License to Drive

License to Drive (1988): A Journey Through Teen Chaos and Car Crashes

Ah, the 80s. A time when fashion meant neon colors and big hair, music was all about synth-pop, and movies? Well, movies were a rollercoaster of over-the-top plots, questionable acting, and cheesiness that was somehow both cringeworthy and charming. “License to Drive” is no exception. This 1988 gem (and I use the term loosely) is a perfect snapshot of the decade’s teenage angst and absurdity. So, grab your keys, and let’s take a joyride through this cinematic calamity.

Plot: A Teenage Nightmare on Wheels

The story kicks off with Les Anderson, played by the ever-boyish Corey Haim, who’s just another typical 80s teenager with one thing on his mind: getting his driver’s license. It’s the ultimate symbol of freedom and adulthood, and Les is convinced that once he has that little piece of plastic, his life will be perfect. Spoiler alert: it won’t be.

After a series of mishaps and outright stupidity, Les fails his driving test. But this is an 80s movie, and logic is for squares. So, naturally, Les decides to lie to his parents and take the family car for a spin anyway. Because what could possibly go wrong with an unlicensed, underage driver on the streets of Los Angeles?

The night spirals into a series of increasingly ridiculous and dangerous adventures. Les’s best friends, Dean (Corey Feldman) and Charles (Michael Manasseri), join him for the ride. Of course, there’s a girl involved—Mercedes Lane, played by Heather Graham in her film debut. She’s the quintessential 80s dream girl: blonde, beautiful, and completely out of Les’s league.

The plot is as predictable as a sitcom rerun. There are car chases, near-miss accidents, and enough property damage to bankrupt a small country. The gang runs into drunk drivers, angry residents, and even a baby that ends up behind the wheel. By the end of the movie, you’re left wondering if the entire script was written on a dare.

Characters: A Who’s Who of 80s Tropes

Les Anderson (Corey Haim): Our protagonist, Les, is the every-teen of the 80s. Awkward, desperate for independence, and woefully unprepared for responsibility. Corey Haim brings his trademark blend of wide-eyed innocence and mild rebellion to the role, making Les both endearing and frustratingly naive.

Dean (Corey Feldman): Every hero needs a sidekick, and Dean is Les’s. Corey Feldman, sporting the worst fashion choices imaginable, plays Dean as the classic bad influence. He’s always ready with a bad idea and a sarcastic remark, embodying the “bad boy” archetype without any real edge.

Charles (Michael Manasseri): Charles is the third wheel, the nerdy friend who’s mostly there for comic relief. His obsession with trivia and technology feels laughably dated now, but he adds a layer of harmless fun to the mix.

Mercedes Lane (Heather Graham): Ah, Mercedes. The unattainable dream girl who, for some inexplicable reason, finds herself mixed up with Les and his crew. Heather Graham’s performance is charmingly vapid, and her character is more of a plot device than a person. But hey, this is the 80s—we weren’t exactly striving for feminist icons.

Cinematography: Aesthetic Chaos

The cinematography in “License to Drive” is as wild and unrestrained as the plot. Director Greg Beeman doesn’t shy away from clichés, using every trick in the book to keep the energy high and the logic low. Expect lots of wide shots of Los Angeles, neon-lit night scenes, and frenetic chase sequences that make you wonder if anyone on set had ever actually driven a car.

The film’s visual style screams 80s, with garish colors and outrageous fashion choices that assault your senses. It’s a kaleidoscope of bad taste, but somehow, it works. The sheer audacity of the film’s aesthetic choices is part of its charm. You can’t help but laugh at the sheer ridiculousness of it all.

Soundtrack: Synth and Sass

No 80s movie would be complete without a killer soundtrack, and “License to Drive” delivers. The film is packed with synth-heavy tracks and pop anthems that will transport you back to the era of big hair and bigger shoulder pads. The music sets the tone perfectly, adding an extra layer of fun to the chaos unfolding on screen.

The Cheese Factor: Extra Sharp

“License to Drive” is the cinematic equivalent of a cheese platter left out in the sun. It’s cheesy, it’s a bit funky, and it’s definitely not to everyone’s taste. The dialogue is packed with cringe-worthy one-liners, the plot defies all logic, and the characters are more caricatures than real people. But that’s what makes it so much fun.

This film is a product of its time, and it doesn’t try to be anything more than a silly, over-the-top teen comedy. It embraces its own absurdity with gusto, inviting you to do the same. Watching “License to Drive” is like taking a trip back in time to an era when movies didn’t take themselves too seriously, and neither should you.

Final Thoughts: Buckle Up for the Ride

“License to Drive” is not a good movie in the traditional sense. The plot is ridiculous, the characters are one-dimensional, and the whole thing feels like it was thrown together over a weekend. But that’s precisely why it’s so entertaining. It’s a film that knows exactly what it is: a goofy, nostalgic romp through teenage dreams and disasters.

If you’re in the mood for a serious, thought-provoking film, steer clear of this one. But if you want to kick back, relax, and laugh at the sheer absurdity of it all, “License to Drive” is the perfect choice. It’s a wild, reckless joyride that captures the essence of 80s teen cinema in all its cheesy glory.

So, grab your popcorn, suspend your disbelief, and get ready for a night of laughs and eye-rolls. “License to Drive” is a bumpy ride, but it’s one you won’t soon forget.