Review of Career Opportunities (1991) by Allan C — 17 Aug 2012

A lesser film in the John Hughes cannon and the last of his "teen" films. Frank Whaley is a lovable loser (who comes off more as annoying than endearing) and Jennifer Connelly is the rich girl rebel who both get locked in a Target store over night.

The film had potential, but it ends up being pretty tedious. The film feels like a mash-up of Hughes' best films. The rich kid and poor kid romantic element from "Pretty in Pink". The Teens left alone with nothing to do but talk element of "The Breakfast Club".

And lamest of all is the "Home Alone" elements when two comedic lame-brain burglars show up for no reason other than as a lazy plot device. Hughes was able to maintain a compelling story of teens trapped in detention with nothing to do but talk in "The Breakfast Club", so it's disappointing that he chose the route of broad comedy instead of a thoughtful film.

I could have forgiven that if it were at least funny. And I don't blame Whaley for his annoying character. I think he delivers exactly what the filmmakers were going for, but his 1930s style fast talker seems like he's in a completely different universe than Connelly's character.

In it's favor though, Connelly gives a likable performance and there is a decent supporting cast that includes cameos by John Candy and William Forsythe and bit parts for Barry Corbin and Noble Willingham.

A disappointment considering the talent behind and in front of the camera.