Its 1976 all over again in Richard Linklaters 1993 pot-hazed high-school confidential. Yet beneath the cannabis clouds theres surprising insight into the inner lives of slackers, stoners, and jocks. Throughout, Linklaters laid-back observational style reveals all the longing, languor, and half-understood notions of self that define what it means to be 18. And you cant beat Aerosmiths Sweet Emotion. Keep your (red) eyes peeled for Parker Posey, Ben Affleck, Nicky Katt (The Limey), Joey Adams (Chasing Amy), a young Wiley Wiggins (Walking Life), and Matthew McConaughey, whose muscle-car Romeo memorably declares, Thats what I like about these high school girls: I keep getting older; they stay the same age. Somehow Linklater almost makes that seem poignant. (R) BRIAN MILLER
Jan. 2-3, 7 & 9:30 p.m.; Mon., Jan. 4, 9:30 p.m.; Jan. 5-6, 7 & 9:30 p.m., 2010