Synopsis
With the occasion all but overshadowed by her sister's upcoming wedding, angst-ridden Samantha faces her 16th birthday with typical adolescent dread. Samantha pines for studly older boy Jake, but worries that her chastity will be a turnoff for the popular senior. Meanwhile, she must constantly rebuff the affections of nerdy Ted, who is unfortunately the only boy in school who seems to take an interest in her.
Your Movie Library
Cast
- Molly RingwaldSamantha Baker
- Michael SchoefflingJake Ryan
- Haviland MorrisCaroline Mulford
- Gedde WatanabeLong Duk Dong
- Anthony Michael HallGeek (Ted)
- Justin HenryMike Baker
- Paul DooleyJim Baker
- Carlin GlynnBrenda Baker
- Blanche BakerGinny Baker
- Edward AndrewsHoward Baker
Recommendations
- 78
Austin Chronicle
Molly Ringwald is radiant here as the eternal teen looking for love. - 75
Chicago Sun-Times
This is a fresh and cheerful movie with a goofy sense of humor and a good ear for how teenagers talk. - 75
TV Guide Magazine
The premise is ordinary, but the film is distinguished by funny gags and excellent performances by Molly Ringwald and Anthony Michael Hall. - 70
The New York Times
The movie is cheerful and light, showcasing Mr. Hughes's knack for remembering all those aspects of middle-class American adolescent behavior that anyone else might want to forget. - 70
Variety
Ringwald is engaging and credible. For the boys, there's a bright, funny performance by Anthony Michael Hall. - 63
Boston Globe
Screenwriter John Hughes, making his directing debut, is at his best when he empathizes with the sensitivity in the ugly-duckling Ringwald and Hall characters. [04 May 1984] - 50
Christian Science Monitor
Along with the lapses of taste that have become standard in pictures aimed at teen audiences, filmmaker John Hughes offers moments of wit and warmth. - 50
Empire
Hall is very funny as the energetic adolescent pest and a good supporting cast includes the Cusack sibings John and Joan.
