Director: John Hughes
Starring: Emilio Estevez, Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald, Ally Sheedy, Anthony Michael Hall, John Kapelos, Paul Gleason
Certificate: 15
Run Time: 97 Minutes
Extras: Accepting the Facts: The Breakfast Club Trivia Track, Sincerely Yours, The Most Convenient Definitions: The Origins of The Brat Pack, Theatrical Trailer, Feature Commentary with Anthony Michael Hall and Judd Nelson
I can’t believe that THE BREAKFAST CLUB is 30 years old and John Hughes’ cult classic effortlessly stands the test of time and is still utterly relatable. If you’ve just discovered your love for film and haven’t seen it, well, add it to your list of ‘must-watch’ and you’ll discover why the Brat Pack deserved all the plaudits and, also, why Hughes as a director was extremely influential.
You should know the story by now but if you don’t then let me quickly explain. One Saturday morning, five unconnected students turn up for detention but they’re all distinctive stereotypes of your quintessential American high school kids and over the course of the day, they’ll discover they’re not that dissimilar after all.
There are numerous elements that stand out in THE BREAKFAST CLUB and it’s not just the superb cast but also the connectivity of simple problems that affect every part of your life when you’re that age. This isn’t to say their troubles aren’t real or significant because they certainly are, they’re vital at that point and they make you who you are today. Hughes has taken a beautifully simple premise and turned it into a stage play, with each individual playing a cog in the machine of the narrative.
There’s the ‘Jock’ Andrew, played by Emilio Estevez, who at the start is your classic school sports star but it’s gradually revealed his Dad is pushing him beyond his limits to try and succeed. The ‘Princess’ is the Prom Queen Claire, depicted by Molly Ringwald, who comes off as a prim and proper but is under pressure to act a certain way. The ‘Brain’ is Science-club geek Brian, portrayed by Anthony Michael Hall, and although we think he’s fine, he’s in the middle of the fall out of getting a bad grade and is full of panic of what his parents might think or do. The ‘Basket Case’ is Allison, a recluse-like character who initially doesn’t say much until the social barriers begin to break down and it’s revealed she needs contact, Ally Sheedy plays her brilliantly. Then, finally, the kid who kicks it all off is the so-called ‘Criminal’ John. Judd Nelson is superb and although you think he’s just trouble, it’s proven over the movie he’s no different than anyone else.
What makes THE BREAKFAST CLUB so individual is the uncomplicated setup alongside the stunningly perfect cast. Obviously our infamous five are the main stay here but teacher Richard “Dick” Vernon (Paul Gleason) is also brilliant as the angry, unhappy assistant principal and there’s a wonderful turn by John Kapelos as Janitor Carl, the all-seeing eye of everything and blessed with some great lines.
John Hughes directed important films from 1983 to 1991 but this one is specifically influential. From the music to the quotes, each character has their time to share their issues and although it was very different to growing up in UK schools, it’s forever applicable. The fact we don’t know what happens to them all after it ends also makes it timeless, which goes to prove the best stories can be a slice of life. We’d obviously love to know more but in truth…we just don’t need to.
You’ll learn a lot, laugh a lot and find an emotional attachment to your High School reflection, so remember…
“We’re all pretty bizarre. Some of us are just better at hiding it, that’s all.”
Amen to that Breakfast Club.
[usr=5] THE BREAKFAST CLUB 30th Anniversary Blu-ray is out now. Buy it here.
