High Life : A WEEKLY FORUM FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS : Romance, Humor Star in Fave Flicks

Marketers of ultra-violent movies and blood-and-gore horror films may be surprised by the types of movies Orange County teen-agers name as favorites.

Taking a turn with this ever-elusive topic, High Life asks, “What is your favorite movie and why?”

“ ‘Say Anything.’ It’s really romantic. Too bad there’s no guy like that who exists in reality.” Theresa Lee, 15, sophomore, Kennedy High School

“ ‘Far and Away,’ because it warms my gizzards.’ Bryan Chin, 18, senior, Ocean View

“ ‘Father of the Bride,’ because it shows you all the things you have to go through just to get married. It was cute and funny.” Maria Pope, 18, senior, Southern California Christian

“ ‘The Power of One,’ because it explains the differences between races and has a really positive attitude. It has a really good plot.” Olivia Lindsay, 15, freshman, Santa Margarita

“Any movie having to do with professional wrestling, like ‘No Holds Barred’ starring Hulk Hogan. He’s a stud.” Scott McCarthy, 16, junior, Ocean View

“ ‘Top Gun.’ It blends great music and exciting and gorgeous guys.” Erin Welden, 17, junior, Villa Park

“ ‘Akira.’ An intense and moving story.” Jesse Collier, 17, senior, Dana Hills

“ ‘Dead Poets Society,’ because I’m a Robin Williams fan and I enjoy seeing him play a more serious role.” Genoa Sibold-Cohn, 16, junior, Villa Park

“ ‘Basic Instinct,’ because it’s an erotic thriller.” Lance Cullen, 18, senior, Servite

“ ‘The Breakfast Club’ was so funny. The tricks they did were hilarious.” Liz Gaez, 17, junior, Southern California Christian

“ ‘A Few Good Men,’ because not only is Tom Cruise in it, but the plot was very serious and kept my interest. I was sitting on the end of my seat the whole time.” Courtney Hayes, 15, sophomore, Villa Park

“ ‘Beaches.’ It always makes me cry and reminds me of my best friend.” Angela Ahn, 16, sophomore, Kennedy

“ ‘Cutting Edge,’ because it’s a rad love story.” Julie Borquist, 18, senior, Ocean View

“ ‘The Natural,’ because of Robert Redford and the drama.” Ed Ryan, 18, senior, Servite

“ ‘The Princess Bride.’ It’s got a bit of everything--romance, adventure, mystery and revenge.” Sejal Patel, 15, sophomore, Kennedy

“ ‘Gorillas in the Mist.’ I would love to do what Dian Fossey did. When she gained the wild gorilla’s trust, I got goose bumps.” Jennifer Stroh, 18, senior, Dana Hills

“ ‘Some Kind of Wonderful.’ It was a cute, lighthearted movie with a good message. It was funny and enjoyable.” Lori Harrison, 17, junior, Southern California Christian

“ ‘Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory’ is my favorite because I always remember that huge candy man with the chocolate waterfall and humongous dummy bears. It was my childhood dream.” Sara K. Goo, 16, junior, Dana Hills

“ ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ because it’s very enchanting and has a feel of romance.” Carrie Caldwell, 16, junior, Santa Margarita

“ ‘Back to the Future.’ It makes you think how little, unimportant things can affect your future in a big way.” Raymond Perez Jr., 18, senior, Orange Lutheran

“ ‘Airplane,’ because every time you watch it, you discover a new joke that you never caught before.” Patrick Strader, 17, junior, Santa Margarita

“ ‘Top Gun,’ because after that movie I wanted to join the Navy.” Brian Nessia, 18, senior, Servite

Next Week’s Hot Topic: What would be your “ultimate” summer job?