Fifth in a series of “throwback” posts. This review was written in 1987, when the author was 17 years old, still in high school, and obsessed with movies.
I’m in love. Mary Stuart Masterson, girl of my dreams! “The only things I care about in this damn life are me, my drums, and you.” Some Kind of Wonderful is by John Hughes, known for teen comedies that often drift into slapstick. This one feels more real, and so the stakes are higher.
Eric Stoltz plays the decent Keith, who’s in love with Amanda, played by Lea Thompson. Keith’s best friend is Watts, Mary Stuart Masterson’s character. I don’t want to give too much away, but this story hit close to home for me. Keith’s father wants him to go to college, but all Keith can see is what’s in front of him. He’s not irresponsible – he works hard, but he doesn’t share his father’s views about his future. One of the “wonderful” things in this movie is how the conflict between father and son is not overplayed, and the love between them is always in the background.
About halfway through I was afraid this movie would become formulaic and let me down, but it seems to me they followed the three main characters to a logical conclusion. (Another kind of “wonderful!”) The ending is quite emotional – bring tissues. (Guys, you might want to see this movie on your own, unless you’re very secure in your masculinity.)
Spring 1987
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