Director Penelope Spheeris (of The Beverly Hillbillies (1962-71) and Wayne’s World (1992)) perfectly captured the imperfections of childhood, each moment heartwarming with humour. Our Gang was an immediate hit in the 1920s, but the 1994 version became the most memorable for viewers. The characters were too unfiltered, quirky, and pure not to love, and the timelessness is worth a watch today. Most of all, it reminds us of the goodness of our childhoods.
The acting is exceptional simply because it doesn’t seem like acting. The kids are sloppy in places — a crack of a smile that is out of character is seen, or when there’s a near-glance at the camera. However, the childlike nature creates a more authentic and effortless performance as their unique personalities make the line between actor and character invisible.
Alfalfa, played by Bug Hall, is a poised boy with a spiky cowlick, who has a pinch-your-heart romance with his devotion to Darla (Brittany Ashton Holmes). Unfortunately he does the one thing that goes against clubhouse rules — falls in love. Darla’s soft voice and doll-eyes melt your heart, but her self-confidence defies the power the boys think they have over her and provides a satisfying dynamic throughout the movie. Waldo “Aloysius” Johnston III, played by Blake Ewing, is the arrogant rich kid who likes to think he’s the mini dreamboat to Alfalfa’s romantics, but his ego impedes his own charm. However, his retorts are top-tier and emphasizes his silver-spoon attitude.
The line delivery is adorable and well-timed, especially in the characters’ floppy southern accents. Alfalfa’s consistent attempts to impress Darla with verbal love notes are wholesome no matter how much he overestimates his vocabulary or off-key singing voice. Some lines were cliché and super cheesy — “melt like a popsicle on the fourth of July” for example, but it was acceptable from a cherry-pie-and-honeyed Darla.
The comedy never fell short once. Being excited about a dollar and not knowing the number for 9-1-1 are just small things that provide the idealism of adolescence. The boys keep dodging the arrows of daily life, and watching them shoot the arrows is even more entertaining — the club sabotages Alfalfa’s lunch date with Darla by replacing grape juice with sneaker sweat and PB&J sandwiches with kitty litter.
It’s difficult to find anything bad about this film. Not even the unexpected cameo from President Donald Trump. Today, the subject matter might be controversial as it presents a stereotypical gender narrative, and the unrealistic editing can be a turn-off, but the imperfection is necessary to maximize the silly tone.
I get goosebumps at the film’s wonder and innocence of childhood. I wholeheartedly admire the kids’ courage, never afraid to be themselves and face big things — like the isolation and demand of the adult world. They show us life is more enjoyable when living it with others. As the film’s slogan says, mischief loves company.
Veronica is a Staff Writer at The Cascade. She loves to travel and explore new places, no matter how big or small. She is in her second year at UFV, pursuing the study of Creative
Writing.