No Writer/Director personified high school in the 19080′s more than John Hughes. Creating some of the most memorable characters and scenes, Hughes made an impact on an entire generation of horny, frustrated teens. While “Pretty In Pink” can’t hold a candle to other John Huges classics, the worries and frustrations of the characters still hold true today.
“Pretty In Pink” follows the story of Andie Walsh (Molly Ringwald) and Pil “Duckie” Dale (Jon Cryer) through dating, divorce, and dances. Andie is a lower middle class hipster who makes her own clothes and takes care of her out of work father (Harry Dean Stanton). Andie meets Blane (Andrew McCarthy) who she quickly falls for but Blane’s family is wealthy which makes Andie self concious. Duckie is a fast talking weirdo who has been vocally in love with Andie since they were little and quickly becomes jealous of Andie and Blane’s budding relationship.
The best way to describe Ringwald and McCarthy’s chemistry is “minimal”. McCarthy plays it boring and Ringwald never really seems interested in him. Cryer steals the show with his fast mouth, goofy lines, and outgoing personality. Annie Potts does a wonderful job with Iona, Andie’s stylish boss who took just a few too many drugs in the 60′s. First time director Howard Deutch never manages to capture the frustration and craziness that Hughes does while directing. Some scenes fall flat and if it weren’t for the goofyness of Potts and Cryer,”Pretty in Pink” may have been forgotten amongst better movies such as Sixteen Candles and The Breakfast Club.
While still considered a classic, “Pretty In Pink” is definitely most tame of the brat pack movies. Blah performances and boring scenes keep this film from other John Hughes greats.
