"Am I a Guy?" - Thoughts on Just One of the Guys (1985)

Okay, so I finally got around to rewatching Just One of the Guys after, like, a million years. It's definitely... a movie. LOL. Seriously though, I remember thinking it was groundbreaking when I was a kid. Now? It's cheesy as all get out, but still kinda fun in a "so bad it's good" way. Joyce Hyser is great as Terry/Terrence. She really sells the whole 'trying to fit in' thing, even when the plot gets, uh, interesting. That science fair scene, though? With the brain in a jar? "It's Alive!" Yeah, that's classic 80s right there. And the whole subplot with Rick (Clayton Rohner, looking like a young Johnny Depp) falling for Terry disguised as a dude? Awkward, but also kinda sweet? I don't know. It's complicated. Definitely not something that would fly today without a whole lotta sensitivity training episodes tacked on. Plus, "I'm not wearing any pants" scene is gold! Honestly, the thing that holds up the best is the message, even if it's hammered home with a sledgehammer: prejudice is dumb. Terry's frustration at being underestimated because she's a girl is still relevant, even if her solution is...extreme, to say the least. Also, Wm. Zabka is a great jerk in this. He really nails the 80s bully vibe. "Get outta my way, nerd!" So, yeah. Just One of the Guys. Not perfect, not groundbreaking, but definitely a quotable slice of 80s teen movie history. Worth a watch if you're in the mood for something silly and nostalgic. Just don't take it too seriously. Or do. "Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn!!"