[10]

This superb dark comedy blows apart any precious John Hughes-like notions of high school life. Winona Ryder stars as Veronica, a high school girl caught in an elitist bitch-clique with three other young women (including Beverly Hills 90210 star Shannen Doherty) -- all named Heather. But when the dangerous and alluring JD (Christian Slater) rides into town, Veronica falls under his spell as the two set out to exact revenge on the Heathers and every other force of alienation in the school. Veronica quickly finds herself in over her head with JD when their shenanigans end up having a body count. As classmates continue to die, Veronica finds herself running from both JD and the Heathers -- building to a climax that will change the student body hierarchy forever. 

Director Michael Lehmann works from an excellent screenplay by Daniel Waters, one that dares to satirize teenage suicide. Waters’ colorful, off-kilter dialogue is pioneering, an early hint of what Joss Whedon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) would later make a career out of. Witness lines like, “Did you have a brain tumor for breakfast?” or “F*uck me gently with a chainsaw.” Ryder and Slater are in two of the finest roles of their careers, even if Slater seems to be channeling Jack Nicholson most of the time. I also like David Newman’s punchy music and the bold, stylish clothing.

Most dark comedies tend to pull their punches, especially toward the end, but Heathers remains true to its sensibilities. As dark comedies go, it’s way up there with Dr. Strangelove and Harold & Maude.