'The Stoned Age,' which seems to be set in the early 1980′s, depicts one night in the lives of two high school burn outs in suburban California. These two friends, Joe (Michael Kopelow) and Hubbs (Bradford Tatum) attempt to avoid a night of driving around aimlessly by heading to the beach in search of some "fine chicks." Although they heard about these girls from Tack (Clifton Collins Jr.), who is relatively harmless, they might indeed have been first spotted by someone else, a guy that no one should make angry.This movie was released in 1994, one year after 'Dazed and Confused,' and the two have been compared ever since. Unfortunately, the writer and director of 'The Stoned Age' tried to hold out for more money, and the project was nearly scrapped altogether. This lead to a lack of funding for a large commercial release, so it ended up being much less well known than it's predecessor. I originally saw the movie in the mid 90′s on the USA network's UP ALL Night, and later bought a copy of the DVD for myself.The soundtrack, which is definitely worth mentioning, is full of classic hits, mainly Blue Oyster Cult. Some of the songs, Don't Fear the Reaper in particular, repeat throughout the movie and eventually become an important to the storyline. The song itself becomes a huge metaphor for Joe's life and helps him come to a major realization giving his character more depth.'The Stoned Age' is one of those movies that I can watch a million times and still enjoy. Although there are only a handful of memorable characters in the movie, each is unique and brings something to the page. Hubbs and Joe have an interesting relationship, Hubbs being the leader and Joe his reluctant sidekick. They differ in music taste and morals, but they sure do have the same taste in women. Their relationship changes throughout the movie taking them from simple stereotypical 80′s burn outs to people whom any audience can relate.While this movie has been known to spark some feelings of 80′s nostalgia (from what I've read, I wasn't born during that time), it also depicts something we can all relate to, that perfect night. Similar to 'Dazed and Confused,' this movie is set in a one day/night time span, and by the time the credits are rolling the viewers find themselves asking, "Damn, why can't I have a night like that?!" By the end of the movie you are the third guy in the car with Joe and Hubbs looking forward to cruising around with them next weekend.

This movie is a classic comedy that really hits home for those who were in high school in the late '70s and early '80s. Although it is supposed to take place in the '70s, having grown up in that decade and the following one, it feels and looks more like the early '80s. In any case, what I love about this film is that it captures the vibe of that era perfectly. For example, nobody in high school today would dare drive a car like the beat-up and seriously disheveled piece of crap VW station wagon that Joe and Hubs drive. Yet such embarrassing means of transport were de rigueur back in the day. I even knew someone who drove a modified post office truck to school. You see, not everyone had money back then. And, rather than be embarrassed by this fact, most just made the best they could of it - like Joe, Hubs, and Tack. In fact, what I like most about the film is that it depicts the middle class of this country like it really is - stripped of all of its pretensions and insecurities. The backbone of our middle class is the blue-collar and working classes. Without them, there would be no middle class. They do all the hard, back breaking physical work necessary for the upper middle class to continue living in comfort. When I first saw this movie, I viewed superficially as just one more good-times stoner film. Having watched it repeatedly, however, I see more clearly the subtleties embedded involving coping with the class and social distinctions we all have to cope with growing up in our culture. Definitely a classic film even if low budget. I would compare it more, though, with the Cheech and Chong films than with Dazed and Confused.

This movie is excellent. I could watch it over and over again and it would never get old. It is at the forefront of intuitive and thoughtful comedy. I would recommend that anybody who hasn't seen this movie go out right now and rent it. For those who lead mundane lifestyles hopefully it will encourage them to have fun. For those who live their lives like I do I'm sure they will enjoy it just as much as I did. There's nothing like laughter to let you cast aside your worries and inhibitions. And I love the fact that it has Grace Slick's daughter in it. I liked listening to her when she was with Jefferson Airplane. Feed your head!

The comparisons to Dazed and Confused need to stop. Dazed was a throw back to good times and standing up for what you believe in. The Stoned Age is about a group of mindless stoners just looking to score, yet is entertaining in it's own right.This film starts out slow and sophomoric, but has a tendency to grow on the viewer after awhile. The film finds it's groove with sensitive stoner Joe(well played by unknown Michael Kopelow) connecting with plane Jill(cute China Kantner, who under the right light, resembles Jennifer Aniston) The jokes are hit and miss, and are rather childish on top of that, yet there is a subtle charm working for this film. Maybe Renee Ammann, who is female perfection personified, has something to do with it's appeal.Okay, but don't compare it with Dazed & Confused, because you'll be utterly disappointed.