Some Kind of Wonderful is another John Hughes creation. It came out in 1987. In terms of plot, it is not that different from "Pretty In Pink", except for the ending. It is another teen flick from the '80s that deals with hard-core issues that face teenagers, such as romantic love, being in the 'in' group, being right vs. being popular and being cool vs. being yourself. The plot is basically that Keith (Eric Stoltz) has a crush on pretty and popular Amanda Jones (Lea Thompson), yet his best friend, Watts (Mary Stuart Masterson) has a crush on him and Amanda is going out with Hardy Jenns (Craig Sheffer) who is rich, arrogant and a bully. Keith goes to extraordinary lengths to try to get Amanda to even notice him, such as deliberately getting into detention, to be with her, only she talks her way out of detention, but he makes some new friends, most notably Duncan (Elias Koteas), an extremely tough street kid. This movie did not star any of John Hughes' regulars. Instead, it featured a new crop of actors. The main actors, Eric Stoltz, Lea Thompson and Mary Stuart Masterson, did not appear in any of Hughes' other films. My favorite character was Duncan (Elias Koteas), who played the hood. He was so bad he was good and he played the role of the hoodlum with style and flash, to the point where you enjoy watching him be bad. As the movie progresses, it's clear that Duncan, despite his tough-guy persona, is really a good guy and a loyal friend. This is particularly true at the end of the movie when Hardy Jenns, sets up Stoltz at a party and then Duncan and his gang of hoodlums show up at the party in the nick of time. It all ends happily. 'Some Kind of Wonderful' is something of an also-ran. It's plot is very similar to 'Pretty In Pink' and it came about only because 'Pretty In Pink' didn't have the kind of ending John Hughes wanted. The acting is pretty good overall, but nothing spectacular, with the exception of Elias Koteas playing the hoodlum. The best part of the movie was Duncan and the scenes that he played, particularly when he and his guys take over Hardy Jenns' party. This DVD of Some Kind of Wonderful is a must-buy for anyone who likes the movie because it includes commentaries about the making of the movie, behind-the-scenes stuff and interviews with the actors themselves.Read full review
In recognition of the movie-making art of recent years it seems appropriate to give credit where credit is due. The movie says a lot about a walk of life perhaps many have never experienced. We should have all been so lucky as to have been raised in such middle class surroundings of suburbia. High school as seen through the camera eye it seemed. A few questions entered my mind as watching it didn't make it clear to me how that gang of roughnecks were charmed into friendship with the gas station attendant boy painter who had a crush on the sorority queen to be. Spending a couple hours in school detention wasn't that hard. Meaning approval of a carved up school desk top looking cool seeks to me not very macho. Some of the scenes may have been removed that needed to stay in there. Did find both my eyes getting partially cloudy with rain showers imminent during the romantic interludes. My little Sister would appreciate watching it. That's mainly why it was purchased as a present. Thought she might enjoy some cheering up.Read full review
The acting is good and there is a great kissing scene.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Really good.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
If you like the John Hughes genre, and I grew up with it, then this is one you MUST have in your collection. I'm a sucker for the "just friends" who wind up together, likely because I fell in love with my best friend and am living happily ever after with him myself. Mary Stuart Masterson is adorable and Leah Thompson is perfect as the uppity, yet relatable snooty character. Eric Stoltz, of MASK fame, does a fine job being clueless about what's right in front of his face. Breakfast Club, Pretty In Pink, 16 Candles, all great movies - Some Kind of Wonderful - even better. :)
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best Selling in DVDs & Blu-ray Discs
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Save on DVDs & Blu-ray Discs