I've seen bits and pieces of this movie on TBS or TNT or wherever so many times over the years that this viewing was, more than anything, putting the pieces together and watching all the scenes in-between the ones I seem to always catch every time this is on. Still, I was glad to see the whole thing if only because Eric Stoltz is really surprisingly attractive for a male ginger. In fact, the whole cast is pretty attractive, and when people manage to still look good through the aerosol-filled haze of feathered bangs and six-inch shoulder pads, I say good on them.
So basically this is the last of the teen-angst "Hughesian" films John Hughes is so well known for (Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink, Sixteen Candles, Weird Science, Ferris Bueller's Day Off) and some consider it a redemption for Pretty in Pink, since this time the Duckie gets the Andie character, so to speak. It helps the argument that Howard Deutch directed both, I think.
But I say that's bullshit. This movie, charming though it may be at moments, is not redeeming anything.
First of all, Eric Stoltz, Lea Thompson, and Mary Stuart Masterson's character are all supposed to be from the so-called 'wrong side' of town. Lea Thompson's Amanda Jones may be playing at blending with the rich kids, but she's not of one of them, so the whole class element that is such an important part of Pretty in Pink gets muddled.
Secondly, I know Keith is supposed to be Mr. Sensitive Well-Rounded Guy (he paints! he fixes cars! he wishes his little sister would stop picking on him!) but I found him to be basically an idiot. There's the obvious, usual problem that happens with plenty of romantic comedies, that he's in love with his best friend who is is in love with him but he for some reason cannot seem to grasp this idea until the last three minutes of the film. And naturally he can't just tell his dad he's not interested in college and that he's actually already a good mechanic which happens to be a fairly respectable career in itself and would allow him time to pursue his artwork on the side. And considering how reasonable and understanding his dad is when they finally have the big blowup confrontation about college, Keith's hemming and hawing suddenly seems more like passive aggression than any sort of well-founded fear. But that could be excused because, hey, he's a teen right?
But then he takes out Amanda while Watts drives and the whole movie just kind of farts on itself.
Tangentially, could they have picked two more similar looking actresses than Lea Thompson and Mary Stuart Masterson? I've already had to go back and edit this twice, just while writing, because I mixed up which actress played who.
Good thing they have different hair! I considered doing some really creepy photoshopping and switching their faces but when I tried it in MSPaint it was so gross and serial killery that I decided to skip that particular idea. Nevertheless, the resemblance is there, guys.
Anyway, Keith takes out Amanda (letting Watts, who he has just kissed, drive them. Yep.). Now Keith knows that Amanda is from his part of town and that even though she hangs out with rich kids with names like "Shayne (female)" and "Hardy Jenns" she doesn't completely fit in with them. But instead of trying to make her feel comfortable, he takes her to an upscale restaurant where she's clearly uncomfortable. They get beluga caviar.
Blergh. He's so fixated on impressing her and proving that he can spend just like her old friends that he completely misses the point of her going out with him; he's not like her rich friends. He's like her. It's what makes him sympathetic and interesting. So he's already kind of botched things. But he manages to smooth things over by complimenting her. Okay, fine, whatever. Then he takes her to the local art museum where he shows her a painting he made of her where she looks like,
I dont know. The sad, wizened troll version of herself? She's all hunched over and morose and as Amanda later (correctly) points out, it's not like he painted something special about her. The most prominent parts of the painting are her legs and her face, which is what everyone notices. So way to make her feel sort of special while concentrating on what she worries about being her only appealing attribute. And I mean it is kind of sweet that he puts so much thought and effort into this date but she clearly is not really that invested. So throughout the whole date she's half charmed and half totally creeped out. Which is fair, since the dude made his BEST FRIEND PLAY CHAUFFEUR FOR THEM. WTF?! And I know that Watts and Keith have the conversation where he's like, Wah wah you didn't have to do this but you wanted to! and she's like, Well it still sucks! but honestly Keith, this is basic human decency stuff. Watts clearly already has issues, she's all like "All I care about is me, my drums, and you!!!" and full on made out with you before you went out on this date to end all dates. Get a fucking clue, man.
Ahem. Amandon't, amirite?
Suggestion:
Keith is a total sociopath. He's completely aware of Watts feelings all along but keeps her around to boost his self-esteem and as a backup plan. I mean he literally does not show any interest in her until Amanda hands back the pair of diamond earrings that he bought her and says she just wants to be single. (Otherwise known as the St. Elmo's Fire, "I pick me" resolution. Classic!) Which is fine, more power for her. God knows Hardy fucking Jenns is no treat...
..and Keith comes on a little strong what with BUYING HER DIAMONDS WITH HIS LIFE SAVINGS OH GOD WHYYYY? WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU KEITH?!?!
Anyway. I probably would have done the same as Amanda. Actually, no. I would have gone for the dopey bully known simply as "Skinhead". Elias Koteas is a fox, man. Forget proto-Boreanaz and the creepy ginger. Go for the guy who looks an affable Henry Rollins.
But then Keiths's like, oh yeah, I think I'll go be in love with Watts now! What? No. Also, why did you spend ALL OF YOUR MONEY ON A PAIR OF DIAMOND EARRINGS for a girl who you were pretty sure was only going on a date with you to spite her ex-boyfriend? That is just reckless stupidity. And why does Watts just completely buy it, despite the emotional ringer she has just been rung through? Ugh. Maybe I've reached the point where I'm too old or cynical or something to be watching these Hughes movies. I was not at all charmed by the final line, "You look good wearing my future," so I'm guessing yes.
Don't look at me like that, Stoltz.
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