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Some Kind of Wonderful (1987)

tomatometer

57

Average Rating: 5.3/10
Critic Reviews: 7
Fresh: 4 | Rotten: 3

No consensus yet.

audience

77

liked it
Average Rating: 3.5/5
User Ratings: 37,103

My Rating

Movie Info

In a gender-reversed version of his previous hit Pretty in Pink, John Hughes retreads all-too- familiar ground in Some Kind of Wonderful, the story of a sensitive, young would-be artist, Keith (Eric Stoltz), who vies for the affection of his high school's popularity queen, Amanda (Lea Thompson), seemingly out of some deep-rooted insecurity regarding his social ineptitude. He enlists the help of his butch best friend and fellow misfit, Watts (Mary Stuart Masterson), unaware that she secretly

PG-13,

Drama, Romance, Comedy

John Hughes

Aug 20, 2002

Paramount Home Video

Cast

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All Critics (35) | Top Critics (7) | Fresh (29) | Rotten (7) | DVD (16)

Assembly-line feature from the John Hughes teen factory.

July 24, 2007 Full Review Source: Chicago Reader | Comments (2)
Chicago Reader
Top Critic IconTop Critic

A simple, lovely and thoughtful teenage story that occasionally shines due to fine characterizations and lucid dialog.

July 24, 2007 Full Review Source: Variety
Variety
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This time it ends with the underdogs together. Oddly enough, it's this conclusion that feels phony, seeing as Stoltz has spent the last 80 minutes arranging his dream date with Lea.

June 24, 2006 Full Review Source: Time Out | Comment (1)
Time Out
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The film creates a perfect embodiment of every adolescent's nightmare.

May 20, 2003 Full Review Source: New York Times
New York Times
Top Critic IconTop Critic

Lighter and less filling than usual.

January 1, 2000 Full Review Source: Washington Post
Washington Post
Top Critic IconTop Critic

Some Kind of Wonderful is yet another film in which Hughes and his team show a special ability to make an entertaining movie about teenagers.

January 1, 2000 Full Review Source: Chicago Sun-Times
Chicago Sun-Times
Top Critic IconTop Critic

The cynical view of humanity demonstrated within makes it a fascinating outlier in the writer/producer's canon and the '80s teen film generally.

October 27, 2011 Full Review Source: Antagony & Ecstasy
Antagony & Ecstasy

Typical '80s teen movie is still relevant today.

January 1, 2011 Full Review Source: Common Sense Media
Common Sense Media

A movie that could have been something wonderful, winds up only kind of.

July 14, 2010 Full Review Source: Bangitout.com
Bangitout.com

The best of all 80s teen movies.

July 30, 2008 Full Review Source: eFilmCritic.com
eFilmCritic.com

An amazingly mature young actress, Masterson skillfully brings subtlety, depth, and nuance to her character.

July 24, 2007 Full Review Source: TV Guide's Movie Guide
TV Guide's Movie Guide

...another authentic look at teenaged life from Hughes.

October 6, 2006 Full Review Source: Reel Film Reviews
Reel Film Reviews

If you can't be with the one you love, love the one you're with.

April 22, 2005

All of these movies are good now.

October 20, 2004
New Times

Underscores how feelings of self-worth make all the difference in the lives of adolescents.

August 27, 2004 Full Review Source: Spirituality and Practice
Spirituality and Practice

Plays attractively like Intro to Anticapitalism 101.

May 21, 2004 Full Review Source: City Pages, Minneapolis/St. Paul

Audience Reviews for Some Kind of Wonderful

Some Kind of Wonderful is a terrific drama that boasts some wonderful performances and a good story. Although it is not a great film, it is still worth seeing. Overall this is a good film that is imperfect, but due to its cast and effective script by John Hughes. The drama elements work well and Hughes has crafted a well rounded film that has something for every viewer. Although not perfect, the film is very entertaining and like every other one of Hughes productions, it concerns teenage issues and it is a well rounded movie that offers much more than what you'd think. The film is directed by Howard Deutch, and even then he keeps all the signatures which makes for a worthwhile John Hughes storyline. Although the filmmakers recycle a few things from Pretty in Pink, the film still works well enough. Along with the drama, there are a few humorous bits here and there, and the result is a good film that is worth seeing if you Hughes's work. Luckily there are few flaws in this one, and the well written script overcomes the film's weaknesses sand makes for a really relatable film. Like with every other films that John Hughes has written or directed, this is a charming film that is worth seeing and is still relevant to new viewers and old viewers. The film is flawed, but is worth seeing. Even if it's nothing really new in terms of plot, Some Kind of Wonderful has heart and for that it is a well crafted movie that is engaging from start to finish. John Hughes was a great director and screenwriter and with this one, he is able turn recycled ideas that into something that is quite good due to his writing ability as an effective screenwriter.
April 12, 2013
TheDudeLebowski65
Jeff "The Dude" Lebowski

Super Reviewer

Cast: Eric Stoltz, Lea Thompson, Mary Stuart Masterson, Craig Sheffer, John Ashton, Elias Koteas, Molly Hagan, Chynna Phillips, Maddie Corman, Candace Cameron Bure

Director: Howard Deutch

Summary: In this 1980s classic from writer-producer John Hughes, Watts (Mary Stuart Masterson) is a tomboy who has a crush on her best friend, Keith (Eric Stoltz). But her feelings go unrequited as Keith falls for the hopelessly feminine Amanda (Lea Thompson), a rich girl with snobby friends. Unfortunately for Keith, Amanda's ex-boyfriend wants her back and is willing to do anything to get her. But does that mean he and Watts are destined to be together?

My Thoughts: "I am a huge John Hughes fan and I love all his films. "Some Kind Of Wonderful", has been a favorite of mine since I was very young. I remember watching it with my older sister and all of her friends. The film has some really great and fun character's, like Duncan. I loved that character. The story is relatable and is full of teen angst. This film goes with the saying that girls and boys can't just be friends. The sound track is good as well. I own this movie and watch if often. Just one of those movies you watch that takes you back in time. Great story, character's, and acting. A must see John Hughes film."
April 26, 2009
LWOODS04
♥˩ƳИИ ƜѲѲƉƧ♥

Super Reviewer

    1. Hardy Jenns: She's gonna have to beg.
    2. Duncan: I don't think its gonna be necessary...
    – Submitted by A N (15 months ago)
    1. Watts/"Drummer Girl": You break his heart, I break your face.
    – Submitted by Danielle U (16 months ago)

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Foreign Titles

  • Some Kind of Wonderful (1987) (DE)
  • Some Kind of Wonderful (1987) (UK)
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