Some Kind of Wonderful (film)
| Some Kind of Wonderful | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster |
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| 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) |
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| Running time | 95 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Box office | $18,553,948[1] |
Some Kind of Wonderful is a 1987 American 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.
Contents |
Plot [edit]
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; although 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.
Cast [edit]
- Eric Stoltz as Keith Nelson
- Mary Stuart Masterson as Watts
- Lea Thompson as Amanda Jones
- Craig Sheffer as Hardy Jenns
- John Ashton as Cliff Nelson
- Elias Koteas as Duncan
- Molly Hagan as Shayne
- Maddie Corman as Laura Nelson
- Jane Elliot as Carol Nelson
- Candace Cameron Bure as Cindy Nelson
- Chynna Phillips as Mia
- Scott Coffey as Ray
- Carmine Caridi as Museum Guard
- Lee Garlington as Gym Instructor
- Pamela Anderson as Party Guest
Production [edit]
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 was filmed at 1441 W I St, Wellington, CA 90744. Amanda Jones' house was actually located in Wilmington, Ca. (corner of West E. ST & Frigate Ave.); it's still white with green trim to this very day.[citation needed]
Eric Stoltz and Lea Thompson almost worked together in the hit 1985 film Back to the Future. Stoltz was dropped from the film in favor of original choice Michael J. Fox. The two worked together in the 1984 teen comedy The Wild Life.[citation needed]
Thompson had originally turned down the role, but changed her mind when the role was offered to her a second time as the film she did do - Howard the Duck - had turned out to be a major bomb.[2]
Reception [edit]
The film was generally well received by critics. Review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes reported that 80% of critics gave it a positive rating, based on 35 reviews.[3] Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times praised the film, calling it worthwhile and entertaining.[4] 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".[5] Richard Schickel of Time, however, criticized the film for being unrealistic.[6] Masterson's performance was singled out for praise by several critics.[4][5][7][8]
Soundtrack [edit]
| Some Kind of Wonderful | |
|---|---|
| Soundtrack album by Various Artists | |
| Released | February 27, 1987 |
| Genre | Rock, New Wave |
| Length | 36:20 |
| Label | MCA Records |
| Professional ratings | |
|---|---|
| Review scores | |
| Source | Rating |
| Allmusic |   [9] |
- "Do Anything" – Pete Shelley
- "Brilliant Mind" – Furniture
- "Cry Like This" – Blue Room
- "I Go Crazy" – Flesh for Lulu
- "She Loves Me" – Stephen Duffy
- "The Hardest Walk" – The Jesus and Mary Chain
- "The Shyest Time" – The Apartments
- "Miss Amanda Jones" – The March Violets
- "Can't Help Falling in Love" – Lick the Tins
- "Turn to the Sky" – The March Violets
References [edit]
- ^ "Some Kind of Wonderful". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 2009-03-22.
- ^ Harris, Will (2012-02-21). "Random Roles: Lea Thompson". avclub.com. Retrieved 19 October 2012.
- ^ "Some Kind of Wonderful (1987)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 2009-03-22.
- ^ a b Ebert, Roger (1987-02-27). "Review: Some Kind of Wonderful". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 2009-03-22.
- ^ a b Maslin, Janet (1987-02-27). "Film: 'Some Kind of Wonderful'". The New York Times. Retrieved 2009-03-22.
- ^ Richard Schickel (1987-03-09). "Cinema: Teen Turmoil Some Kind Of Wonderful". Time. Retrieved 2009-03-22.
- ^ "Some Kind of Wonderful". Variety. 1987-01-01. Retrieved 2009-03-22.
- ^ Richard Harrington (1987-02-28). "Some Kind of Wonderful". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2009-03-22.
- ^ Sutton, Michael. "Review: Some Kind of Wonderful – Original Soundtrack". Allmusic. Retrieved 30 January 2013.
External links [edit]
- Some Kind of Wonderful at the Internet Movie Database
- Some Kind of Wonderful at AllRovi
- Some Kind of Wonderful at Box Office Mojo
- Some Kind of Wonderful at Rotten Tomatoes
- Some Kind of Wonderful at Metacritic
- Some Kind of Wonderful fansite
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