course great music.

MartinHafer "Rock 'n' Roll High School" is clearly a bad film. The acting ranges from very bad to very broad--and there isn't much else. The plot is practically non-existent. And, the film is just cheap--very, very cheap--which isn't surprising since it's a Roger Corman film. Corman managed to make a ton of money on nearly every one of his 400 or so films--mostly because with minuscule budgets, it was practically impossible NOT to make money! So when you watch the film, don't expect an Oscar-contender! It's just a very cheap film that was intended for a very narrow audience...teens. But it's also a cult film--one that has some very devoted fans. While I don't think the film is wonderful, it's far more than just a cheap-o film--there are some things about it that are actually rather enjoyable.The film is set at Vince Lombardi High School. The principal is a fun-hating fascist and the students are mostly interested in sex, drugs and rock and roll. And, that really is THE plot of the film--in addition to including the punk group The Ramones. I am a huge Ramones fan and STILL am amazed they agreed to do the movie. After all, they had no respect for authority (that was their shtick) and yet here they appear in a film that is filled with LOTS of lameness. Lame...very lame. But it's nice they were in the film because although there isn't a plot, it is nice to hear their songs--and many of their best songs. My advice is to ignore the plot, listen to the songs and enjoy the goofy moments. My favorite goofy parts were every minute Clint Howard was in the film as well as every time a mouse appeared as well! You just have to see the film to understand what I mean.Overall, for enjoyability I'd give this one a 7. For quality of production, perhaps a 2. Overall, a 5 seems reasonable. Now the film is NOT for all tastes. There is lots of inappropriate behavior by the teens, so I assume a lot of folks wouldn't understand the film. Also, if you are a young person who knows little of the late 70s, you'll probably just laugh at the ridiculous fashions and dopiness of the film. BUT, if you are a middle-aged guy like me who thinks the Ramones are one of the greatest groups in history, then are you in for a treat!

daveonbass One of the greatest rock movies of all-time. Heck, one of the greatest MOVIES of all-time IMO - right up there with "THIS IS SPINAL TAP" for me. PJ Soles, Clint Howard, many classic lines and scenes and put out using a lot of music from "ROAD TO RUIN", one of my absolute favorite Ramones recordings. You gotta check this movie out if you're any kind of Ramones fan at all, it's awesome! B-Movie production and humor at it's finest. DO NOT bother with the sequel to this movie, though... much like the second CADDYSHACK movie (yes, there were two) it's awful. Spinal Tap, this movie and The Who's QUADROPHENIA are probably the three MUST-SEE rock movies of all-time for me... and Pink Floyd's THE WALL would get an honorable mention as well. Buy it, rent it, just get a copy and check it out, you WON'T be disappointed :)

sarah-dmonrx I seriously love this film so much, I never get sick of watching it. The only line I really can't stomach in this is when Riff calls herself a teenage lobotomy but other than that, everything else is perfect. I've never been a fan of PJ Soles and it didn't help to hear that she didn't even know who the Ramones were until she filmed this movie, but I can ignore her snarly little face for the most part. Most people who watch this over and over are fans of the Ramones and really.. that's the only reason I love it so much. I never get tired of seeing DeeDee mess up his Pizza lines or Joey mess up the name of the teacher over and over, haha. One of the best parts of the film is seeing them sing do you want to dance , down the halls of the high school.. I love it. The special edition DVD has a good retrospective, surprisingly PJ Soles isn't on it. Maybe she was working on another project *laugh* Anyway, great film, even better if you're a Ramones fan.