Rock 'n' Roll High School
New World Pictures | Release Date: August 24, 1979 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
70
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 7 Critic Reviews
Positive:
5
Mixed:
2
Negative:
0
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
91
The A.V. ClubZack Handlen
Underneath its chipper, anything-for-laugh grin, Rock ‘N’ Roll is as subversive as teen movies get, with an ending that, for all its absurdity, is still surprisingly shocking. Read full review
80
TV Guide MagazineStaff (Not Credited)
Written by Joe Dante and directed by Allan Arkush, this refreshingly wacky teenage film is filled with warped humor (including mice exploding to Ramones music), and makes wonderful use of the "so dumb they're smart" Ramones, who stepped to the fore when Cheap Trick backed out of the project. Nothing is taken seriously and nothing should be--it's only rock 'n' roll. Read full review
80
IGNR.L. Shafer
Rock 'n' Roll High School is like a ride on a music rollercoaster. For some, the ride will be a dizzying one they'll never want to endure again. But for others – mostly cult/punk enthusiasts – this is going to be one ride worth experiencing over and over again. Read full review
75
Chicago TribuneGene Siskel
A freewheeling, up-with-kids-down-with-high-school picture featuring punk rock stars, The Ramones. Read full review
70
Time Out LondonStaff (Not Credited)
It's basically kleenteen fun. If you're worried about the Ramones, rest assured; they make a very adequate chunka chunka chunka sound. Read full review
60
The New York TimesJohn Rockwell
Rock 'n' Roll High School purports to be little more than summer fun, and, in its zanily unpretentious way, it is certainly that. Read full review
60
Chicago ReaderDave Kehr
[An] amiable, rambunctious New World production, aimed ostensibly at the teen trade but more obliquely and effectively at the new wave cult...It's more cleverly cut than shot—which means that it moves quickly and energetically even as the concepts and characters disintegrate. Read full review
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