1984

Cast – Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall, Michael Schoeffling

Written & Directed by John Hughes

The enormously talented John Hughes died yesterday at the age of 59.  He wrote and directed many of the movies that shaped my youth.  At least four of his movies appear on my Top 100 list and Jason and I chose to watch one last night.

Samantha Bakes turns 16 and no one in her family remembers because they are all caught up in her sister’s upcoming wedding.  Samantha is bitter and her day gets worse when she is dogged by a geek on the bus and at the school dance.  She pines for the school heartthrob, Jake Ryan, and he begins to notice her too. 

Why I love it – This movie is pure 80’s.  The cliques, the angst, the non tech world, all work for a glimpse of the day.  And the day was a lot less politically correct than it is today.  It was funny to see just how much our vocabulary and awareness has changed in the 20 years since I was in high school (I cannot believe it has been 20 years!).

Molly Ringwald was wonderful in this movie.  What girl hasn’t loved a boy from afar?  Her vulnerability and lack of self-confidence was spot on.  As hot as Jake Ryan was I always thought that she could do better.  I hope she dated him, dumped him, and found a guy who appreciated her.  But that’s just me.

And I have a great appreciation for Anthony Michael Hall in this role.  He made us laugh every time he was on screen, which was often.  King of the Dipshits, indeed.  And let’s not forget Long Duck Dong and his scene stealing.  Molly Ringwald was the heart of this movie and these two were the entertainment.

Here’s the short trailer for the movie.  Take a few minutes and relieve high school and appreciate the genius of John Hughes.