Rate Pretty in Pink (1986)

I was never a big fan of this film from the Hughes stable but watched it recently and found it quite enjoyable, as opposed to when I first saw it around 32yrs ago.

I did find it a bit glib and Cryer as Duckie is annoying as heck and if this was made today he would be gay, but this film wouldn't allude to that being puritan Hollywood 80's and all.

McCarthy got by on his cute All American Boy looks in the 80's, but as a screen presence, he is as insipid and bland as a curry without spice. It's no wonder his star faded fast after the 80's was over.

I pretty much liked Spader in anything during the 80's and he managed to give his character a bit of layering, considering he was written as a stereotype waspish rich boy and didn't have a whole lot of screen time. He always managed to leave his scent behind.

Potts was great and perhaps the best thing about the film and I forgot all about her character. I recently commented on her insipid presence in Ken Russell's Crimes Of Passion -84', but it shows what a great support actress she is.

Ringwald was well, Ringwald, but she just did what she did so well. It's a shame she had to grow up, because she pretty much set a bench mark for playing teenage high school characters with layers of natural charm and believable and conflicted emotions.

Stanton played her bum, but caring father to perfection, that it makes you forget that he is even acting at all.

Overall, the film was a nice blast from the past and while I think I like Some Kind Of Wonderful - 87' better—which was just a reverse gender spin on Pink and still a redheaded protagonist—it has managed to maintain a steady cult following and is actually quite charming.

*What was with the smoking in the gym and hallways of the school all about? Is this because they were rich and could get away with it in their posh school?

6\10 or 3 of 5 stars.