March 24, 2010

The Magic of John Hughes

I've been watching a lot of John Hughes movies like Pretty in Pink, Some Kind of Wonderful, and The Breakfast Club lately. Sixteen Candles is next on the list.

I think John Hughes completely ruined teen movies for me.

Don't get me wrong. His movies are amazing. The characters resemble people I go to school with, and I can relate to their experiences. Also, the dialogue in his movies sound so real.

But maybe his movies are too amazing.

I used to think that 10 Things I Hate About You was completely brilliant, but it doesn't even compare to Pretty in Pink. Ditto for Get Over It. I saw that movie when I was about twelve or thirteen and I thought it was the best movie ever.

I've come to realize that the teen movies that have been coming out lately don't reach the standard that John Hughes' movies set. They're too clichéd, and the twists and added special effects don't make them any better. I mean, where's the witty dialogue and the geeky boy we could all fall for?

2 comments :

Unknown said...

John Hughes hit on something that few other high school films can achieve. His movies just felt authentic, like it could happen to you and your friends. "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" was another great high school film, but I think it seems a lot more dated than Hughes' films. If you took away the clothing and some of the slang, any of Hughes' high school films could bet in the here and now.

Jon Paul said...

Camryn--I gotta tell ya I agree totally. I grew up on John Hughes films and I have to say there hasn't been much in that genre I've seen since which measures up. I guess I always chocked it up to growing old and not being touch any longer; it's reassuring to hear that other folks feel the same way.

Great post. Thanks for sharing.