As an avid movie binger and a rom-com enthusiast, I have strong opinions on which romantic comedies are good and which ones inadequately evoke the emotions I search for when sitting down to watch these types of films. While I have a long list of romantic comedies I would recommend, there is one that will always and forever be my favorite and my go-to because of how it captures relatability, friendship, and romance, in addition to its comedic aspects.
Without further adieu, I confidently and proudly make the claim that “Some Kind of Wonderful” is by far one of the best and most underrated romantic comedies. The film premiered in 1987 and, given the fact that it was written by John Hughes, it is no surprise that its message lands so well with young adults. Hughes has a track record of connecting with the emotions and experiences of teens; we’ve seen some examples of this in “Sixteen Candles,” “The Breakfast Club” and “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.”
The film was likewise directed by Howard Deutch. The pair also worked together to create the film “Pretty In Pink,” which was a similar film released just one year prior to “Some Kind Of Wonderful.” Despite having a similar premise, the ends of the film are drastically different (more on that later).
As previously stated, John Hughes has a way of connecting with his audience members by making them feel understood, less alone, and hopeful. This film is a great example of how Hughes creates something his viewers can relate to. Throughout the film, Keith Nelson, played by Eric Stoltz, disagrees with his father on what his future will look like. His father is pushing for him to attend college to study business while Keith has only shown interest in art schools and is perfectly satisfied with his current job as a mechanic. Being asked to figure out your future at the ripe age of 18 is an unfair task that we all have to face. Additionally, having a plan or idea for your future that does not align with those who raised you is something many of us have faced as well.
The film also presents the dilemma of wanting someone you can’t have, as well as people being mean in high school. Everywhere we go we have to deal with people we don’t get along with and at 18 years old, when everyone is still figuring out who they are and who they want to become, it is prime time for conflict. The film does a phenomenal job of portraying the stereotypical high school drama.
Aside from the relatability of the film, another one of my favorite aspects is its portrayal of friendship. Without giving away too much detail, there are beautiful developing friendships between the most unlikely pairings, there are displays of loyalty within these friendships that contribute to the film’s wholesomeness and there are romantic relationships turned platonic (and vice versa). Speaking of relationships, the third aspect of the film that I love is its elements of romance (of course, it is a romantic comedy afterall). In the end, unlike “Pretty In Pink,” the underdog rises from the dust making for a magical moment at the end of the film.
Spoiler alert! One of my favorite, and one of the most romantic moments of the film, is when Keith gives the earrings he spent his college savings on to Watts, played by Mary Stuart Masterson. (Yes, the earrings he originally bought and gave to Lea Thompson, played by Amanda Jones). The film ends as the couple walks through the street, his arm around her shoulders, and when Watts asks how she looks to which he replies, “You look good wearing my future.” Although I chose to believe that the earrings were returned and he used the money to attend art school as well as buy her a wedding ring, I love the idea of him giving her his future.
Overall, “Some Kind Of Wonderful” is relatable, funny, romantic, and a great movie that will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions while you root for the pair to end up together in the end.
