Some Kind of Wonderful (film)

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Some Kind of Wonderful

Theatrical release poster
Directed by Howard Deutch
Produced by John Hughes
Written by John Hughes
Starring Eric Stoltz
Mary Stuart Masterson
Lea Thompson
Craig Sheffer
John Ashton
Music by Stephen Hague
John Musser
Cinematography Jan Kiesser
Editing by Bud S. Smith
M. Scott Smith
Studio Hughes Entertainment
Distributed by Paramount Pictures
Release date(s) February 27, 1987
Running time 95 minutes
Country United States
Language English
Box office $18,553,948[1]

Some Kind of Wonderful is a 1987 romance film starring Eric Stoltz, Mary Stuart Masterson, and Lea Thompson. It was one of the many successful teen dramas written by John Hughes in the 1980s, although this one was directed by Howard Deutch. During filming, Deutch met Thompson and two years later the two got married. The film is considered a cult classic of the Brat Pack era due to its strong themes that were seen in previous Hughes productions.

Contents

[edit] Plot

The film is set against the strict social hierarchy of an American public high school. The tomboyish Watts (Mary Stuart Masterson) has always considered working class misfit Keith Nelson (Eric Stoltz) her best friend. But when Keith asks out the most popular girl in school, Amanda Jones (Lea Thompson), Watts realizes she feels something much deeper for him. Meanwhile, Hardy Jenns (Craig Sheffer), Amanda's Corvette-driving ex-boyfriend from the rich section of town, plans to cause trouble for Keith; though he has no real feelings for Amanda, he feels humiliated at losing her to a social inferior. However, Keith cunningly manages things to his own and Amanda's advantage and gives Hardy his well-deserved comeuppance. In the end, Amanda realizes that she needs time alone and Keith clues into Watts's feelings for him. Realizing that he loves her too, he gives her the diamond earrings he had originally bought as a present for Amanda.

[edit] Cast

[edit] Reception

The film was generally well-received by critics. Review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes reported that 77% of critics gave it a positive rating, based on 38 reviews.[2] Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times praised the film, calling it worthwhile and entertaining.[3] Janet Maslin of the New York Times stated that Some Kind of Wonderful is the "much-improved, recycled version of the Pretty in Pink story".[4] Richard Schickel of Time, however, criticized the film for being unrealistic.[5] Masterson's performance was singled out for praise by many critics.[3][4][6][7]

[edit] Production

The film was shot almost entirely on location in San Pedro, California. The high school scenes are from San Pedro Senior High School (S. Leland St. between 14th St. and 17th St.). Keith Nelson's house outside scenes look to have been filmed near Harbor Community College (Figueroa Pl. and F St.) and Amanda Jones House looks like it was filmed around 16th St. and Beacon St. or 14th St. and Beacon St. in San Pedro.[original research?]

[edit] Soundtrack

Some Kind of Wonderful
Soundtrack album by various artists
Released February 27, 1987
Genre Rock, New Wave
Length 36:20
Label MCA Records
Professional reviews

The reviews parameter has been deprecated. Please move reviews into the “Reception” section of the article. See Moving reviews into article space.
  1. "Do Anything" – Pete Shelley
  2. "Brilliant Mind" – The Furniture
  3. "Cry Like This" – Blue Room
  4. "I Go Crazy" – Flesh for Lulu
  5. "She Loves Me" – Stephen Duffy
  6. "The Hardest Walk" – The Jesus and Mary Chain
  7. "The Shyest Time" – The Apartments
  8. "Miss Amanda Jones" – The March Violets
  9. "Can't Help Falling in Love" – Lick the Tins
  10. "Turn to the Sky" – The March Violets

[edit] References

  1. ^ "Some Kind of Wonderful". Box Office Mojo. http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=somekindofwonderful.htm. Retrieved 2009-03-22. 
  2. ^ "Some Kind of Wonderful (1987)". Rotten Tomatoes. http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/some_kind_of_wonderful/. Retrieved 2009-03-22. 
  3. ^ a b Ebert, Roger (1987-02-27). "Review: Some Kind of Wonderful". Chicago Sun-Times. http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/19870227/REVIEWS/702270305/1023. Retrieved 2009-03-22. 
  4. ^ a b Maslin, Janet (1987-02-27). "Review: Some Kind of Wonderful". The New York Times. http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9B0DE0DE1E30F934A15751C0A961948260. Retrieved 2009-03-22. 
  5. ^ Richard Schickel (1987-03-09). "Teen Turmoil SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL". Time Magazine. http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,963737,00.html. Retrieved 2009-03-22. 
  6. ^ Staff (1987-01-01). "Some Kind of Wonderful". Variety. http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117795017.html?categoryid=31&cs=1&query=Some+Kind+of+Wonderful. Retrieved 2009-03-22. 
  7. ^ Richard Harrington (1987-02-28). "Some Kind of Wonderful". Washington Post. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/longterm/movies/videos/somekindofwonderfulpg13harrington_a0aa2a.htm. Retrieved 2009-03-22. 

[edit] External links
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