I Rewatched A Gen X Classic Starring Christian Slater, And It Reminded Me Just How influential It Was On Me

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Christian Slater truly represents Generation X, and many consider him one of its most recognizable figures. He’s best known for films like Heathers, a darkly funny movie that remains popular today—so much so that it was even adapted into a musical in 2010. While fans have long hoped for a sequel, Winona Ryder recently said it’s unlikely to happen.

One of my all-time favorite movies from the 90s is Pump Up the Volume, another film starring Christian Slater that probably won’t ever get a sequel. While it wasn’t as popular as movies like Heathers, True Romance, or Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, it had a surprisingly big impact on me. I recently rewatched it – I rented it online through Prime Video – and realized just how much it influenced me, even years later.

In High School, I Wanted To Be HHH

In the film, Slater portrays Mark Hunter, a seemingly ordinary high school student who leads a double life as the host of a pirate radio station named “Happy Harry Hard-on.” His show features great music – tracks by artists like Above The Law, Richard Hell and the Voidoids, and Leonard Cohen – and between songs, Happy Harry shares advice that, when I was a teenager, felt deeply meaningful. Even now, some of it still resonates, though looking back, it seems a bit naive and simplistic.

Even so, I really looked up to that character back then. Like Lloyd Dobler with his boombox in Say Anything or Dante Hicks’ funny lines in Clerks, HHH seemed to voice what a lot of people my age were feeling. These were the heroes for our generation, helping to define Generation X. But HHH had something those other characters didn’t: a genuinely cool situation, playing music on his underground radio station and even sparking a revolt at his school. It sounds a little silly now, but as a teenager, it felt like the ultimate dream. I eventually grew out of that rebellious phase, but the movie still stuck with me.

Offering My Opinions To The Public And Playing Cool Music For My Friends

I’m lucky enough to have a job where I can share my thoughts and opinions, particularly about pop culture – like how movies from the 80s and 90s have impacted me. I get paid to write about things I’m passionate about and to introduce others to things I think they’ll enjoy. It’s not as deep as the main character’s radio show in Pump Up The Volume, but I find it really fulfilling.

I also really enjoy finding new music – or rediscovering older songs from the Gen X era that I’ve missed – and sharing it with my friends. I love being the DJ at any get-together, and I spend a lot of time creating playlists for every occasion. I put a lot of effort into crafting the perfect listening experience, even for something casual like a backyard barbecue or a pre-concert party. If I’m at a bar, I’m known to splurge on the jukebox, playing more obscure songs and repeatedly adding songs just to avoid hearing “Don’t Stop Believin'” – I’ve just gotten tired of that song, though it’s not Journey’s fault!

I often reflect on things, not necessarily with nostalgia, and I’ve realized how much Gen X pop culture has influenced my life and work. The movie Pump Up The Volume especially seems to have had a bigger impact on me than I previously thought.

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2025-10-29 00:41