I read the book in JHS and recall enjoying the movie when it came out. Pretty funny seeing Tom Cruise, Rob Lowe and Patrick Swayze in bit rolls (Cruise and Lowe more than Swayze). (Oh right, also Lief Garrett - but he was always a bit kinda guy.) Kinda dumb movie. I mean, manslaughter in the park, kids run and hideout, save kids from a burning building, come back heroes, but one is admitted to the hospital and dies - no legal jeopardy for the other guys (i.e. one involved in the initial fight where a guy died, the other aiding and abetting). Then, one week later, as their dying buddy is in the hospital, the Greasers agree to rumble with the Socs. I mean, it's a small town. One week after a murder. They go to a park and fight. (Patrick Swayze was worried about losing custody of his brothers and all - but then is not only cool with the rumble, but leads the way.) (When the fight started, the weather was clear and dry. But, after the first punch, pouring rain and suddenly there was mud everywhere. Wow, so much about the movie bugged me.)

Yeah, liked the story at one time, even the movie, but man, not so much now - it is BAD.