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Some Kind of Wonderful
1987 95 min United States of America PG-13 12+
★6.9
Romance, Comedy
Director: Howard Deutch
Trailers
Description
Keith Nelson, an artsy high school outcast, tries to land a date with popular girl Amanda Jones with some help from his tomboy best friend, Watts. However, Watts realizes she likes Keith as more than just a friend and tries to convince him to stop pursuing Amanda. Matters are further complicated when Keith's invitation draws the ire of Amanda's rich yet snobby ex-boyfriend, Hardy Jenns, who makes plans to get even.
US Gross:
$18.55M
Worldwide:
$18.55M
Starring
Eric Stoltz
Actor
Mary Stuart Masterson
Actor
Lea Thompson
Actor
Awards
1 win total
Key opinion
Some Kind of Wonderful is widely regarded as a quintessential 80s teen film that effectively builds upon the John Hughes formula. While some critics view its plot as overly predictable and formulaic, most find it to be a charming, heartfelt entry elevated by strong performances and an authentic period atmosphere.
| Acting | Mary Stuart Masterson delivers a standout, sharp performance as Watts that provides the film with its emotional core. | |
| Score | The film benefits from a nostalgic, evocative soundtrack that captures the spirit of 80s high school culture. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay is viewed as a functional but highly predictable retread of the 'Pretty in Pink' love-triangle formula. | |
| Acting | Eric Stoltz’s central performance is praised for its charisma, though some feel he is too conventionally attractive and confident to be entirely convincing as a social outcast. | |
| Ending | The film's ending is effectively handled through subtle, wordless visual cues that offer a satisfying conclusion to the central romance. |