Pump Up the Volume

Pump Up the Volume

This was a classic teen-aged angst film about finding your voice and speaking out.  Christian Slater plays Mark Hunter - a relocated introvert from the east who out of frustration in his quiet but troubled new neighborhood in Phoenix, Arizona turns into pirate radio deejay, Happy Harry Hard-on, every night.  The reluctant hero gains a following of angst ridden teens at his local high school who eventually follow Harry's example in speaking out about the pain and loneliness of growing up with expectations.  His broadcasts lead a young teenager to suicide and inadvertently draw the attentions of angry misunderstanding parents, the corrupt management of his high school and eventually the FCC.  Though, I admit, not Oscar material, Pump Up the Volume will get you thinking about pontificating some hard talk over the broadband for a couple of minutes after which you'll forget about your angst over a cold brew.