Knowing Sean Penn's typical role overall as a rebel going against the main stream was a good prerequisite for appreciating this movie. In this supporting role, he's not exactly a full-on rebel yet, as he fulfills his part as a comrade, yet he is the one who isn't so entirely gung-ho about his friends' chosen next steps. He is part slacker and part realist. He, can see the situation form another perspective, from a larger perspective, despite being in the middle of a clash of one-track minds - keep the school (dutifully) opened, and the other one - get these kids to stop playing games and move one with the set plans to close the school. Despite his lack of zeal, he still sticks with the cadets' "honor" - a big theme in this flick, and is forced be directly involved and affected by the set of actions that unfold at the academy.
Overall: first feature film role (has done previous tv work), early displays of a social deviant, a 'so what?' mentality, beginning of not caring what others think.
Unrelated bonus: early Tom Cruise with a preview of his future fanatical personality
