A conversation between some of my younger co-workers recently got me to thinking about this quintessential 80s-era “brat pack” classic. Written and directed by John Hughes (Sixteen Candles, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Planes Trains and Automobiles and many more), The Breakfast Club is the ultimate for navel-gazing teens. Four high school students are forced to attend an all-Saturday detention day, overseen by their overbearing principal. The teens come from drastically different backgrounds — The Jock (Emilio Estevez), The Princess (Molly Ringwald), The Brain (Anthony Michael Hall), The Criminal (Judd Nelson) and The Basketcase (Ally Sheedy), but over the course of a morning and afternoon spent verbally sparring, then sharing, with each other, they each come to a better understanding of the complications that anyone’s life can have. This film should be required viewing for any student of the 1980s, and features terrific performances from a very talented young cast. Molly, Judd and Ally, in particular, stand out, as does Paul Gleason as Mr. Vernon. What, on the surface, appears to be a very lightweight film, actually carries considerable heft. I was impressed, and still am, even though it’s been almost 30 years since it was released. Also features an iconic musical soundtrack as background to the drama. This specific “Flashback” DVD version features a 12-part documentary, in which cast members look back at the making of the film, and others in the entertainment business reflect on The Breakfast Club’s cultural impact, as well as feature commentary by Judd Nelson and Anthony Michael Hall, and a mini-documentary on the origins of the “Brat Pack” of 80’s actors.

Originally reviewed for my local library's website in August 2013: http://lincolnlibraries.org/bookguide/staff-recommendations/staff-recommendation... ( )

Five kids of different stereotypes spend the day together in detention.

My John Hughes experience was previously limited to Ferris Bueller and Home Alone, so this was not at all what I expected - quite a pleasant surprise.

Concept: C
Story: C
Characters: A
Dialog: A
Pacing: A
Cinematography: C
Special effects/design: B
Acting: A
Music: A

Enjoyment: A

GPA: 3.3/4 ( )

Five high school students from different walks of life endure a Saturday detention under a power-hungry principal. The disparate group includes rebel John, princess Claire, outcast Allison, brainy Brian and Andrew, the jock. Each has a chance to tell his or her story, making the others see them a little differently -- and when the day ends, they question whether school will ever be the same.
(source: TMDb)