“Teenage Wasteland (2025) Review: A Deep Dive into Roger Ebert’s Insight on the Film”

Most of us often look back at old photos from high school with a mix of embarrassment and nostalgia. Those awkward styles and questionable friend groups can be cringeworthy. But for some students from Fred Isseks’ “Electronic English” class at Middletown High School in 1991, those days were about more than just having fun. They uncovered a serious scandal involving illegal dumping that affected their town’s water supply, linked to pollution and health issues.

This journey of discovery forms the core of “Teenage Wasteland,” a documentary by Amanda McBaine and Jesse Moss. It delicately balances ’90s nostalgia with a powerful message about student journalism. McBaine and Moss highlight not just the scandal but also the teamwork and passion these teens displayed. They show how young people can make a difference, even against the odds.

Middletown High’s Isseks, now older but as passionate as ever, reflects on the past as he sifts through VHS tapes of his students’ projects. At first, it’s all about having fun: making music videos, shooting action scenes, and just being kids. But when Isseks learns about discolored water near a landfill, he inspires his students to take action. “He explained it in a way rebellious teenagers understand,” Rachel, one of the students, recalls fondly.

As the film unfolds, it captures the essence of their investigation. Viewers see them interviewing locals, sneaking onto the landfill, and gathering evidence. The nostalgic VHS look and ’90s music set the tone, creating an endearing snapshot of that time.

But beneath the playful surface, the film doesn’t shy away from serious topics. These kids, often seen as troublemakers, show genuine concern for their community. It’s powerful to watch them challenge a local newspaper editor and confront officials about the birth defects affecting families in their town. Their rebellious nature becomes a tool for advocating change.

While the film shifts between the excitement of discovery and deeper reflections on their mentor, it occasionally feels uneven. Yet, the colorful characters they meet, like the gruff landfill workers and the wise-cracking tipster “Mr. B,” inject life into the narrative. Each new lead reveals a web of corruption that ignites the students’ determination.

In real life, endings aren’t always tidy, and “Teenage Wasteland” captures that reality. While their investigation didn’t bring about dramatic changes, it was a crucial experience for these teens. They may not have changed the world, but their youthful drive created a spark. One student’s nostalgic remark, “Isn’t it wise to never grow up?” encapsulates a lingering spirit of curiosity and rebellion.

Recent studies show that youth activism significantly influences local community issues. According to the 2022 Youth Activism Survey by the Harvard Kennedy School, over 70% of young people believe their actions can lead to positive change. This documentary resonates with that energy, celebrating young voices ready to tackle big problems.

“Teenage Wasteland” is a tribute to the power of youth and the idea that even small actions can lead to meaningful change. It serves as a reminder that bending the rules for the right cause can make a lasting impact.



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