Pretty in Pink (1986)

The old-time story line of a rich boy and poor girl getting together gets the John Hughes treatment in Pretty in Pink. Andie Walsh is a special kind of cinematic heroine with a self-styled '80s rebelliousness that is done in pearls and homemade outfits. The scenes of her taking care of her troubled father (Harry Dean Stanton) make for some of the most believable drama. The story does take many obvious turns when Blaine comes into the picture, but the supporting cast fleshes out the standard formula. Jon Cryer is a perfectly endearing Duckie, especially during his record-store impromptu performance of Otis Redding's "Try a Little Tenderness." Annie Potts brings in a radically styled perspective and some of the better comedic moments as Ionia. As the rich snob Steff, James Spader is appropriately vile, even if he looks way too old for high school at age 26. Bringing it all together is the excellent '80s rock and synth pop soundtrack with the Smiths, Echo & the Bunnymen, New Order, and the Psychedelic Furs' title track. However, the final act sours as the everyone seems to step out of character and quickly conform in order to make for a happy ending. But due to the genre, a sentimental ending is warranted and nearly unavoidable. Along with Sixteen Candles and The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink is remembered as one of John Hughes' teen movie classics. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide