The group includes nerdy Shel, his crush Amy, music fan Missy, bickering Peter and Dean, burly Brad, smart-ass Kira, and Lanky, who has been released from youth detention center and has been considering going back to school.

While they wait outside for a nightclub to open, the teens raise hot topics that range from UFO sightings to music, and from Lanky's release to what's in store when school is back in session.

[6] Nick Allen of RogerEbert.com wrote "18 to Party nudges that there's got to be something more to a story concerning youth like this, that it can't feel so limited to what they see and chat about".

[8] According to Selome Hailu of The Austin Chronicle, "[The film] need[s] more scrupulous eyes, but bears the palpable excitement of a new voice.

It's worth the watch for indie lovers and coming-of-age aficionados, with just enough moments of true clarity to expect a more mature, balanced appeal in Roda's future".