Just One of the Guys (1985)

This movie is one of the most cheesy teenage comedies I’ve ever seen, but that is what makes it pretty entertaining especially for its age. It still holds up after all these years. I have seen it a few times now, and I still find it to be a trend setter for gender bender comedy movies. If anyone takes this to be serious, then they are completely missing out on a pretty good time.

This was directed by Lisa Gottlieb who only has a few credits to her name. However, she seemed to capture a piece of the 1980’s here, and for those of us who remember growing up during this time, you will appreciate seeing the fashion and hearing some bits of music here and there while following this simple plotline.

I think writer Dennis Feldman had a clever idea and ran with it. He co-wrote the screenplay with Jeff Franklin and together they delivered some remember able lines. Joyce Hyser plays the leading character named Terry Griffith who is interested in becoming a journalist. Her obsessive passion leads her to trouble as she goes undercover becoming a boy at the same high school she attends – while trying to get the scoop for her story. Later on, things backfire for her as you will see. However, there was a romantic interest introduced played by Clayton Rohner as Rick Morehouse. Was it just me? or did he seem too old to be in high school? I guess he was held back a few times.  Leigh McCloskey plays Kevin who is Terry’s older controlling boyfriend.

Terry’s sex starved brother’s antics filled in the downplayed storyline portrayed by actor Billy Jayne . I thought his character Buddy Griffith certainly added something to the movie. Toni Hudson played Denise who is Terry’s best female friend. William Zabka plays Greg Tolan who is the popular jock and self proclaimed stud at the school. You might remember him from other films such as The Karate Kid (1984). He does a good job at playing a jerk.

There are a number of stereotypical type characters in this who are featured throughout the film such as: Stuart Charno playing a guy nicknamed “Reptile” who is always lugging around rodents, lizards and the like. I guess he was sup post to be the weirdo kid in school. A very young Sherilyn Fenn appears in this as Sandy. I believe this was only her second feature film. She isn’t the only one to get some type of notoriety out of this; a young Arye Gross plays Willie who was one of the Star Trek nerds in the film. Robert Fieldsteel plays the other nerd character named Phil. John Apicella plays Coach Mickey Morrison, Kenneth Tigar plays Mr. Raymaker and Steven Basil plays Mark.

There are some moments which any guy will remember watching this, especially towards the end of the film. I recommend this one to watch with friends if you feel like seeing a comedy film with a near no brainer storyline. It has a few funny and original scenes worth seeing. I found Joyce Hyser’s performance pretty witty; it isn’t the easiest role to play. If you liked this film, you may also enjoy It’s a Boy Girl Thing (2006) which was a better film than this, and the story is a bit different.

Just One of the Guys

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