They aren’t mentioned in the article that sent Andrew McCarthy into an existential crisis. But they are what’s most memorable about 1980’s youth movies.
When I saw “Baby It’s You” (John Sayles, 1983) in college (so probably 1990) I was astonished at how well it centered the female gaze and experience. I don’t know if I would still feel that way, but at the time I loved it. Deals with class stuff, too, and the protagonist, played by Rosanna Arquette, is Jewish.
I remember that original “brat pack” article and thought it was both silly and sexist at the time - no Molly Ringwald or Ally Sheedy?! You nailed it here, Susan, and I love your take on poor, morose Andrew McCarthy - you’ve also convinced me to watch “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” again, long a favorite 😉
I watched “Fast Times” again last night - very funny! And so nostalgic for me, in good and bad ways - I went to high school in California about the same time period. You’re so right about the matter-of-fact way abortion is handled in the film - that’s something I don’t want us to forget or for young women to never know.
I was in my 20s when most of Hughes' movies came out, and although I loved The Breakfast Club, and Pretty in Pink, Sixteen Candles made me cringe throughout. The Outsiders and Clueless were more to my liking, as were the older films Rebel Without a Cause and A Summer Place (with the most terrifying mother I'd ever seen). But my favorite "teen" movie was Junior Miss. I saw it 20 years after it was released but I identified so much with Judy Graves, and her struggles to get her real life to align with her wished for ideal.
Andrew McCarthy, with an Irish name and an Irish wife ( I’m Irish), I fear takes himself toooo seriously. How this has been allowed I don’t know. However I have watched Pretty in Pink and St Elmo’s recently and wil say that Andrew McCarthy has been underrated as an actor. The vulnerability he shows is amazing and every emotion is shown on his face.
Rob Lowe is still incredibly beautiful and it isn't fair. Anyway, I didn't get into the prissy 16 candles and pretty in pink. I loved the Breakfast Club and St Elmo's Fire. They felt a little more transgressive, more what I wanted from life. And I'm Ally Sheedy all the way.
Haven't seen McCarthy's "Brats", yet, but I'm a boomer, remember all those films and the extant chat around them at the time and since, and I found your takes both entertaining and thought-provoking. Thumbs up.
Yes a little sad McCarthy positioning himself as resenting the group’s label whilst reviving his membership of the group.
When I saw “Baby It’s You” (John Sayles, 1983) in college (so probably 1990) I was astonished at how well it centered the female gaze and experience. I don’t know if I would still feel that way, but at the time I loved it. Deals with class stuff, too, and the protagonist, played by Rosanna Arquette, is Jewish.
I know I saw this one, but don’t remember it. John Sayles—must be good!! Will check it out.
I'd like to watch it again.
I remember that original “brat pack” article and thought it was both silly and sexist at the time - no Molly Ringwald or Ally Sheedy?! You nailed it here, Susan, and I love your take on poor, morose Andrew McCarthy - you’ve also convinced me to watch “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” again, long a favorite 😉
It’s so funny still. And funny is much needed right now.
I watched “Fast Times” again last night - very funny! And so nostalgic for me, in good and bad ways - I went to high school in California about the same time period. You’re so right about the matter-of-fact way abortion is handled in the film - that’s something I don’t want us to forget or for young women to never know.
I was in my 20s when most of Hughes' movies came out, and although I loved The Breakfast Club, and Pretty in Pink, Sixteen Candles made me cringe throughout. The Outsiders and Clueless were more to my liking, as were the older films Rebel Without a Cause and A Summer Place (with the most terrifying mother I'd ever seen). But my favorite "teen" movie was Junior Miss. I saw it 20 years after it was released but I identified so much with Judy Graves, and her struggles to get her real life to align with her wished for ideal.
Thanks for this article🧡
I don’t know that movie—and here I fancied myself a maven. Going to have to check it out!! Thanks!
I have very fond memories of it, so I hope it holds up.🙂
This is great writing. I will not be seeing these films, but I feel enriched having read this article about them.
Really good analysis. Thank you for watching and reading all this so I dont have to :)
I especially liked that you can critique the problematic parts of John Hughes without going full on "cancel" mode. Both things can be true.
Ally Sheedy was the best.
Andrew McCarthy, with an Irish name and an Irish wife ( I’m Irish), I fear takes himself toooo seriously. How this has been allowed I don’t know. However I have watched Pretty in Pink and St Elmo’s recently and wil say that Andrew McCarthy has been underrated as an actor. The vulnerability he shows is amazing and every emotion is shown on his face.
Rob Lowe is still incredibly beautiful and it isn't fair. Anyway, I didn't get into the prissy 16 candles and pretty in pink. I loved the Breakfast Club and St Elmo's Fire. They felt a little more transgressive, more what I wanted from life. And I'm Ally Sheedy all the way.
Haven't seen McCarthy's "Brats", yet, but I'm a boomer, remember all those films and the extant chat around them at the time and since, and I found your takes both entertaining and thought-provoking. Thumbs up.
Thanks, fellow boomer!