Some Kind Of Wonderful (1987) Is One Of The Most Underrated Teen Films Of The Eighties. It Has The Heart Of A John Hughes Story, But With A Little More Edge And A Lot More Emotion.
Released in 1987 and directed by Howard Deutch, Some Kind of Wonderful often gets overshadowed by bigger John Hughes titles like The Breakfast Club and Pretty in Pink, but it absolutely deserves to be mentioned alongside them. Written by Hughes, the film takes familiar teen movie territory and gives it a sharper emotional honesty.
The story follows Keith Nelson, played by Eric Stoltz, a smart but working class high school student who develops a crush on Amanda Jones, the beautiful and popular girl who seems far out of reach. Keith decides to take his shot, even though nearly everyone around him thinks it is a bad idea.
Lea Thompson plays Amanda with far more depth than the typical “popular girl” role would suggest. She is not simply shallow or unreachable. Thompson gives her vulnerability and self awareness, making Amanda feel like a real person rather than a stereotype.
Then there is Mary Stuart Masterson as Watts, one of the best characters in any eighties teen film. Watts is Keith’s best friend, drummer, and the person who understands him better than anyone else. Masterson gives the role attitude, humor, and emotional depth, making it impossible not to root for her.
The real heart of the movie is not the obvious romance, but the emotional tension between Keith and Watts. He is chasing an ideal while completely missing what is right in front of him. That dynamic gives the film its emotional weight and makes it much stronger than a standard high school romance.
Craig Sheffer plays Hardy Jenns, Amanda’s controlling ex boyfriend, bringing just enough arrogance and menace to keep the stakes real. His presence reminds you that the movie is also about class, reputation, and the pressure teenagers feel to fit into social expectations.
Howard Deutch directs the film with a strong sense of intimacy. He does not rely on flashy scenes or exaggerated comedy. Instead, he lets the emotions sit where they need to. The quieter moments often hit harder than the dramatic ones.
John Hughes’ writing is what gives the movie its staying power. He always understood that teenage emotions feel huge because, in that moment, they are huge. The script respects that instead of mocking it. It treats heartbreak, insecurity, and self discovery like they actually matter.
The soundtrack also deserves praise because, like most Hughes related films, music becomes part of the identity of the movie. The songs capture that late eighties emotional energy perfectly and help define the tone.
What makes Some Kind of Wonderful stand out is how grounded it feels. It is not overly polished or cartoonish. The characters feel like real teenagers making messy choices rather than movie versions of them.
Watts especially became iconic because she broke the mold. She was not written as the glamorous obvious choice. She was tough, funny, loyal, and emotionally honest. For a lot of viewers, she became the character people remembered most long after the credits rolled.
The final act works because it earns its emotional payoff. The movie understands that growing up often means realizing you were chasing the wrong thing. It is not just about getting the date. It is about understanding yourself.
Over time, the film has gained more appreciation as people revisit it outside the shadow of Hughes’ bigger hits. Many now see it as one of the strongest examples of his writing because it feels less manufactured and more sincere.
In the end, Some Kind of Wonderful is an excellent film because it combines romance, heartbreak, and character growth without losing its authenticity. It is funny, emotional, and honest in a way that still connects decades later.
It may not always get the same spotlight as other eighties classics, but for many people, it is one of the best of them all.