Heidi Smith Movies
- 1997
Independent feminist filmmaker Sarah Jacobson directed this blunt comedy about a teenager learning to deal with her emotional and sexual needs. Mary Jane (Lisa Gerstein) is a 17-year-old girl from the Midwest who works at a movie theater specializing in foreign and independent films. Her co-workers are the cream of the city's bohemian crowd, and cute but awkward Mary Jane wishes that there was some way she could fit in. Regarding her virginity as a serious roadblock on the path to greater coolness, Mary Jane allows herself to be seduced by a local lout named Steve, who leaves her very much unsatisfied and hits the road immediately after their brief tryst in a cemetery. Frustrated and unhappy, Mary Jane begins commiserating with her co-workers, several of whom have friendly advice for her. Punk rocker Ericka (Beth Ramona Allen) coaches Mary Jane on sexual technique and the joys of masturbation, gay manager Dave (Greg Cruikshank) offers lots of sympathy and advice on men, and new guy Tom (Chris Enright) displays an encouraging interest in her. Beth Ramona Allen is also a member of the punk rock band The Loudmouths, who appear on the soundtrack, along with Babes in Toyland, Mudhoney, Steel Pole Bathtub, Red Aunts, AFI, and The Cosmic Psychos. Former Dead Kennedys frontman Jello Biafra makes a cameo appearance. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lisa Gerstein, Greg Cruikshank, (more)
In-between rappin' numbers by groups like Run-DMC and The Fat Boys, an almost unnoticeable plot unfolds as manager Russell (Blair Underwood) desperately looks for funding to press more records for Run-DMC's first hit. This gets him into deep water when he borrows from the wrong man and then is left behind after his performers hit the charts and are off on a better life. But all is not lost, after more rap and rock by everyone, the clan returns with salvation at hand. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Blair Underwood, Joseph Simmons, (more)
