Some Kind of Wonderful

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Cast

Eric Stoltz
as Keith Nelson

Mary Stuart Masterson
as Watts/"Drummer Girl"

Lea Thompson
as Amanda Jones

Craig Sheffer
as Hardy Jenns

John Ashton
as Cliff Nelson

Elias Koteas
as Skinhead

Molly Hagan
as Shayne

Maddie Corman
as Laura Nelson

Jane Elliot
as Carol Nelson

Candace Cameron Bure
as Cindy Nelson

Chynna Phillips
as Mia

Carmine Caridi
as Museum Guard

Lee Garlington
as Gym Instructor

Laura Leigh Hughes
as Holly

Peter Elbing
as Maitre d'

Patricia Gaul
as Mrs. Gale

Ken Kimmins
as Detention Teacher

James MacDonald
as Hardy's Friend

J. Patrick McNamara
as Fight Teacher

Jonathan Schmock
as Carparker

James Vallely
as Carparker

Christine Spiotta
as Waitress

Steve Alterman
as Party Guest

Pamela Anderson
as Party Guest

Cathy Cavadini
as Party Guest

Ike Eisenmann
as Party Guest

Deborah Fallender
as Party Guest

Noelle Harling
as Party Guest

Vernon Scott
as Party Guest

Scott Coffey
as Ray

Barbara Iley
as Party Guest

Paige Pollack
as Party Guest

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Critic Reviews for Some Kind of Wonderful

Audience Reviews for Some Kind of Wonderful

• May 20, 2016

  Such an endearing movie. Yes, it's predictable, and uses the time-honored romantic comedy formula of the friend who was there under one's nose all along being the 'true love' in the end (that's hardly a spoiler folks), but it's very well done, and I've always loved it. Mary Stuart Masterson and Eric Stoltz turn in sweet performances as non-conformist high school kids (her a tomboy, him an artist, both mechanics) trying to find not only love but also their paths in life. Lea Thompson is the popular girl Stoltz falls for and pursues, and turns in a strong performance as well - if you get a chance, watch her facial expressions in the scene where she slaps her rich boyfriend, played well by Craig Sheffer. But Masterson is the one to watch here: tough, funny, and incredibly pretty. John Hughes had a quite a run in the mid-late 80's, and in producing/writing this film, I consider it among his best work. What a fantastic last line, "You look good wearing my future", and final song, a very nice cover of "Can't Help Falling in Love" by English band Lick the Tins, capping off a great soundtrack. This one makes me smile.
  Antonius B Super Reviewer
• Sep 07, 2013

  With the help of a friend-zoned tomboy, a mechanic pursues his high school's troubled beauty queen. By itself, this is an inoffensive John Hughes classic. Dealing with all of Hughes's normal themes of high school alienation and class differences, the film's optimistic and charming story work. However, it doesn't take a genius to see that Some Kind of Wonderful is a gender-reversed Pretty In Pink, and there we find some notable issues. Spoiler Alert: the protagonist ends up with his friend, not the slightly upper class object of his affections, but in Pretty in Pink the female protagonist finds love with the upper class prep boy. Why the difference? Could it be that the woman, unable to procure a stable living without the help of an economically viable husband, must choose a mate based on earning potential whereas the man is able to choose based on affection and loyalty, qualities that are far more likely to result in a viable relationship? It seems so, which bespeaks a sexism that I haven't seen in Hughes's other work. Overall, I enjoyed the film until I thought about it.
  Jim H Super Reviewer
• Apr 12, 2013

  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.
  Alex r Super Reviewer
• Apr 29, 2011

  Lea Thompson is sooooo pretty it's no wonder the protagonist was obsessed with her. The love triangle situation was handled with panache, and the kissing scene, where Mary Stuart Masterson literally shakes from toe to tingle with desire - is the one of the best of its kind.
  Jennifer X Super Reviewer

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