Little Darlings (1980)

The writing in this movie is really wonderful. Just enough to keep your attention and peek your interest, while still grappling with heavy issues that are very relevant to teenage women.I can say personally, I'm no longer a teenager, but the plot really got me thinking again... about how universal the actions of both these girls were. And how we culturally have not come very far in how to deal with and react to sexually coming-of-age.I also like the acting and the dated look of the film. It takes you back to a different time... no so long ago, but still unlike the things you see on TV today. Highly recommended.

What ultimately destroys this movie is its cowardice. It pretends to be risqué -- two teen girls at summer camp competing to see who can lose their virginity first. But ultimately, it's just another Hollywood morality tale, which pretends to be honest because a few of the teens cuss, smoke, drink, and have sex but ends with a cheesy, predictable, conventional message -- that first casual sexual experience will leave a girl miserable -- that could just as well have been delivered by the pope.So I'd say late-night TV viewing material at best, not something that I'd want to buy. Too bad, because with a bit of "Animal House" subversiveness and abandon this movie could have been in-your-face and hysterical. The elements are there, but it's clear that the filmmakers (or, I suspect, the suits at the studio) didn't have the guts to transcend the conventions of the teen exploitation flick. For contemporaneous movies that portrays teens as they really are, see "Over the Edge" or "The Outsiders." Both succeed because they're frank rather than scared.

If this is were a b movie, i would have given it a 10. Kristy McNichol was always a joke among my friends, because she always played these perfect victim roles. So here we are again, with the poor vs rich girl scenario. Well from the moment you start the film , she is all awkward and smoking all she can. I remember the 80s and no one acted this insane.Now on to the story, of course the girls get away with normal things kids do . In todays world they would be in jail. But this was the 80s when kids where allowed to be kids.The only reason i would think to not let someone watch this movie, is because kids today would see what a shame there childhoods are today.

Having views Little Darlings many times, I just cannot rate it lower. I think the whole cast is wonderful, though Kristy shines out in it like the special person she is. Her portrayal of Angel is tough yet poignant, strong yet sensitive. Every time she smiles her face positively lights up and she is just such a natural! Love the supporting cast is well, and to be fair, Kristy definitely had the more interesting role than Tatum. Wish Hollywood still made movies as good as this, it's so accessible, sweet and down-to-earth. It has one of my all-time favorite endings and the soundtrack is great too, really took me back to my teenage years, and baby that I am, I often cry at the end of it. I feel both proud and privliged to own an original poster for it, it's one of my most prized possessions, as this movie is a personal favorite for me. 'Innocence' would have been a good title as well. Matt Dillon is as gorgeous as I remember him as well. Thank you Kristy, once again, for your gritty yet superlative performance, you are so special.