Watch Heaven Help Us

Heaven Help Us is a heartwarming coming-of-age film set in the 1960s. Directed by Michael Dinner, the movie revolves around the experiences of a group of teenage boys studying at a strict Catholic school. The film stars Donald Sutherland, Andrew McCarthy, John Heard, and Mary Stuart Masterson in lead roles. Set in the Brooklyn of 1965, Heaven Help Us narrates the story of Michael Dunn (played by McCarthy), a reluctant transfer student at St. Basil's, a strict all-boys Catholic high school. At St. Basil's, Michael finds himself struggling to get along with the school's strict rules and regulations, which are enforced by the school's disciplinarian Brother Thadeus (Donald Sutherland).

Michael’s roommate, Caesar (played by Kevin Dillon), is obsessed with sex and often turns to Michael as his confidante. Other members of the school include Rooney (played by John Heard), a lay teacher who drinks and pursues women, and Mr. Bracken, a priest wrestling with guilt over his past inaction in the face of the civil rights movement.

Despite his initial discomfort, Michael soon befriends a group of like-minded students, including the mischievous Williams brothers, Rooney’s son, and a reserved girl named Danni (Mary Stuart Masterson). The group’s adventures lead to several hilarious moments, as they attempt to challenge the stubborn hierarchy of the school and make it through their adolescence.

Meanwhile, Michael falls in love with Danni, and their relationship evolves throughout the course of the film. Alongside the other students, Michael witnesses the complexities of love and relationships, with various members of the school community struggling to navigate sexual desires and their faith.

As the school year draws to a close, the students prepare for their final exams and form a bond that will keep them together forever, even as they move on to the next phase of their lives.

Heaven Help Us is a movie that explores adolescence through the eyes of a group of teenage boys. It effectively captures the emotions, experiences, and struggles that adolescent boys face as they try to figure out who they are and who they want to be. The film touches on subjects such as faith, relationships, sex, and power dynamics that exist in institutions like schools.

The performances of the movie’s cast are nuanced, with the lead actors convincingly portraying the experiences of their characters. Andrew McCarthy shines as the unassuming Michael, who’s forced to grow up quickly in the face of the school’s strict rules. Donald Sutherland, as the disciplinarian Brother Thadeus, expertly captures the frustration and complexities of trying to maintain order in an institution filled with adolescent boys.

John Heard also stands out as the conflicted Rooney, who navigates his own issues with love, faith, and morality. Finally, Mary Stuart Masterson shines as Danni, the reserved and intelligent girl who becomes Michael’s romantic interest.

Overall, Heaven Help Us is a touching and poignant portrayal of adolescence in the 60s. The film effectively captures the struggles and joys of growing up and the bonds that are formed during this pivotal period in life. The movie’s timeless themes and memorable characters continue to captivate audiences and make it a classic coming-of-age film.

Heaven Help Us is a 1985 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 64.