Some Kind of Wonderful (film)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
Some Kind of Wonderful
Some kind of wonderful poster.jpg
Theatrical release poster
Directed by Howard Deutch
Produced by John Hughes
Written by John Hughes
Starring
Music by Stephen Hague
John Musser
Cinematography Jan Kiesser
Edited by Bud S. Smith
M. Scott Smith
Production
company
Distributed by Paramount Pictures
Release dates
  • February 27, 1987 (1987-02-27)
Running time
 95 minutes
Country United States
Language English
Box office $18.5 million[1]

Some Kind of Wonderful is a 1987 American romance film starring Eric Stoltz, Mary Stuart Masterson, and Lea Thompson. It is one of the several successful teen dramas written by John Hughes in the 1980s, although this one was directed by Howard Deutch.

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 spoiled 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 by simply telling him that by using his money to treat people like possessions and toys he will never know true happiness or have anyone in his life that will appreciate him for more than just his money and good looks. In the end, Amanda realizes that she needs time alone and Keith clues into Watts's feelings for him.

Cast[edit]

Production[edit]

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 4/5 stars[9]
  1. "Do Anything" – Pete Shelley
  2. "Brilliant Mind" – 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

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Some Kind of Wonderful". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 2009-03-22. 
  2. ^ Harris, Will (2012-02-21). "Random Roles: Lea Thompson". avclub.com. Retrieved 19 October 2012. 
  3. ^ "Some Kind of Wonderful (1987)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 2009-03-22. 
  4. ^ a b Ebert, Roger (1987-02-27). "Review: Some Kind of Wonderful". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 2009-03-22. 
  5. ^ a b Maslin, Janet (1987-02-27). "Film: 'Some Kind of Wonderful'". The New York Times. Retrieved 2009-03-22. 
  6. ^ Richard Schickel (1987-03-09). "Cinema: Teen Turmoil Some Kind Of Wonderful". Time. Retrieved 2009-03-22. 
  7. ^ "Some Kind of Wonderful". Variety. 1987-01-01. Retrieved 2009-03-22. 
  8. ^ Richard Harrington (1987-02-28). "Some Kind of Wonderful". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2009-03-22. 
  9. ^ Sutton, Michael. "Review: Some Kind of Wonderful – Original Soundtrack". Allmusic. Retrieved 30 January 2013. 

External links[edit]

Films by John Hughes
Director
and writer
Writer only
Films directed by Howard Deutch
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Some_Kind_of_Wonderful_(film)&oldid=668660679"