Review of Sixteen Candles (1984) by Chris B — 14 Dec 2011

For an 80s cult classic, I wasn't too impressed. Maybe it was because I grew up in a different era, and some of the subtleties were lost. Regardless, this tale of teenage love seemed a bit too fantastical for my tastes.

What especially got me was the character of Jake Ryan (Michael Schoeffling), who is the rich, popular jock with conscience. Now call me crazy, but teenagers in Jake's position don't readily give up being the prom king to go out with the girl next door.

Sure, it makes for great movie material, but it just doesn't ring true in this day and age. The fantastical nature of the film, however, made the dialogue between the characters sharp and witty, which is rare in this genre of film.

This was highlighted by Anthony Michael Hall's character the Geek, who flawlessly delivers these lines one after the other. The cameo by John Cusack was also refreshing. All in all, "Sixteen Candles" is fairy tale like romantic comedy, which makes us reminisce about a more innocent time.