In remembrance of the late John Hughes, I decided to watch a film that he had written; it was directed by Howard Deutch and is a classic from the late 1980’s. The story revolves around a young woman named Andie Walsh who is played by Molly Ringwald. She has previously worked with Hughes in other films such as Sixteen Candles (1984) and The Breakfast Club (1985). In this film she is from the other side of the tracks, having to make her own clothes while working in a record store struggling to make ends meet. The owner also happens to be her friend played by Annie Potts as Iona. Harry Dean Stanton portrays her father Jack Walsh and deals with different issues including his wife leaving him from the past. Jon Cryer is her best friend since childhood and plays the quirky character Phil Dale who is nicknamed “Duckie”. He is a bit of a goofball, but has a good heart and his intentions are for the best towards Andie.
After the initial story setup, we see Andrew McCarthy appear in the movie playing Blane McDonnagh who immediately is smitten by Andie and pursues her from the start who also happens to be wealthy. His rich snobby friend is played by James Spader in the role of Steff who also wants to be with Andie, but she has nothing to do with him. James Spader and Andrew McCarthy have also worked together in movies like Mannequin (1987) and Less Than Zero (1987).
This movie is about wealth, people and the different facets of society that exist within high school and how the students try to impress and fit in with one another. There are many stereotypes found in this film that still happen today in school. It shows what great lengths people will go through while trying to impress one another, trying to be part of something they think that is so special in that moment of time.
There are more appearances in this by some known actors like Gina Gershon as Trombley , Kate Vernon who plays Benny Hanson, Jim Haynie as Donnelly, Maggie Roswell as Ms. Dietz, Andrew Dice Clay the comedian is “Dice-man” the Bouncer at CATS and musician Dweezil Zappa appears in one of the scenes at the club. More of the cast includes: Emily Longstreth as Kate, Alexa Kenin as Jena Hoeman, Margaret Colin is an English teacher at the school; Jamie Anders plays Terrence the love interest of Iona. Keep your eyes open and you might recognize Kristy Swanson as she appears towards the end of this movie as “Duckette”. I believe this was her first theatrical appearance on film but she has no lines. I will recommend Pretty In Pink (1986) it was an entertaining movie for its time, and has some great messages about society wrapped inside of it.
This shows the underbelly of Hollywood, and the seedy lifestyle people are willing to live with to get “The Shot” for their paparazzi tabloid magazine. The story opens up with a homeless man (Toby Grace) wandering the streets begging for spare change.
The story also follows Les Galantine played by actor Steve Buscemi as a typical stop at nothing reporter/photographer trying to make his way into the Hollywood scene. He meets up with starving actor Toby Grace played by Micheal Pitt (no relation to Brad Pitt) who he takes under his wing, and gives him a place to stay; things suddenly change when he locks eyes with Alison Lohman playing K’Harma Leeds a fictitious popular singer in the Hollywood spotlight – immediate sparks fly between Toby and K’Harma.
There are some noteworthy appearances in this one such as talented and sexy Gina Gershon playing Dana who is a casting director. Elvis Costello makes an appearance in this as himself and we also see Minnie Driver in this. By the way, there is another Delirious (1991) movie in which the late great John Candy starred which was a comedy and pretty funny. I will recommend this Delirious (2006) also, it was worthy of a watch.
