Today you don't see much movies made about teenagers and the trials and tribulations they deal with in terms of sex and sexuality, dressing up in the stylish new trends, driving the newest car, fitting in certain social circles, and finding your place in the world as you transition from childhood into adulthood. We don't see films about a group of teenagers wanting to better themselves , improve their relationships with those close to them and those around them, and live better lives knowing all to well that how they act right now will impact how they grow up to be the man and women they become tomorrow. That's why I look forward to watching John Hughes' films of the bratpack era because we can all relate to our teenage experiences and those experiences that helped shape and mold us into a well-educated, well-rounded, mature individual we see today.
Some Kind of Wonderful although written by John Hughes and Directed by Howard Deutsch is not a great movie. It's not a great movie only because it uses standard characters in a typical 80s comedy the popular guy, the popular gal, and the unpopular guy from the slums with his sidekick.
However, what makes this film memorable in my mind is not so much about the unpopular guy getting the popular gal . It's about whether if she is all cracked up on what she is supposed to be.
The film stars Mask star Eric Stoltz, as Keith, a unpopular kid who has a hard time fitting in at school and would rather be alone expressing himself through his paints rather than with people.
Keith's only friend is Watts (Mary Stuart Masterson) a loner who also has a hard time fitting in because of her tomboyish looks. He later on develops a crush for Amanda Jones (Leah Thompson) who becomes the Sex Symbol of the school for all to desire.
The John Hughes magic and message comes through with the characterization of Lea Thompson's character. Although she is seen as this unattainable object of all of her classmates desires she really is someone who has feelings too.
Its at the final scene where Watts serves as Keith's chauffeur that she isn't spouting off romantic advice but reminding him to be true to himself and not fall for how people look on the outside. After the date he learns that you don't have to look hard for all the finer things in life because they are a lot closer than you think.
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The funny thing about adolescence is that it's a cross between Leave It To Beaver and The Wonder Years. John Hughes films such as these are special and hold a candle to my heart. He understands the social pressures, risks, and many disappointments teenagers face as they strive to make their mark on the world.
Some Kind of A Wonderful is still a worthwhile film of his to see because of the human emotions Keith shares with his father who wants to re-live his life through his son, to Keith's sister who lacks confidence in her own looks. It's quite noteworthy to see because of its themes of life, insecurity, rejection, and learning from your mistakes in which to mature as a individual.
FINAL RATING: 4/5
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