The Brat Pack, a group of young actors who rose to fame in the ’80s, has long been a topic of fascination and debate in pop culture. In the new documentary “Brats,” Andrew McCarthy takes a deep dive into this iconic group and the impact it had on their lives and careers.
The documentary explores how the term “Brat Pack” was coined by writer David Blum in a 1985 New York Magazine profile of Emilio Estevez, and how it quickly became a label that many of the actors, including McCarthy, did not embrace. McCarthy reflects on how the nickname and association with the group affected his career and how he lost control of the narrative of his career overnight.
Many of the actors, like Estevez and Rob Lowe, distanced themselves from the group out of fear that being associated with the Brat Pack would be a career liability. In the documentary, McCarthy reconnects with some of his former co-stars, including Demi Moore, to see how they processed this period of their lives.
Through candid interviews and behind-the-scenes stories, “Brats” delves into the cultural impact of the Brat Pack and how their films changed the landscape of Hollywood. The documentary also examines the personal struggles and triumphs of the actors as they navigated fame at a young age.
Overall, “Brats” offers a nostalgic look back at a defining era in Hollywood history and sheds light on the lasting legacy of the Brat Pack. With McCarthy’s introspective approach and the candid reflections of his former co-stars, the documentary provides a compelling and insightful exploration of youth, fame, and the power of pop culture.