John Hughes (2) (1950–2009)

A lovely holiday go-to that rewards each additional viewing with subtle details. For example, when someone steals Neal's taxi at the beginning, there's a quick close-up on a shower ring floating in a puddle. The end goes just a little over-the-top with its heartwarmingness, but by then the comedy's been witty and biting enough to make up for it.

A conversation between some of my younger co-workers recently got me to thinking about this quintessential 80s-era “brat pack” classic. Written and directed by John Hughes (Sixteen Candles, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Planes Trains and Automobiles and many more), The Breakfast Club is the ultimate for navel-gazing teens. Four high school students are forced to attend an all-Saturday detention day, overseen by their overbearing principal. The teens come from drastically different show more backgrounds — The Jock (Emilio Estevez), The Princess (Molly Ringwald), The Brain (Anthony Michael Hall), The Criminal (Judd Nelson) and The Basketcase (Ally Sheedy), but over the course of a morning and afternoon spent verbally sparring, then sharing, with each other, they each come to a better understanding of the complications that anyone’s life can have. This film should be required viewing for any student of the 1980s, and features terrific performances from a very talented young cast. Molly, Judd and Ally, in particular, stand out, as does Paul Gleason as Mr. Vernon. What, on the surface, appears to be a very lightweight film, actually carries considerable heft. I was impressed, and still am, even though it’s been almost 30 years since it was released. Also features an iconic musical soundtrack as background to the drama. This specific “Flashback” DVD version features a 12-part documentary, in which cast members look back at the making of the film, and others in the entertainment business reflect on The Breakfast Club’s cultural impact, as well as feature commentary by Judd Nelson and Anthony Michael Hall, and a mini-documentary on the origins of the “Brat Pack” of 80’s actors.

Originally reviewed for my local library's website in August 2013: http://lincolnlibraries.org/bookguide/staff-recommendations/staff-recommendation... show less

Five kids of different stereotypes spend the day together in detention.

My John Hughes experience was previously limited to Ferris Bueller and Home Alone, so this was not at all what I expected - quite a pleasant surprise.

Concept: C
Story: C
Characters: A
Dialog: A
Pacing: A
Cinematography: C
Special effects/design: B
Acting: A
Music: A

Enjoyment: A

GPA: 3.3/4

A prime example of 1980s Hollywood, with violence and cruelty masquerading as comic farce. The premise and scattered moments of clarity between characters (not particularly in character, based on the caricature that came before) offer a glimpse into what distinguishes a John Hughes film from the rest.