262 reviews
The eighties were great weren't they
Films like Sixteen Candles personify what the eighties was all about. And if you were a child of the 80s, you will probably identify with this film a lot more than the now younger generation. The story is simple enough, but it works so well. Molly Ringwald is particularly likeable in this, and she is almost irreplaceable in her part. There are heaps of familiar faces, including small parts from many of the present day 'movie stars' ie John Cusack, Joan Cusack and Jami Gertz. It's kind of daggy though, and when you tell people you watched it their response is usually "Oh My God. That is so OLD." But that's what I like about it. If you want to watch a film that reflects the eighties, forget the nostalgia trips of The Wedding Singer and Romy and Michelle. Hire a true eighties product, such as Pretty in Pink, Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, St Elmo's Fire.... The list goes on and on.
- Meredith-7
- Jul 11, 1999
- Permalink
30 years ago...
I am shocked to realise this hilarious film is now 30 years old! Films from 1964 seen in 1988 looked a zillion years apart.....how can a 1980s film like this one still be so new and play so fresh in 2014? ...Apart from it being funnier and truly inspired I really now appreciate more the legacy of John Hughes in his series of films that were released in that 5 year span 1984-89. Anthony Michael Hall is rightly celebrated and gorgeous Molly Ringwald deserves her fame in the teen hall of Stardom. Whatever happened to Michael Schoeffling (Jake)....anyone know? It seems incongruous that so many future stars got their start in this film yet he seemed to go nowhere. I am also very surprised it got a PG rating.......given the swearing and the nudity..but I guess in the spirit of it all it was a perfect pic for anyone 12 - 112. Very clever and very funny.
Now we're both on the pill!
I had to write about this film after seeing the last 10 minutes of it on TV last night. I didn't miss much after all cause I had seen the film countless times when I was younger. Man I remember how much I enjoyed it. This has to be the most 80's character driven film about high school I have ever seen. It is just plain out stupid funny and heartwarming.
While Breakfast Club tries to handle the seriousness of social peers, and Ferris Beuller just solidifies the ultimate 80's experience with some great performances and total hip coolness, Sixteen Candles is just a crazy fun romp through the perils of being a teenager.
Ringwald is at her prime as the overburdened teenager, and Michael Hall is at his greatest as the ultimate schemer-geek. The party aftermath always cracks me up everytime I see it, plus so many more things.
Also, there's a scene where the geek gets unloaded out of the trunk of a car, and i SWEAR it's not a human person but a dummy cause the guy does not move but stands like a broomstick.. It's just one of those bizarre movie qwerks I wish someone could explain to me. And who can forget those alligator shirts.... I laugh now at the way everyone and the bands look in these 80's movies.
Alas it seems, Hall and Ringwald got stuck in stereotyped roles that they never seemed to shed or outgrew them as they became adults, which is to bad cause Ringwald, and particularly Hall's comedic sense of timing in this film is just amazing.
Rating 8 out of 10.
While Breakfast Club tries to handle the seriousness of social peers, and Ferris Beuller just solidifies the ultimate 80's experience with some great performances and total hip coolness, Sixteen Candles is just a crazy fun romp through the perils of being a teenager.
Ringwald is at her prime as the overburdened teenager, and Michael Hall is at his greatest as the ultimate schemer-geek. The party aftermath always cracks me up everytime I see it, plus so many more things.
Also, there's a scene where the geek gets unloaded out of the trunk of a car, and i SWEAR it's not a human person but a dummy cause the guy does not move but stands like a broomstick.. It's just one of those bizarre movie qwerks I wish someone could explain to me. And who can forget those alligator shirts.... I laugh now at the way everyone and the bands look in these 80's movies.
Alas it seems, Hall and Ringwald got stuck in stereotyped roles that they never seemed to shed or outgrew them as they became adults, which is to bad cause Ringwald, and particularly Hall's comedic sense of timing in this film is just amazing.
Rating 8 out of 10.
You own a church?
This movie is one of the most quotable I've ever seen. Everyone who has ever seen it knows this is true. Along with "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" and "The Breakfast Club", this is the best of the John Hughes 1980's movies. The acting is perfection, down to the smallest parts, too. Standouts are Blanche Baker as the bride-to-be on too many painkillers, Justin Henry as the pain-in-the-neck little brother, Michael Schoeffling as hunk-deluxe Jake Ryan and last but never least, Anthony Michael Hall as Farmer Fred....I mean Ted.
Light and Goofy - Mixed to Good 80s Comedy
My Aunt mentioned she loves "16 Candles", and it has been more than 12 years since I'd seen it, so we rewatched it. I've probably seen it half a dozen times earlier, but too young for it in the theater. For John Hughes earlier entry and his directorial debut - credit to him on picking and filming a very close to or actual 16 year-old Molly Ringwald for the title role. And while I really liked Michael Schoeffling for the tender main crush, he was obviously too old looking as a Senior (an easy 24 playing an 18 yro), a small quibble. His character suave, collected, and sensitive was a great counterbalance in tone to most of other characters. However the tone of the movie generally is a bit too goofy for its own good, and the humor with "Long Duk Dong" is tasteless, poor, and hasn't aged well. There are some well-written scenes to keep the movie together, particularly with Dooley and Ringwald, Hall and Ringwald, and the memorable finale scene that one doesn't forget with Schoeffling and Ringwald in the fantastic last 2 scenes. These are much needed scenes lifting the movie just out mediocrity, and the movie could've been much better focusing on the drama and cutting a good chunk of light humor. I give "16 candles" a high 6/10, round it up to a 7/10. Its in the top 5 or so of Hughes films - it has some flaws but also some touching moments.
I've never bagged a babe. I'm not a stud.
- hitchcockthelegend
- Jan 14, 2010
- Permalink
A senior guy and a sophomore girl find romance
"They F##king forgot my birthday!!!"...
These are the immortal words spoken by SIXTEEN CANDLES heroine Samantha Baker (Molly Ringwald) in the ultimate 80's teen comedy. This movie has become a classic to those born in the 70's, like myself, and I now consider it a "guilty pleasure". Its a movie we all grew up with. Didn't we all know a person like 'Farmer Ted', or a hot queenie like the blonde he hilariously gets. It was every young freshman's fantasy. This funny flick is also a relic of the 80's that is not all that dated.
The jokes still work (as long as you see it uncut) and it is neat seeing things of the not so distant past be on display. Floppy disks, headgears, leotards, etc... Time has not been so good to the featured stars. Ringwald and Anthony-Michael Hall, who was born to play this role, and this one only, have all but disappeared. The biggest stars now are blips on the screen here: Joan (in a headgear) and John (a geek) Cusack. The film is like a toy you can't put away.
Some situations are beat, but at least Paul Dooley adds an extra dimension to the father. Too many of John Hughes' teen-angst comedies of the era feature tissue-thin parental figures. This was the first and best of the so-called "brat pack" movies, and will always hold a place in 1980's filmmaking history. Girls learned never to lend their underwear to a geek and we all learned that high school is just a phase, easily forgotten as time goes on.
The jokes still work (as long as you see it uncut) and it is neat seeing things of the not so distant past be on display. Floppy disks, headgears, leotards, etc... Time has not been so good to the featured stars. Ringwald and Anthony-Michael Hall, who was born to play this role, and this one only, have all but disappeared. The biggest stars now are blips on the screen here: Joan (in a headgear) and John (a geek) Cusack. The film is like a toy you can't put away.
Some situations are beat, but at least Paul Dooley adds an extra dimension to the father. Too many of John Hughes' teen-angst comedies of the era feature tissue-thin parental figures. This was the first and best of the so-called "brat pack" movies, and will always hold a place in 1980's filmmaking history. Girls learned never to lend their underwear to a geek and we all learned that high school is just a phase, easily forgotten as time goes on.
my opinion of it....
movies in the 80's were really cool, nice story lines, very real people and cute guys too! 80's movies were so musical, full of dance and laughter, really good acting and good use of props. I wish movies were like the old classic movies, movies nowadays are somewhat a rip off, i'm not saying all but most movies made in this era are all computerized, there's so much plastic surgery happening, drastic diets, if you look back at the old movies, the ladies are really beautiful naturally, nice hair, and the spark in those eyes, men were romantic. I watched Sixteen Candles for the first time, and i enjoyed it. I liked Pretty in Pink better though. Sixteen candles is a really funny yet in a sweet romantic sort of way....the geeks and the Duck guy, hilarious! i enjoy watching classic movies, eg. dirty dancing, ghost, gremlin, pretty in pink, ghost busters.... I wouldn't recommend this movie to kids 14+, especially if you don't like watching classic movies. But to those out there who were teens in the 80s, this might bring back your high school memories. Truly hilarious, you can predict the ending, the geeks took the spotlight for me
- beeble_bee
- Apr 13, 2005
- Permalink
A difficult kiss.
The final shot of this film can in some ways mirror the difficulties of adolescence. We see Molly Ringwald finally getting to kiss the boy she's been after since the film's outset. However this kiss doesn't look like it would have been particularly easy for the actors to pull off. Both Ringwald and Shoeffling are sitting "Indian-style" on a tabletop facing one another. They both have to lean forward presumably using their wrists for leverage while their lips meet over the flaming candles on her birthday cake. A difficult kiss, indeed.
Sixteen Candles is one of the best films John Hughes gave us in the 1980s. The young cast full of so many extraordinary talents gives us one memorable scene after another. Anthony Michael Hall is particularly effective as the leader of the nerdiest students on campus. Listen to his voice crack as he reads many of his lines, and try not to laugh. Good luck! The plot, as many of us know, centers around a young girl (Ringwald) whose parents forget about her sixteenth birthday in the midst of the chaos surrounding her older sister's wedding. At the same time she tries to win the affection of the most popular guy in school who happens to be dating the most beautiful girl in school. Ah, the trials and tribulations of high school.
The film is well-paced, never drags, and has its characters pegged pretty well. The obnoxious grandparents are particularly well-drawn. Of course things are eventually resolved in a manner that could never possibly happen in real life, but that's why we go to the movies.
I miss those destructive house parties!!! 9 of 10 stars.
The Hound.
Sixteen Candles is one of the best films John Hughes gave us in the 1980s. The young cast full of so many extraordinary talents gives us one memorable scene after another. Anthony Michael Hall is particularly effective as the leader of the nerdiest students on campus. Listen to his voice crack as he reads many of his lines, and try not to laugh. Good luck! The plot, as many of us know, centers around a young girl (Ringwald) whose parents forget about her sixteenth birthday in the midst of the chaos surrounding her older sister's wedding. At the same time she tries to win the affection of the most popular guy in school who happens to be dating the most beautiful girl in school. Ah, the trials and tribulations of high school.
The film is well-paced, never drags, and has its characters pegged pretty well. The obnoxious grandparents are particularly well-drawn. Of course things are eventually resolved in a manner that could never possibly happen in real life, but that's why we go to the movies.
I miss those destructive house parties!!! 9 of 10 stars.
The Hound.
- TOMASBBloodhound
- Feb 25, 2006
- Permalink
Great portrayal of teenage angst, but partly lacking in believability
This being John Hughes' most popular teen comedy, I was somewhat disappointed. Sixteen Candles is about high school sophomore Samantha Baker's struggle to get through her 16th birthday. Busy preparing for her older sister Ginny's wedding the next day, Sam's family has completely forgotten her birthday. At school, Sam is crushing on a senior who seemingly has no idea that she exists. On the bus home, a dorky freshman, Farmer Ted, pesters her for a date. Her grandparents show up the house and take over her room. To top it off, even the Vietnamese exchange student manages to find a date at the school dance faster than Sam. Unknown to her though, things are about to take a turn for the better.
The parts of the script relating to Sam were excellent. All the things that could go wrong on a girl's Sweet Sixteen went wrong. Molly Ringwald put in an splendid performance as Sam, conveying all the angst and desires that her character experienced. Michael Hall was perfect as Farmer Ted, trying desperately to be cool but unable to shake off his dorkiness.
However, the entire storyline relating to Sam's crush was not very believable. Apart from picking up the balled-up 'sex quiz' in class and seeing his name, there was absolutely nothing to draw him to Sam. Also, most guys wouldn't pursue a girl to that extent without first having a decent conversation with her in school. The whole after-the-after-party episode was also rather ludicrous. While I doubt things in America are that crazy, perhaps they are crazy enough for all this to be not so much of a stretch for viewers there - this might explain why the movie had such wide appeal.
The parts of the script relating to Sam were excellent. All the things that could go wrong on a girl's Sweet Sixteen went wrong. Molly Ringwald put in an splendid performance as Sam, conveying all the angst and desires that her character experienced. Michael Hall was perfect as Farmer Ted, trying desperately to be cool but unable to shake off his dorkiness.
However, the entire storyline relating to Sam's crush was not very believable. Apart from picking up the balled-up 'sex quiz' in class and seeing his name, there was absolutely nothing to draw him to Sam. Also, most guys wouldn't pursue a girl to that extent without first having a decent conversation with her in school. The whole after-the-after-party episode was also rather ludicrous. While I doubt things in America are that crazy, perhaps they are crazy enough for all this to be not so much of a stretch for viewers there - this might explain why the movie had such wide appeal.
a very good movie
I watched this movie for my film studies class, for a assignment. It is one of my moms favorites I have always heard about it but never had watched it. This movie was surprisingly really good. Not just because of the fact my mom liked it! I really enjoyed, watching it for the first time just not expecting it to be that great but a classic movie about high-school in the 80s like any other I have seen I definitely recommend if you enjoy comedy and a little bit of romance! I definitely will be watching this as a go to when I dont know what else to watch this movie seems to be one that just can't get old!
- lguerra-12529
- Sep 19, 2022
- Permalink
It's carbon dated
"Sixteen Candles" was a great movie from the land that was the 80's. All the girls from my work were talking about the 80's teen flicks and how much they loved them. I had never seen a Molly Ringwald film, after all I'm only 20. But the girls were still incredibly shocked when I told them, they told me that they will not respect my movie opinions until I saw all the teen flicks from the 80's. We're talking crazy here people: Sixteen Candles, Pretty in Pink, The Breakfast Club, Say Anything, Weird Science, etc.
So far now I have seen the major Molly Ringwald films. Pretty in Pink, The Breakfast Club, and Sixteen Candles. Sixteen Candles is a very cute film that came before the cliché 90's teen flicks. It's original and very funny. I think the reason why it's so popular, is because everyone can relate in some way to the characters. Molly, a shy ignored outcast, The Geek, well, he's a geek, the jock, he's expected to date and act a certain way. It goes on and on. I really enjoyed Sixteen Candles, well, I guess it's on the way to Say Anything! Wish me luck, y'all! :D
7/10
So far now I have seen the major Molly Ringwald films. Pretty in Pink, The Breakfast Club, and Sixteen Candles. Sixteen Candles is a very cute film that came before the cliché 90's teen flicks. It's original and very funny. I think the reason why it's so popular, is because everyone can relate in some way to the characters. Molly, a shy ignored outcast, The Geek, well, he's a geek, the jock, he's expected to date and act a certain way. It goes on and on. I really enjoyed Sixteen Candles, well, I guess it's on the way to Say Anything! Wish me luck, y'all! :D
7/10
- Smells_Like_Cheese
- Oct 16, 2005
- Permalink
Hasn't aged well
- narcissussins
- Jun 27, 2013
- Permalink
an 80's classic!!!
This John Hughes film is one of the best romantic teen comedies in history. Starring 2 of the Brat Packers, Molly Ringwald, playing the lovesick Samantha, and Anthony Michael Hall who plays "The Geek", he pratically stole the entire movie with his one-liners. His friends were the best, it's funny to see John Cusack as one of his geeky friends, and I just noticed Joan Cusack makes a small appearance in this as the girl with the neck brace on. That's funny. I recommend this classic to anyone who likes romantic teen comedies. Oh and whoever said that "Sixteen Candles" was perverted, all i have to say is WHAT? What is perverted about this movie, American Pie was perverted, this movie is a classic. There was ONE scene of nudity and it lasted about 3 seconds. I give "Sixteen Candles" 10 out of 10!!!!
- LittleRascal-15
- Jan 11, 2000
- Permalink
Insensitive, but some good takeaways
Many of the "jokes" in this movie have definitely not aged well, but I found Sam to be very relatable. Also her relationship with her dad and mom is something I greatly appreciated and we don't always see in teen movies. The scene where Sam and her dad talk on the sofa is the best scene in the film.
- klinedanielle
- Aug 15, 2019
- Permalink
A pretty fun classic, though imperfect & flawed in specific ways
Its reputation far precedes it as one of the quintessential coming-of-age teen comedy-dramas, nevermind 80s movies, and that reputation is not undeserved. Even if not every last facet of the story or humor is fully relatable, a lot of it certainly is, and remains so even 40 years later: familial relations to which one can't relate, various social difficulties, total hatred of the school bus, feelings of being unappreciated, and more. On the other hand, we also get stereotypical representations of teens and cliques; over the top gags, jokes, and sound and musical cues, including some definite boorishness, and some abject randomness; obsession with sex and teenage notions of love that seem far-fetched even for stereotypical, hormonally-sensitive teens; the arbitrary inflated importance of The School Dance (and who has ever actually had a party like that?); and to top it all off, pervasive racism, and casual use of homophobic or ableist slurs that emphatically have not aged well. Suffice to say that earnestness is paired with tawdriness, aspects with which we can identify are paired with those with which we cannot, and all this time later some parts come off great, and others not so much. Still, despite its faults this is a classic, and on the balance, it's pretty fun!
In uneven bits and pieces, in both his writing and his direction, filmmaker John Hughes crafts small moments that in and of themselves are kind of brilliant. 'Sixteen candles' is never necessarily firing on all cylinders, but at its best, it's all but perfect. Some of the sight gags, characterizations, and jokes earn a good laugh, and the particular execution of some little inclusions is just exquisite; the climax is an absolute blast. The development of friendship between the archetypal geek and the archetypal jock is a minor delight, as is the representation of the most distinctly upper-class character as careless, selfish, childish, and destructive. Of course, the latter elements would be better if they weren't paired with casual, approving discussion or suggestion of sexual assault, manipulation, and exploitation. Even setting that aside (though definitely not forgetting it), some scenes don't come of nearly as well as they're supposed to, even something as small as that moment when Ted approaches the bedroom window of Bryce and Wease. Like I said: earnestness, and tawdriness.
And still, for all that, at large this is very well done. The big cast, filled with recognizable names and faces, are all a joy. Molly Ringwald actually gives an admirable, sincere performance of range and personality; given only a second supporting part, Paul Dooley lights up the screen with warmhearted honesty that threatens to upstage the star. Against all odds, Anthony Michael Hall and Michael Schoeffling do a fantastic job in helping to build the story and sell the comedy; in what are essentially bit parts, it's nonetheless a joy to see Jami Gertz and Zelda Rubinstein here. Moreover, crew behind the scenes turned in fine work all around - production design, art direction, costume design, hair and makeup, stunts, effects, and more. The assembled soundtrack is simply superb. 'Sixteen candles' as a whole is uneven in very distinct ways, but it boasts strong direction, acting, and craftsmanship, and its writing is smarter and sharper than not.
I'm not sure I'd go so far as to say this is a must-see; it has attained a rather high status in our culture that I'm not fully certain it deserves. Like some other features from the 80s, I think nostalgia has somewhat taken the place of consideration of inherent value, which doesn't serve the medium well and also says a lot about our society. Still, despite being decidedly flawed in some regards (if not outright ill-begotten), and broadly imperfect, more than not I think this is a rather good time, and holds up reasonably well; by no means can that be said for all its kin. It won't appeal to everyone; frankly, asterisks and content warnings are necessary for some of the inclusions; there is no actual need to see this just because of its reputation. All the same, if you do have the chance to watch 'Sixteen candles' and can abide its less savory aspects, it's a decent way to spend ninety minutes.
In uneven bits and pieces, in both his writing and his direction, filmmaker John Hughes crafts small moments that in and of themselves are kind of brilliant. 'Sixteen candles' is never necessarily firing on all cylinders, but at its best, it's all but perfect. Some of the sight gags, characterizations, and jokes earn a good laugh, and the particular execution of some little inclusions is just exquisite; the climax is an absolute blast. The development of friendship between the archetypal geek and the archetypal jock is a minor delight, as is the representation of the most distinctly upper-class character as careless, selfish, childish, and destructive. Of course, the latter elements would be better if they weren't paired with casual, approving discussion or suggestion of sexual assault, manipulation, and exploitation. Even setting that aside (though definitely not forgetting it), some scenes don't come of nearly as well as they're supposed to, even something as small as that moment when Ted approaches the bedroom window of Bryce and Wease. Like I said: earnestness, and tawdriness.
And still, for all that, at large this is very well done. The big cast, filled with recognizable names and faces, are all a joy. Molly Ringwald actually gives an admirable, sincere performance of range and personality; given only a second supporting part, Paul Dooley lights up the screen with warmhearted honesty that threatens to upstage the star. Against all odds, Anthony Michael Hall and Michael Schoeffling do a fantastic job in helping to build the story and sell the comedy; in what are essentially bit parts, it's nonetheless a joy to see Jami Gertz and Zelda Rubinstein here. Moreover, crew behind the scenes turned in fine work all around - production design, art direction, costume design, hair and makeup, stunts, effects, and more. The assembled soundtrack is simply superb. 'Sixteen candles' as a whole is uneven in very distinct ways, but it boasts strong direction, acting, and craftsmanship, and its writing is smarter and sharper than not.
I'm not sure I'd go so far as to say this is a must-see; it has attained a rather high status in our culture that I'm not fully certain it deserves. Like some other features from the 80s, I think nostalgia has somewhat taken the place of consideration of inherent value, which doesn't serve the medium well and also says a lot about our society. Still, despite being decidedly flawed in some regards (if not outright ill-begotten), and broadly imperfect, more than not I think this is a rather good time, and holds up reasonably well; by no means can that be said for all its kin. It won't appeal to everyone; frankly, asterisks and content warnings are necessary for some of the inclusions; there is no actual need to see this just because of its reputation. All the same, if you do have the chance to watch 'Sixteen candles' and can abide its less savory aspects, it's a decent way to spend ninety minutes.
- I_Ailurophile
- Mar 4, 2023
- Permalink
Not So Sweet Sixteen is Kind of Sweet
I didn't love Sixteen Candles back in 1984 to the level that some folks did, but remembered it as kind of cute. With the Passing of Hughes I'm revisiting some of his work and this was next up. Sure, some of the material has dated all that well, unfortunately. But that needn't take away from the solid, and sweet basic story, and of course the endlessly enjoyable score/soundtrack. Molly Ringwald does a good job here and I really have to give make credit to Anthony Michael Hall, he's just wonderful here and adds a lot of charm to the proceedings. Sure, under the circumstances going on here it's unlikely that the Schoeffling character would pursue Samantha to the degree that he does, but I through my disbelief out the window and just went with it and am very happy that I'm able to do that. Sixteen Candles is worth checking out if you're curious.
A nearly perfect 80's comedy.
Each time I watch it I pick up on additional subtleties. It's in the very small group of nearly perfect 80's high school movies including the likes of Risky Business, Breakfast Club, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Ferris Bueller's Day Off etc. Part of my 'again and again' watchlist.
- rik-938-114271
- Jul 15, 2022
- Permalink
A Slice of Teenage Life
I don't know why, but I've always found Molly Ringwald tough to watch. There is a snarl that is part of her being that doesn't appeal to me. Nevertheless, she does a decent job here as a poor ignored girl whose birthday is forgotten. Then we have a bunch of juvenile jokes, designed to appeal to, you guessed it, juveniles. I think a lot of the people who liked this movie, see this time in their lives in the characters. Once again, like with the breakfast club, we have all these persons with prescribed traits, interconnected. They come and they go, but there is not real connection. As a matter of fact, they would be at opposite poles in real life. We know that things will work out in the end and all will be well with the world. Nothing wrong with that. It's just not all that engaging.
The Only Teen Comedy That Matters
The teen comedy to which every teen comedy made for the rest of eternity will be compared.
"Sixteen Candles" is one of those movies that has entered the vocabulary of Gen-Xers everywhere. All you have to do is say a line like: "Oh look, Frank, she's got her boobies"; or "Thanks for lending me the Donger here, he's totally bitchin'"; or "What's happening', hot stuff?", to anyone between the ages of 30 and 40, and I guarantee they'll know what you're talking about.
Molly Ringwald raised teen surliness to Shakespearean heights; Anthony Michael Hall channeled hormonal distress; and Joan Cusack brought acceptance to head-gear wearers everywhere, proving that kids with bad teeth are humans too.
Grade: A+
"Sixteen Candles" is one of those movies that has entered the vocabulary of Gen-Xers everywhere. All you have to do is say a line like: "Oh look, Frank, she's got her boobies"; or "Thanks for lending me the Donger here, he's totally bitchin'"; or "What's happening', hot stuff?", to anyone between the ages of 30 and 40, and I guarantee they'll know what you're talking about.
Molly Ringwald raised teen surliness to Shakespearean heights; Anthony Michael Hall channeled hormonal distress; and Joan Cusack brought acceptance to head-gear wearers everywhere, proving that kids with bad teeth are humans too.
Grade: A+
- evanston_dad
- Apr 10, 2008
- Permalink
Sweet and cheerful, if riddled with caricatures
An American comedy drama; A story about about a teenage girl whose family forget her birthday, so she tries to get over her disappointment by searching for the man of her dreams, unaware she's looking in the wrong place.
This film has themes about coping with the subject of sex, shyness and inexperience, and true love.
The story is fresh and cheerful and occasionally amusing with a goofy sense of humour. The script is sharp, with a keen sense for the idiom of teenspeak. As ever, Molly Ringwald is natural and appealing in this coming-of-age drama about a bright-eyed girl turning 16. It has a funny performance from Anthony Michael Hall as the dork, and a handsome turn from Michael Schoeffling.
It is a little slow moving and the dialogue at times lulls but there are plenty of daft distractions to smile at and some great 80s pop songs as a binding agent.
- shakercoola
- Feb 15, 2019
- Permalink
After reading some reviews here I added a star
This has always been my favorite Hughes film although after the expected snowflake hysteria I added a star for the absolute joy anything that offends that crowd brings me. I understand how they feel though as I'm disgusted and refuse to watch any of the "woke" trash hollywood churns out these days.
Most people used to understand almost nothing was out of bounds in comedy, and most importantly if you take anything serious from a near cartoon comedy like this you need to be locked in a nice gen z safe space.
Great flick, a classic.
- surlyhotep
- Jan 14, 2021
- Permalink
great teen comedy movie
This movie is the 2nd best teen comedy movie ever made and there is 2 reasons why this movie is great and the reasons are:
1.This movie is so funny i was laughing all throw out this movie and the two most funniest characters in this movie are Long Duck Dong (Gedde Watanabe) and Farmer Ted/The Geek (Anthony Michael Hall) and with out those two characters this movie would of still been great but it would not have been as funny.
2.The acting in this movie is really good especially by the beautiful actress Molly Ringwald and one of my favorite actors of all time John Cusack does a good job at acting in this movie.
Over all this is a classic movie and u should watch it and u will fall in love with this movie.And my rating for this movie is 7 out of 10.
1.This movie is so funny i was laughing all throw out this movie and the two most funniest characters in this movie are Long Duck Dong (Gedde Watanabe) and Farmer Ted/The Geek (Anthony Michael Hall) and with out those two characters this movie would of still been great but it would not have been as funny.
2.The acting in this movie is really good especially by the beautiful actress Molly Ringwald and one of my favorite actors of all time John Cusack does a good job at acting in this movie.
Over all this is a classic movie and u should watch it and u will fall in love with this movie.And my rating for this movie is 7 out of 10.
- monkey-man
- Oct 16, 2005
- Permalink
I used to like this film... not anymore
- nicolabennett_80
- Jun 22, 2007
- Permalink