The Stöned Age

In the opening scene, we find Crump’s brother hitchhiking on a bustling highway. After a few vehicles flutter by, he spots a long-haired teenager in an old Ford pickup who screeches to a halt to give him a ride. The rugged Crump’s brother promptly brags about two girls he’s planning to meet at Torrance Beach for the night. Later, at Petro Park, a popular hangout in Orange County, the pickup driver shares his gossip with a group known as “the guzzlers,” and one of the group, Tack, portrayed by Clifton Collins Jr., wanders off on a mission as the opening credits roll.

During the title sequence, we’re introduced to Joe (played by Michael Kopelow) and Hubbs (played by Bradford Tatum), two typical long-haired teens cruising around in their beloved 1960s Volkswagen Type II Squareback, dubbed The Blue Torpedo. Eager for a good time, they notice the absence of parties. As if to underline this point, Joe’s treasured 8-track of “Hocus Pocus” gets eaten by the tape deck. He attempts to switch it out with “Don’t Fear The Reaper” by Blue Öyster Cult, only for Hubbs to dismiss it as a “pussy song.” However, Joe defends the choice, stating, “If it’s B.O.C., how can it be pussy?” This line prompts Hubbs to throw him into a headlock until he conforms to Hubbs’ taste in music.

Their journey continues as they attempt to chat up the less-than-glamorous “Buffalo Chicks” to gather information about party happenings. Suddenly, they notice Tack signaling for help. Following some brief teasing, they learn from Tack that he knows of a “shitload of fine chicks” near Torrance Beach. Tensions rise as Hubbs demands compensation for gas and drops punches on Tack to coax from him his weekend beer money.

After making a pit stop for gas and cigarettes, they converse with Crump, the gas station attendant, who informs them about two “radical chicks” his brother is involved with, also near Torrance Beach. Hubbs, suspecting Tack of deceit regarding the number of girls, manipulates information to steer both Crumps toward “amateur night” at a strip club, hoping to divert them.

As they venture further, they meet up with Lanie (portrayed by Renee Ammann), who demands drugs for entrance to her house party. Meanwhile, Tack finds himself grappling for a ride and convinces Norm “Snot-rag” Hankey to join him on the adventure, which leads them all to Lanie’s front door after navigating through party controls and quirky encounters.

Upon arriving at Lanie’s house, disappointment ensues as they face rejection from her daughter, Jill, played by China Kantner. Nonetheless, armed with newfound courage, Joe and Hubbs manage to gain entry with an acquired bottle of 151 after a whirlwind shopping experience. The night takes a turn with silly escapades and conversations ranging from concert experiences to romantic tension underscored by Joe’s stoner-like musings.

With emotional highs and lows, the plot weaves through envy, attempted romances, and chaotic parties. Crump’s brother returns home with wrath after being scammed, while Hubbs finds success with Lanie, leading to a series of comedic confrontations where Joe, caught in the fray, must stand his ground.

Things escalate with Tack and the guzzlers’ antics and culminate in a tangle with the police, resulting in humorous escapes and revelations about friendship. In the end, Joe reflects on his evening choices with Jill, which leaves him questioning missed opportunities as he drives home, glancing up at the striking full moon that appears to morph into a “huge gnarly eyeball.”

As the credits roll, the closing song “Don’t Fear The Reaper” accompanies a whimsical cameo of Blue Öyster Cult members, leaving the audience with the light-hearted reassurance: “No Chicks Were Harmed In The Making Of This Film.”

Last Updated: October 25, 2024 at 09:06