THE OUTSIDERS

SYNOPSIS: When two poor greasers, Johnny and Ponyboy, are assaulted by a vicious gang of rich kids, Johnny kills one of the attackers in self-defense, setting off a turbulent chain of events that changes their lives forever.

BOTTOM LINE: The Brat Pack brings the teen angst and social woes of S.E. Hinton's lyrical novel brilliantly to life. Coppola may have changed milieus, but the song is the same as we follow a group of young men in their struggle to find acceptance and love in a society that would rather see them dead than successful. Known as the Greasers, they fight a constant battle with the Socs, in an effort to protect what little they have. A deadly encounter between the groups youngest members, Ponyboy (Howell) and Johnny (Macchio), and the leader of the Socs, played by Garrett, sends the boys on the run and the rest of the Greasers into the rumble of their lives. Desperate to grow up, Ponyboy quickly learns to be careful what one wishes for. Though the film is told from Ponyboy's point of view, this is a carefully constructed ensemble piece that gives every character their moment to shine. Macchio gives the film its heart with his portrayal of the emotionally wounded and eventually doomed Johnny. Dillon and Lane add their own special touches to the proceedings. His sense of social injustice sparks marvelously with her rich girl fatigue. With a less talented cast, this could have been a dismal melodrama. As it stands, THE OUTSIDERS is a dated, yet still intense tale about friendship, honor, family and the power of hope.