Over the Edge

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Over the Edge

PG

1979

1h 35m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

85%

Tomatometer

13 Reviews

84%

Popcornmeter

5,000+ Ratings

With only a recreation center to distract them, most of the teenagers in the drab planned community of New Granada have turned to drugs and delinquency. Carl (Michael Kramer), the son of a town councilman, is an exception, but he can't seem to help falling in with a charismatic and troubled classmate, Richie (Matt Dillon). Soon after, a trigger-happy sheriff (Harry Northrup) shoots Richie, and sole witness Carl has to go on the run, eventually inciting a dramatic teenage riot.

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Anton Bitel

Little White Lies

This allegory of an America ever under construction examines, in a nuanced, even-handed manner, the money-obsessed mindset of adults, parents and entrenched authorities no less than the hostile recalcitrance of errant youth on their road to nowhere.

Jun 1, 2021

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Bruce McCabe

Boston Globe

Jonathan Kaplan's Over the Edge is a sensitive and deceptively shocking portrait of middle-class decadence and alienation set against an impersonal, dehumanized, futuristic Sunbelt society.

Apr 28, 2018

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Geoff Andrew

Time Out

Script, photography and performances (including Dillon before he decided to become a teenage Stallone) are all top notch, while Kaplan directs with pace, imagination, and a fine ear for dialogue and music.

Jan 26, 2006

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Despite the sympathetic slant toward the kids, this isn’t a simplistic “us vs. them” screed.

Rated: 3/4

Mar 24, 2024

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Larry Vitacco

Philadelphia Gay News

This genre has spawned more unmemorable films than quality ones; sadly, Over the Edge falls into the former category.

Rated: 1/4

May 27, 2020

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Fernando F. Croce

CinePassion

Planned suburbia, teenage wasteland

Sep 25, 2009

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Vik D

I have read this is one of Kurt Cobain's favourite films and I can see why

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/25/25

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Me a

Great film, soundtrack, and look at future stars

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/23/25

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Audience Member

Adore this film, performances, and soundtrack

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/30/25

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Helen D

A classic and great snapshot of a moment in time

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/13/25

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K W

The raw look, tone, and performances echo the unrest coming out of turbulent decade. A stellar soundtrack gives a glimpse into a time and life, that's relatable to this day.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/02/25

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Audience Member

This movie was awesome. I have a soft spot for films that aim to understand the rebellious nature of a generation, because I believe it shows someone is trying to help. This film had it all, and in many ways can feel like Spike Lee's "Do The Right Thing". Carl Willat and Richie had a very fun chemistry and dynamic on screen. As a kid the world just seems so unfair, and to a degree they have a point, but I do think they overreacted at some points. When anyone pulls a gun on a cop what is the cop supposed to do? But then again, Doberman fired RIGHT AWAY. He didn't even try to deescalate the situation with negotiations or nothing, which tells me he WANTED to kill Richie. With everything the movie had established beforehand I would say that is entirely a possibility and I understand the anger that grew within the teens. That destruction scene at the end of the movie must have been so much fun, I went to a rage room once and it was not even .1% as fun as that looked. Overall I think this movie was pretty dang good. Also Matt Dillon who was in "There's Something About Mary" was Richie. Very intriguing stuff.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/30/24

Full Review

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Jonathan Kaplan

Director

Michael Eric Kramer

Carl

Pamela Ludwig

Cory

Matt Dillon

Richie

Vincent Spano

Mark

Tom Fergus

Claude

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Synopsis

With only a recreation center to distract them, most of the teenagers in the drab planned community of New Granada have turned to drugs and delinquency. Carl (Michael Kramer), the son of a town councilman, is an exception, but he can't seem to help falling in with a charismatic and troubled classmate, Richie (Matt Dillon). Soon after, a trigger-happy sheriff (Harry Northrup) shoots Richie, and sole witness Carl has to go on the run, eventually inciting a dramatic teenage riot.

Director: Jonathan Kaplan
Producer: George Litto
Screenwriter: Charles S. Haas, Tim Hunter
Production Co: Orion Pictures
Rating: PG
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 11, 2015
Runtime: 1h 35m

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