Some Kind of Wonderful Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A poor kid blows his college fund on a date to impress a rich girl, while his tomboy friend secretly pines for him and plays the drums because…reasons?

🍿 Some Kind of Wonderful: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Keith’s Obsession

Keith Nelson, a working-class teenager with artistic aspirations, is fixated on Amanda Jones, a popular girl from a wealthier background. He sketches her constantly and dreams of dating her, despite her being in a relationship with Hardy Jenns, a wealthy and arrogant bully. Keith’s efforts to get Amanda’s attention lead him to increasingly elaborate schemes.

Watts’ Unrequited Love

Watts, Keith’s best friend and a tomboyish drummer, harbors deep feelings for him that she keeps hidden. She supports him in his pursuit of Amanda, but subtly tries to dissuade him, knowing that Amanda may not be the right person for him. Watts’ internal struggle between her feelings for Keith and her loyalty to their friendship forms a central emotional core of the film.

The Date and its Consequences

When Amanda breaks up with Hardy, Keith seizes the opportunity and asks her out on a date. To impress her, he uses his savings, intended for college tuition, to create a memorable evening. Hardy, fueled by jealousy and resentment, plans to sabotage their date and humiliate Keith at a party.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Keith Nelson (Eric Stoltz): A working-class high school student and aspiring artist who pursues the popular Amanda Jones, oblivious to his best friend’s feelings.
• Watts (Mary Stuart Masterson): A tomboyish drummer and Keith’s best friend, who secretly harbors romantic feelings for him.
• Amanda Jones (Lea Thompson): The popular girl who briefly dates Keith, seeking to escape her social circle’s expectations.
• Hardy Jenns (Craig Sheffer): Amanda’s wealthy and possessive ex-boyfriend who attempts to sabotage Keith.
• Cliff Nelson (John Ashton): Keith’s well-meaning but sometimes overbearing father who wants his son to go to college.
• Skinhead (Duncan) (Elias Koteas): A headbanger and Keith’s unlikely friend who offers support and camaraderie.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Watts: “What do you think?” – Watts asks Keith her opinion when wearing the diamond earrings that Keith bought.
• Keith: “You look good wearing my future.” – Keith responds to Watts while giving her the earrings and acknowledging his feelings.
• Keith: “I don’t want to be like you!” – Keith confronts his father, expressing his desire to pursue art instead of following his father’s expectations.
• Amanda: “I just want to be alone for a while.” – Amanda recognizes that she is lost and wants to find herself as an individual.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $8,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $18,553,948
• Worldwide Gross: $18,553,948

💥 Some Kind of Wonderful Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely adore this movie! It’s a classic 80s teen flick with a heart of gold. Mary Stuart Masterson as Watts is iconic – she’s the kind of best friend everyone wishes they had. The ending always gets me; it’s so satisfying to see Keith finally realize what’s been in front of him all along. I still get butterflies during the kiss scene!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of 1980s teen movies”
  • “Viewers who enjoy coming-of-age stories”
  • “Those who appreciate John Hughes’ writing style”
  • “People interested in love triangle narratives”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Teen drinking”
  • “Brief scenes of violence”
  • “Some thematic elements regarding class differences”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “Deutch skillfully navigates the class dynamics, crafting a narrative that feels both familiar and fresh. The performances are strong, particularly Masterson, whose portrayal of Watts adds layers of complexity to the typical tomboy archetype.
• AllMovie: “While somewhat predictable, ‘Some Kind of Wonderful’ benefits from Hughes’ sharp writing and a solid cast. It explores themes of social class and identity with a lighter touch than some of his other films, making it a charming, if not groundbreaking, teen romance.

Audience Reactions

Viewers loved the soundtrack, saying it perfectly captured the 80s vibe and enhanced the emotional moments.: The film’s exploration of social class and staying true to oneself resonated deeply with audiences, making it relatable and heartwarming.

Many fans cited Watts as their favorite character, praising her strength, wit, and genuine friendship.: Masterson’s portrayal of Watts is often mentioned as a standout performance, elevating the film beyond typical teen romance tropes.

Overall Consensus: A heartwarming and well-acted 80s teen romance, ‘Some Kind of Wonderful’ resonates with audiences through its relatable characters and exploration of social class. While the plot is somewhat predictable, it’s elevated by strong performances, particularly from Mary Stuart Masterson, and a memorable soundtrack.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Molly Ringwald reportedly turned down a role in this film.”
• “Elias Koteas improvised many of his lines and actions, adding to the authenticity of his character.”
• “Lea Thompson’s surprised laugh when Duncan puts his head on Amanda’s shoulder was genuine and unscripted.”

🖥️ How to Watch Some Kind of Wonderful?

Some Kind of Wonderful is available for purchase or rental on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check local listings for broadcast schedules, as it occasionally airs on cable channels. Availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Some Kind of Wonderful, you might like these similar films:

• Pretty in Pink (1986): Features a similar theme of social class differences and a love triangle, but with the genders reversed.
• Sixteen Candles (1984): Another John Hughes teen movie classic that captures the awkwardness and humor of high school life.
• The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012): Explores themes of fitting in, self-discovery, and the complexities of teenage relationships in a sensitive way.
• Say Anything… (1989): Captures the spirit of unconventional romance and features a memorable protagonist pursuing his love interest against societal expectations.

🛒 Some Kind of Wonderful Related Products

• Some Kind of Wonderful [Blu-ray]: Experience the film in high definition with improved picture and sound quality. Relive the 80s with this classic coming-of-age story.
• Funko Pop! Movies: 80s – Watts: Add the iconic tomboy drummer to your Funko Pop collection. This figure perfectly captures her style and personality.
• John Hughes: 5-Movie Collection [DVD]: Includes ‘Some Kind of Wonderful’ along with other Hughes classics like ‘The Breakfast Club,’ ‘Pretty in Pink,’ and ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.’
• 80s Movie Poster Pack – Some Kind of Wonderful: A set of posters featuring classic 80s movie art. High-quality prints to decorate your walls. Perfect for cinephiles and collectors alike.

🎧 Soundtrack

Some Kind of Wonderful features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Do Anything” – performed by Pete Shelley
• “Brilliant Mind” – performed by Furniture
• “Miss Amanda Jones” – performed by March Violets
• “Can’t Help Falling In Love” – performed by Lick the Tins

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

‘Some Kind Of Wonderful’ (1987) – Instrumental Themes

Ever wondered what the instrumental tracks from ‘Some Kind of Wonderful’ sounded like? This video compiles those hidden gems, and honestly, some of them are even better than the hit songs!

At 1980 – Now

This fan edit of ‘Some Kind of Wonderful’ set to retrowave music is pure 80s gold! If you love the movie and synth vibes, you HAVE to check this out!

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