Some Kind of Wonderful is the less iconic, gender-swapped cousin of Pretty in Pink (both are written by John Hughes and directed by Howard Deutch), but what it lacks in renown, it makes up for in nuance. It goes a bit deeper in its exploration of gender roles and class disparity, really digging into the important differences between its female leads and the privilege of its wealthier characters, and it’s just as funny and charming too. Sure, a big part of the delight of watching it stems from nostalgia, but a larger chunk comes from the actors’ easy chemistry and the script’s witty lines. The movie is not revolutionary—it’s just a romcom at the end of the day—but it is smart and subverts expectations when you least expect it.
Synopsis
A young tomboy, Watts, finds her feelings for her best friend, Keith, run deeper than just friendship when he gets a date with the most popular girl in school.
Storyline
Keith (Eric Stoltz) pursues an out-of-league Amanda (Lea Thompson) despite the warnings of his tomboy best friend Watts (Mary Stuart Masterson).
TLDR
Growing up is finding the dad in a John Hughes movie the most relatable and sensible character in the movie.
What stands out
That banger of a last line. I won’t say it here, but if you know, you know. Also, “It’s 1987! Don’t you know women can be anything?” “I know, my mom’s a plumber.”
