Some Kind of Wonderful (1987) User Reviews (170)

Endearing

[gbill-74877 · 8/10 · 20 May 2016]

Such an endearing movie. Yes, it's predictable, and uses the time-honored romantic comedy formula of the friend who was there under one's nose all along being the 'true love' in the end (that's hardly a spoiler folks), but it's very well done, and I've always loved it.

Mary Stuart Masterson and Eric Stoltz turn in sweet performances as non-conformist high school kids (her a tomboy, him an artist, both mechanics) trying to find not only love but also their paths in life. Lea Thompson is the popular girl Stoltz falls for and pursues, and turns in a strong performance as well - if you get a chance, watch her facial expressions in the scene where she slaps her rich boyfriend, played well by Craig Sheffer. But Masterson is the one to watch here: tough, funny, and incredibly pretty.

John Hughes had a quite a run in the mid-late 80's, and in producing/writing this film, I consider it among his best work. What a fantastic last line, "You look good wearing my future", and final song, a very nice cover of "Can't Help Falling in Love" by English band Lick the Tins, capping off a great soundtrack. This one makes me smile.

Stop calling me Clifford

[MichaelMovieLoft · 7/10 · 6 June 2003]

Some Kind Of Wonderful tanked at the box office when it came out, but the truth is this sleeper hit was actually good. And I will even go far saying that this reverse Pretty In Pink is better than Pretty In Pink itself. Why? Good, honest performaces. Hughes decides to leave his Brat Packers behind and went with great choices in Eric Stoltz (who could've gave John Cusack a run for his money in the Teen Angst movie department), Lea Thompson and Mary Stewart Masterson, who steals the show as Watts. Sure the story is run of the mill, but it is the acting that pulls it through. Another good thing is that Thompson's character of Amanda Jones doesn't come off as being a snooty brat (for use of a better word). She is from the same part of town like Keith and tries to fit in with the 'cool' clique. Another good supporting performance is Duncan, the headbanger who is a regular in detention. I love how they forge a friendship through their art. And who can forget how Duncan and the lifers help Keith make his date with Amanda a success? One other thing I like is the soundtrack. It doesn't sound commerical like in other Hughes films. The music really suits every scenes it shows up in (especially the end credits that feature Lick The Tins take on 'Can't Help Falling In Love'). Molly Ringwald reportedly turned down a role in this film, but it's good that she did because I couldn't picture her in this classic. Great film.

an intelligent teen comedy/romance

[goya-4 · 8/10 · 18 November 2000]

Mary stuart Masterson plays a girl who has a crush on Eric Stoltz who has been friends with her for a long time but she never has told her feelings. When Stoltz starts hanging around with the rich crowd and falls for the snobby beauty queen Lea Thomson Masterson fears she may lose him. A well scripted comedy romance drama slice of life that John Hughes does right every now and then. on a scale of one to ten..8

some kind of movie

[tripper772 · 21 August 2002]

This movie makes my top 10 list. This movie tells the basic story "things aren't always as they seem." This movie shows just how hard it is to open up yourself an let someone know how much you care and also stresses how sometimes one can be blind and not see love in front of their eyes. This is simply a great movie.

Another Gem from the Wonderful 80´s

[claudio_carvalho · 7/10 · 23 September 2018]

The teenager Keith (Eric Stoltz) is a high-school student and mechanic that lives with his working class family. His father´s ambition is that Keith goes to college but it not his priority since he loves Arts. His best friend is the tomboy Watts (Mary Stuart Masterson) and the girl of his dreams is the popular Amanda (Lea Thompson). When she breaks up with his wealthy boyfriend Hardy Jenns (Craig Sheffer), Keith invites Amanda to date and she accepts to get even of Hardy. But the rich boy plans a scheme to humiliate the couple with his friends. Meanwhile Watts discovers her true feelings for Keith.

"Some Kind of Wonderful" is another gem from the wonderful 80´s. This feature presents a successful young generation of actors and actresses and it is highly nostalgic and entertaining to watch it again thirty and something years after its release. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "Alguém Muito Especial" ("Someone Very Special")

Great movie.. there's only one problem with it

[tasnimaxuddin · 7/10 · 26 July 2019]

I liked the movie in general just as I suspected. And the kiss scene between Keith and Watts was so intense that I was convinced from that point on that Keith would forget all about gorgeous Amanda and realise that Watts liked him all along and that he likes her. But no, he doesn't even act a little awkward after kissing his best friend nor question his relationship with Watts at all until 10 minutes before the end of the movie after he had his fun with Amanda. His sudden a-ha moment wasn't really convincing, he had one flashback to kissing her and then we as the audience also then realise that even after all that he likes Watts. After seeing her the whole night, she being his driver and all, he didn't once think about why she bothered doing all that?

A complicated road to love

[raymond-106 · 7/10 · 11 February 2010]

You can recognize at once why this film has such a great appeal to teenagers. Who hasn't shared such experiences while searching for a special friend? That special feeling of calling some one your own takes over your life completely.

Clifford (John Ashton ) has put away for his son Keith (Eric Stoltz) a goodly sum for his College studies, but Keith is blinded by his crush on Amanda who seems to be available to all the boys particularly the well-to-do.

One of the best and liveliest scenes in the film is the argument between Keith and his father who has discovered that his son has withdrawn the whole sum from the bank account to buy a pair of diamond earrings to impress Amanda and outdo his rivals.

Not all the scenes are so impressive and the story line lacks originality except for the "chauffeur" scene near the end which was a pretty stupid and unbelievable arrangement.

Watts played by Mary Stuart Masterson (and well done too) dotes on Keith but he is too blind to understand her feelings for him. All the mixed and misunderstood feelings require a good deal of sorting out by the characters and this is where the interest lies in the film. Will Keith wake up to himself and realize that true love is knocking at his door?

It's a pleasant little story of teenage problems which many of us will recall as a part of our own lives. That we can align with so many of the frustrations is a key to the popularity of the film.

Excellent teen love story

[da2357 · 10/10 · 18 January 2005]

It's refreshing to have a movie about teens in love that doesn't rely upon sex to gain the viewer's interest. I love this movie, have probably seen it a a few dozen times, especially in the original, unedited version (that wasn't shortened to fit into a two-hour TV time-slot). It's a classic story, but told from a timeless perspective---the movie first ran in 1987, yet there's extremely little in it that would make it seem "dated."

Mary Stuart Masterson is, as always, superb in her performance. While this is one of her early films, it shows her enormous ability and potential. She plays a playful, feisty, street-smart character that also has a sensitive, shy, and deeply loving side. Mary Stuart's kissing scene is one of the most wonderfully romantic and intense kissing scenes on film that I've seen, yet it has an innocent quality that makes it all the more special.

Eric Stoltz and Lea Thompson give excellent performances as well, with good acting and both are able to highlight dialogue with subtle nuances. However, I feel that Mary Stuart's character is the most interesting and emotionally sensitive, enough that she'll bring tears to your eyes. This is an excellent film. It came out at a time when there were a lot of teen movies (Pretty in Pink, The Breakfast Club, etc.), but this is a story that never grows old and is a pleasure to watch again.

The superior version of "Pretty In Pink"

[Superunknovvn · 6/10 · 8 May 2006]

Director Howard Deutch and John Hughes reunited one year after their previous joint venture "Pretty In Pink" to make "Some Kind Of Wonderful", which is essentially the same movie as the Molly Ringwald vehicle. The only difference is that this time it's a boy who's torn between two girls, one of which is his best friend and the other being the popular high school queen. Although this is still a fairy tale in which characters act like they never would in real life, "Some Kind Of Wonderful" is the more successful of the two movies. The pacing is tighter, the characters are less sappy, the acting is far superior and most importantly, the ending is more satisfying (if not exactly believable). Besides, it's nice to see Lea Thompson and Eric Stoltz interact, since they had already both been cast in "Back To The Future" before Stoltz was thrown out for creative differences with director Robert Zemeckis. They're working real well as a couple in this movie. All in all "Some Kind Of Wonderful" is the bettered version of "Pretty In Pink".

One of the best of John Hughes films.

[jane-42 · 10/10 · 24 May 2001]

I know it's not as well known, but this film came together so well that it can't be denied. A great mix of comedy and teen melodrama, this film perfectly combined all the best elements of a John Hughes film. By switching the sexes- Eric Stoltz as Molly Ringwald, and Mary Stuart Masterson as Jon Cryer- of "Pretty in Pink", the film delves deeper than "The Breakfast Club"- almost accidentally. The chemistry between Stolz and Masterson is powerful and real, something missing in almost all John Hughes films, and it pays off. This one has stayed with me since it came out, and I've watched it since and it holds up really well. Great supporting actors like John Ashton and Elias Koteaus provide fun comedy breaks, and little Candace Cameron as the little sister is terrific too- she went on to great TV fame. But the strength of the film is the fine acting. Stoltz has the harder more thankless role, and gives it a depth and charm that are a relief to see, and Masterson all but steals the movie. Together they are John Hughes best couple, even though he didn't direct this film.

On the whole, a solid teen movie

[Mr-Fusion · 7/10 · 2 July 2015]

Even though he didn't sit in the director's chair, "Some Kind of Wonderful" has John Hughes' fingerprints all over it. Which is a good thing. And while everyone says this is a carbon copy of "Pretty in Pink" (it is), it hits the target. This movie handles issues of class division and status pretty well. True love's been under Eric Stoltz's nose the entire time, he just had to get over his infatuation with the popular girl first. And we've all been there; we've all wanted someone who was beyond our reach (especially in high school). That empathy is key here. Age is really the only catch (these actors are too old to play teenagers), but it's also a cast that features John Ashton and Elias Koteas. That's a win in my book.

7/10

One of my all-time favorites

[RivetGRRL · 10/10 · 23 March 2002]

SPOILER: I seen this film when it first came out and I was 15 years old... it always stuck with me. I guess because the story was a lot like my own life and I could really relate to Mary Stuart Masterson's character SO much. I was best friends with a boy in my class, we were both into music, theater and art and did'nt fit in with the "popular-preppy" kids in school and really did'nt fit in with the "pot-head-troublemakers" either. We just did'nt fit in anywhere.. but we always had one another and hung out all the time. I was totally in love with him (still am to this very day, he will always be a part of my life and in my heart)... well, he just did'nt have a clue that I cared about him in that way and all I ever heard was how much he "loved" one of the cheerleaders. She never gave him the time of day and he still had this "thing" for her... Our story was'nt as happy though, he never found out how I felt for him.. I got married to someone else later on and so did he and we have since lost touch and I have been looking for him. Guess the first time I seen this movie, I liked it just because it was SUCH a good movie but a few years later seeing it, it really hit me in the face and to this day I always watch it whenever I get the chance and remember my friend...

Second-Rate Hughes Film

[gavin6942 · 6/10 · 10 June 2015]

A young tomboy, Watts (Mary Stuart Masterson), finds her feelings for her best friend, Keith (Eric Stoltz), run deeper than just friendship when he gets a date with the most popular girl in school. Unfortunately, the girl's old boyfriend, who is from the rich section of town, is unable to let go of her, and plans to get back at Keith.

When you ask people to list the John Hughes films, chances are they will get three or four almost immediately, maybe struggle with one or two, and then forget about a handful. This is definitely part of that handful. Despite some good casting (Lea Thompson!), this is nothing more than a second-rate Hughes film. No Molly Ringwald, and sort of a rehash of the friend-who-likes-a-friend theme he had already done.

Worth seeing? Of course. But this should not be on anyone's top five Hughes movie lists. (No doubt it is, but those people are wrong.)

One of the best teen movies ever made, you say?

[neenahhh · 5/10 · 24 March 2011]

I saw one site giving this movie a high recommendation as one of the best high school movies that were ever made. I decided to research the movie here on IMDb and saw mostly good praise. The rating was average, but I was bored, so I thought, "Oh, what the hell. Might as well give it a try!" Plus the summary seemed interesting and invited me in.

'A young tomboy, Watts, finds her feelings for her best friend, Keith, run deeper than just friendship when he gets a date with the most popular girl in school.' The summary makes it seem like the movie would be from Watts' point of view, but it wasn't. We only see glimpses of her 'agonizing' face every now and then when Keith's with Amanda. I was disappointed, since I was looking forward to see the whole movie from the "tomboy's perspective". Instead, the movie focuses on Keith, which I wasn't very fond of. I think that I would have liked this movie more if it was focusing more on Watts.

I didn't like the ending. (SPOILERS) I mean, when did Keith even realize that he liked Watts? It was too rushed! There wasn't enough development! Except for the hot little practice kiss they shared and that bar moment. Mhm. (/SPOILERS)

I also didn't like the whole message that this movie gave. (SPOILERS) Keith used all the money that he and his father saved up for his future- his college!- for a pair of earrings for some girl. I mean, I found that pretty stupid. I'm not a love hater or anything, but seriously, I know the limits. (/SPOILERS)

I'm aware that this is a pretty old film and many people find it popular, but this just wasn't my type. If you're like me, who is kind of cynical and doesn't necessarily believe that you MUST give up everything for love, then maybe you won't enjoy it that much either. But if you feel like giving it a try, then go on. The practice kiss that Watts and Keith shared was well worth the watch, anyway.

Mostly fun high-school film starring 26-year-olds.

[TxMike · 5 August 2001]

Keith (Eric Stoltz, 26) is a nice kid, good at art, blue-collar family, works at a gas station, has this tomboy friend Watts (Mary Stuart Masterson, 20), but he has his eye on beautiful and popular Amanda (Lea Thompson, 26). We, the audience, see very early on that Watts wishes Keith were her boyfriend instead of just a "boy" friend. But Keith doesn't notice her that way. Until perhaps when Watts offers him to practice kissing before his big date.

Typical teen clique and rivalry issues, rich boy in town wants to "own" Amanda, but also goes after every other cute girl. The showdown is at rich boy's house, where he, being basically "chicken" tries to have his friends take Keith out and "mess him up." About that time Keith's friends, the "rough" guys in school, show up and quash the dirty deed.

Amanda realizes the lie she has been living, and presumably is a better person for the future, and leaves her silly friends behind. As Watts, who was the chauffer for the night, walks away, Keith catches up with her, they kiss, he gives her the diamond earrings that he cashed in his college fund for, and we are to assume Keith and Watts live happily ever after.

The three principals are very good in this mostly predictable film, especially Masterson as Watts. She is such a good actress that I find myself wondering why we don't see her in high-profile roles more often.

Though not totally sure, I think "Some Kind of Wonderful" gets its title from the realization, at the end, what Watts is.

The better version of Pretty in Pink.

[cricketbat · 7/10 · 15 August 2018]

An iconic teen romance film from the 80s. Maybe it's just because of the positive memories I have associated with this film, but I think it is very entertaining. It's the better version of "Pretty in Pink."

Something quite wonderful here

[studioAT · 6/10 · 6 September 2016]

John Hughes was sort of the master at this kind of film, producing lots in quick succession around similar themes. This is perhaps my favourite of his work.

It's a simple story, beautifully told, with three good central performances. As with any Hughes film the music equally plays its part to good effect as well.

I know that 'Breakfast Club' is the best known of Hughes' 80's comedies, with 'Pretty in Pink' also having a strong following, but for me there are so many lovely moments within this film that it's stuck with me the more times I see it.

I can only recommend you take a look at it yourself.

Surprisingly good...

[mckillotd · 7/10 · 5 November 2004]

My elder sister lent this on video to my girlfriend when she was off sick from work. Of course she made me sit through it one night and I was thinking, here we go, another girly pile of ....

I have to say I was quite surprised. I mean sure it was sentimental and had the obvious plot twist (I use that term loosely) but it was quite good. The film was on the whole well acted and the comic relief, much more prevalent than in other 80's flicks of the same nature, was quite fast paced and genuinely funny.

I wouldn't buy it but I did actually enjoy it and thats enough. It's not like I'm the intended target audience anyway...

surprisingly satisfying

[lnikias5 · 9/10 · 19 May 2005]

I don't normally enjoy 80's movies, but Some Kind Of Wonderful is a startling exception. Written by John Hughs, the story-line is far from original, greatly resembling Pretty in Pink, but it still has an endearing charm that makes it a classic. The story line follows as such: the lead male, a sensitive loner named Keith(Eric Stolz) is considered an outsider because he would rather focus on his art work than to be a jock, a nerd, or a trouble maker. He doesn't fit into any preexisting group. His only friend is a tomboyish drummer named Watts(Mary Stuart Masterson) who is in love with him, but he doesn't know. Keith wants to date the popular Amanda Jones(Lea Thompson), but she is dating a possessive, controlling, overtly rich Hardy Jenns(Craig Sheffer). Amanda breaks up with him, and to make it final she agrees to go out on a date with Keith. To Keith this is dream come true. He uses his newly formed connections with the "out" crowd to orchestrate an amazing date. Even going so far as spend all his college savings on a pair of diamond earrings for Amanda. Watts, ever faithful to Keith, volunteers to be their chauffeur for the evening. Hardy has invited both Keith and Amanda to a party he is throwing that night, but the real reason is so that he and his friends can jump Keith and beat him up. Keith hears about this and makes sure that his new-found friends keep the fight even. Just Keith and Hardy, but Hardy chickens out and is exposed as the spineless sleaze-ball we all knew he was. Amanda gives Keith back the diamond earrings and opts instead to be alone and learn who she is when she isn't defining herself by the boy she is dating. Watts has left the party and is walking away when Keith begins to run after her, he kisses her and gives her the earrings. Love wins out in the end and Keith utters the paramount quote, "You look good wearing my future."

This movie has my respect because it accurately portrays the social themes of the 80's without making them look cheesy; themes such as trying to figure out who you were, who your real friends were, the joy and pain of falling in love, and rebelling against your parents. Durring the 80's people felt liberated by the release of tensions with the ending of the Cold War.

Stolz gave a great performance as a misunderstood, out of place teen trying to find his way. And Thompson was very believable as the poor girl from the working class neighborhood who tried to fit into the popular crowd; surprisingly enough, she didn't come off as pretentious, quite the opposite in fact, appearing deep and amiable. In America during the 80's social status was much more defined; people began to focus more on the individual and the individual's accomplishments.

But Mary Stuart Masterson stole the show with her amazing portrayal of Watts. Not only was she witty, but she carried you along her emotional journey. Even when Keith had chosen Amanda, Watts still stood by him as long as she could. Her tough facade clearly hid an emotionally vulnerable woman who's lifelike predicament spoke to so many.

Though this movie was not an initial box office smash, it is a perfect example of the 80's genre. Once you have seen this film it will inevitably become one of your all time favorites.

"Mess with the bull, you get the horns. You know what I'm saying?"

[classicsoncall · 7/10 · 10 July 2018]

The story itself is fairly predictable - the rich, good looking guy who's a manipulative jerk is going out with the school's hottest chick, while on the other side of the tracks, a loner works as a mechanic and hangs out with a tomboy who finds it hard to hide her feelings about him. It all plays out in a fairly realistic high school setting, as writer John Hughes explores teenage angst once again in a milieu he's come to be identified with. What's different about this story, and it's kind of refreshing, is that the teens aren't hopping in and out of bed with each other, and wind up going through some personal self analysis before they rearrange their relationships to ones that make sense.

Watching this film some three decades after it's original release, and with all the emphasis in the current culture on equality between the sexes, it was somewhat jarring to hear egomaniac Hardy (Craig Sheffer) refer to Amanda (Lea Thompson) as his 'property'. I know there are guys who think like that but to actually hear him say it was more than enough to merit a trashing. I thought all the principal players did a fine job in their roles, with Mary Stuart Masterson particularly effective as the overlooked tomboy who's patience and integrity is rewarded in the end.

One thing about the closing credits puzzled me, in as much as the would-be bully who turned out to be Keith Nelson's (Eric Stoltz) friend had the name of Duncan, but the name that appeared in the credits was 'Skinhead', and his pals were referred to as Skinhead's friends. I think it's the first time I've seen a corrected credit here on IMDb that doesn't reference the actor's character as it appeared in a movie's credited cast list.

Set the VCR

[lctorana · 10/10 · 28 October 2001]

This is one of those films which creeps up on you.

On the surface, it is a romantic cliche, but it is extremely well done. The main characters, especially Watts (a very young Mary Stuart Masterson), turn in superb performances, and lift this way above the ordinary.

Good comic-relief from the support cast - watch especially for the scenes with Keith's sister Laura, and the one between Watts and her admirer - which is a real hoot!

For sheer romantic escapism, this film is close enough to perfect. And can be seen over and over.

Enjoy.

Coolest characters in movies

[giventofly_0 · 7/10 · 9 June 2006]

I am of the generation that grew up with all the characters in the "vintage" John Hughes films, and sadly, shared more in common with Anthony Michael Hall's characters (especially Brian Johnson in The Breakfast Club)than I cared to admit at the time.

The main point of this post though is to react to something I came across through another link on IMDb.com - the coolest film characters of all time. This is a debate I have had many times when drunk with fellow film nuts and I can honestly say, hand on heart, that I do not think anyone has ever created a better character than that of Duncan, so wonderfully played by Elias Koteas.

The scene where he etches a carving into the desktop then proclaims to Keith "this is what my girlfriend would look like without skin" still kills me, even after nearly 20 years of knowing that line is coming.

Just wondered what you lot think? I think none so cool as Elias!!!!

Role models, social conscience, and a fab soundtrack

[wileykylie · 10/10 · 1 November 2000]

As a twelve year old girl, I had a hard time finding role models. I lived on the outskirts of what was basically a country club neighborhood, but was not that kind of gal. So I found it wonderfully refreshing to find a role model in the pre-"Girl-Power" girl power of Watts. I fell in love along side her (and to this day, harbor a special place in my heart for Eric Stoltz), begged my parents to let me learn the drums, and knew every line by heart. She was tough, witty, and (according to my older brother) incredibly sexy. Eric Stoltz is dreamy in a working class kind of way and puts in a performance of true depth and character. This movie has heart without being sickly sweet. It delves into family relationships, friendships, and romance. Most notably, it tackles something that the current teen fair seems to lack, social consciousness. It's not afraid to break stereotypes or point out social injustice. Not to mention, it has one of the best soundtracks of the '80s. I give it an A++!!!

GREAT SONG TIED TO A GREAT SCENE...

[renfield54 · 7/10 · 28 September 1999]

An enjoyable enough movie for it's particular genre. Teen-age themes were very rampant when "WONDERFUL" was made. In my (humble) opinion, the thing that makes this movie most memorable is, not just the last few minutes, but the closing song. After hearing it, I fell in love with the song and the scene. It gave those last few minutes the "oomph" to put "that smile on yer face and tear in yer eye". It is a very fast, very Irish version of "Can't Help Falling in Love With You" by (not Elvis) but and Irish folk group called "Lick the Tins"(with the singer sounding very much like Melanie). While in the UK, I picked up a copy of their CD and was disappointed that the rest of their didn't live up to my expectations. Some one, working on the movie, had a "good ear" for picking out this gem and it is used to perfection.

One odd note, mostly everyone I introduced to this song, loved it, especially kids. Most of my Irish friends didn't see it as "special", they said it sounded like every other Irish band. (That must make Irish bands a great resource.) Maybe I should get out more, but I consider it their loss.....

One point of view I hadn't seen represented in other comments were those a gay friend mentioned to me. It seems when he watches the movie, he assumes Watts' boyish character to be a male, not a female. He watches it as a "coming out" film and said it was a common interpretation, by gays he knew, in a world where pop films didn't represent them adequately....

A Soft, Hollow, Redundant Conclusion to the Hughes Teen Years

[drqshadow-reviews · 4/10 · 18 July 2016]

Last of the John Hughes teen movies, and it's pretty clear that he'd already said everything he had to say. Thematically similar to Pretty in Pink, Hughes's preceding collaboration with director Howard Deutch, Wonderful isn't half as charming in either script or performance. It's a wishy-washy, often boring take on the same old "us versus them" concept, wrapped up in the hopeless chase of the school beauty. Age has been a stretch for these films before (Judd Nelson and Emilio Estevez were in their mid-20's for The Breakfast Club) but the acting has always been good enough to make us forget. This time, without any of the Brat Pack regulars, there's something missing; it constantly feels like adult stars forced into adolescent roles. Lea Thompson seems like she's on her way to interview for a news broadcasting gig, and approximately 75% of the school wears shoulder pads of one variety or another. None of it feels authentic. The performances are almost universally hollow and vacant, too, especially from leading man Eric Stolz, who looks and acts like a mannequin. It has a few redeeming moments, particularly a shining small part for Elias Koteas as a punk rock musclehead, and a good message, but otherwise it's passionless fodder. I guess all good things must come to an end.