Characterized By Nostalgia: John Hughes Films, Part Two

Greatest pick up line ever?
“Sweets, you couldn’t ignore me if you tried.”

Wow. Nothing like a good insulting statement to get my heart racing. And we can thank good ol’ John Bender for that one.

As you saw in my Sixteen Candles — aka John Hughes Films Part One — piece last week, I also have The Breakfast Club soundtrack on vinyl. Yes, let’s continue with the works of John Hughes and my love of them, shall we?

It took a few extra years to see The Breakfast Club after it came out. My parents had seen it and had a dub from the video store copy, but I was told it was “too adult” for me. I can see why. It is a very deep movie when you break it down.

If I had to identify with a character from this movie, I would love to say Molly Ringwald’s Claire, however, she’s too beautiful and put together to be the one. That leaves only one girl left.

The Basketcase.

Ok, I’m not a nut. I wouldn’t and couldn’t make up as elaborate of details as Ally Sheedy’s Allison tells in her fake stories. However, I can identify with her transformation in the movie.

I was the “weirdo” in high school. I dyed my hair, wore Doc Martens before it was “cool” and all around was regarded as the basketcase for these reasons. So, when Allison gets her makeover in The Breakfast Club, I completely get it. Her immediate response to Emilio Estevez’s Andrew (The Jock) asking her “What happened to you?” in a mesmerized way is: “Why?!”

Whoever thought that type could like her type, right? Well, after I figured out that I could dress like a normal person, and not in all black, and especially after I lost a massive amount of weight — anytime I got a look, and even to this day — I wonder what I have on my face that is causing this negative response. I fail to see that it could just be my face that is actually causing a positive reaction.

And just like my Sixteen Candles quotes, I quite often ask people things like “Could you describe the ruckus, sir?”

Of course I own and proudly display a Breakfast Club poster. And, to boot, my “bakery”, L’s Treats, has two main cookies — “Benders” (Oatmeal Raisin Cookies) and “Farmer Ted’s” (Chocolate Chip Cookies) to show my admiration.

I was never a huge Pretty in Pink fan, but I do own the novel. I understand Andy’s need to fit in and be popular. James Spader’s rude nature and insults are pretty damn hot. Annie Potts is darling. And who doesn’t love Duckie? I know I listen to “Try a Little Tenderness” and immediately think of him. He even has his own cupcake over at my bakery titled “The Duckie”.

However, it is the lack of a “proper” ending to Pretty in Pink that has always bothered me. I didn’t like Blaine. He was a jerk. It was something that not only bothered me — but also bothered John Hughes — Andy ending up with Blaine, not Duckie. To correct the situation, Hughes wrote Some Kind of Wonderful.

Here is where we enter amazing movies penned by John Hughes, but not directed by him. I completely adore Some Kind of Wonderful. Watts (aka Drummer Girl), played by Mary Stuart Masterson, is one of those characters whose actions are so plausible it is amazing that a man created her. This proves John Hughes was a genius. Watts smiles and deals with the fact that Eric Stoltz’s Keith is full on obsessed with gorgeous Amanda Jones (Lea Thompson). She pleads with him to not be hypnotized by beauty and surface and to look deeper. In the end, just like the movies, Keith realizes that he’s been blinded and is truly in love with Watts. Wow. I wish I had the poster. Maybe one day.

Speaking of beauty, who is this Gary character?
Oops, quoting again. Sorry.

What I meant to say is Kelly LeBrock’s Lisa from Weird Science was one of the first jolts I remember of ‘You’re supposed to look like this’. She was perfect, gorgeous, smart. She was the perfect woman, duh. Gary and Wyatt created her in a laughing matter with bras on their heads, then went on an adventure with her.

Can we just take a moment to truly appreciate the bar scene in Weird Science, please? This is my favorite scene to quote. And tweet. I must admit I’ve tweeted “What’s this boy talkin’ ’bout ‘on the telephone?!’?” too many times. I am not ashamed.

I’ve grown more appreciative of Weird Science in recent years. I think feeling inadequate growing up made it uncomfortable for me to fully understand the depth of the movie. That “you’re fine the way you are, someone will love you for just who you are” theme. The “you don’t need popularity and parties”. And despite this incredible message, what is one of my favorite parts of the movie?

Chet.

Bill Paxton is so underrated. The man is an incredible actor. Chet insults his brother and his best friend. He laughs amazingly. He gets upset over the fact that it’s snowing in his room but he gets really really down about Nanny and Grampy being stuffed in the pantry. And speaking of, he has his own cookie at L’s Treats, as well! “Chets” (Brown Sugar Drops) are inspired by his end form in the film.

I can make cookies all day — but I’d kill for a Weird Science poster at this point.

Now, while I am lacking memorabilia from some of these films that shaped me into the person I am today, I do own one from a film penned yet not directed by John Hughes. The second film from an incredible series.

Next week, we shall discuss my favorite family to grace the cinema screen.

The Griswolds.