The 1980s were a time of crimped hair, parachute pants, and fresh-faced movie stars. This decade produced a plethora of hit coming-of-age films, featuring young actors who would later be known as the Brat Pack. Despite the negative connotations of the term, these movies truly defined a generation and continue to resonate with audiences today.
Actor Andrew McCarthy, a member of the Brat Pack, has decided to explore the impact of this label in a new documentary titled “Brats.” The film, screening at the Tribeca Festival and streaming on Hulu, reunites McCarthy with his fellow ’80s co-stars, including Rob Lowe, Emilio Estevez, Ally Sheedy, and Demi Moore, to discuss how being part of the Brat Pack affected their careers.
Among the most defining Brat Pack films is “The Breakfast Club,” a John Hughes classic that follows five high school students from different cliques as they bond during a Saturday detention. The film serves as a guidebook for teenagers navigating the pressures of adolescence, with standout performances from Molly Ringwald and the rest of the ensemble cast.
Another iconic Brat Pack film is Francis Ford Coppola’s adaptation of S.E. Hinton’s novel “The Outsiders,” featuring a young cast that includes Rob Lowe, Matt Dillon, and Tom Cruise. Set in Tulsa, the film explores themes of teen alienation and class conflict, giving these up-and-coming stars a platform to showcase their talent.
Joel Schumacher’s “St. Elmo’s Fire” is another standout Brat Pack film, featuring a group of young characters struggling with responsibility and maturity. Demi Moore shines in her role as Jules, a character with deep psychological wounds, adding depth to the ensemble cast’s performances.
“Pretty in Pink,” written by John Hughes and directed by Howard Deutch, tells the story of a teenage romance between a girl from a low-income background (Molly Ringwald) and a wealthy classmate (Andrew McCarthy). The film explores themes of social class and friendship, with Jon Cryer stealing the show as the quirky outsider, Duckie.
Lastly, McCarthy’s debut feature film, “Class,” showcases his heartfelt performance as a young prep school student navigating love and friendship. His chemistry with co-star Rob Lowe adds depth to the film’s comedic and dramatic moments, making it a memorable addition to the Brat Pack canon.
Overall, the Brat Pack films of the 1980s continue to resonate with audiences for their relatable coming-of-age themes and standout performances from a talented group of young actors.
