Just One of The Guys (1985)

Just what does it take to be among Entertainment Weekly’s “50 Best High School Movies?” According to “Just One of The Guys,” a film needs to be horny, depict decent journalism and have a jaw-dropping fight scene. Bonus points for cross-dressing. This 1985 adaptation of William Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” shocked Dick Ebert with its depictions of a boys locker room, delighted Gene Lyons with its outlandish characters and ventured dangerously close to cringe with a surprise James Brown reference.

Plot Summary: In the 1985 teen comedy Just One of the Guys, directed by Lisa Gottlieb, Joyce Hyser stars as Terry Griffith, a high school student and aspiring journalist who feels her talents are being overlooked because she’s a girl. Determined to prove her abilities, Terry decides to go undercover as a male student at a neighboring school, hoping to win a writing contest she believes will jump-start her career. Disguised as “Terry the guy,” she navigates the high school scene, complete with new friends, social hurdles, and the challenges of keeping her identity a secret.

During her undercover stint, Terry befriends Rick Morehouse (Clayton Rohner), a shy but sweet classmate who becomes her close companion. As their friendship deepens, Terry finds herself caught between helping Rick gain confidence and grappling with her own unexpected feelings for him. Meanwhile, she faces the school bully, Greg (William Zabka), in a memorable showdown that adds humor and tension to her journey.

Terry’s dual life quickly spirals into a tangle of lies, as her attempts to maintain her secret lead to comedic mishaps and misunderstandings. The film humorously explores themes of gender roles, identity, and teenage social dynamics, ultimately challenging assumptions about what it means to be “just one of the guys.”

Just One of the Guys has become a cult favorite for its lighthearted take on gender-swapping humor, its memorable characters, and Hyser’s standout performance. Join our podcast review as we revisit this 80s classic, discussing its social commentary, comedic moments, and whether its charm still resonates with modern audiences.

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