Gedde Watanabe has enjoyed a lengthy career in Hollywood. The actor’s big break was the 1984 film “Sixteen Candles,” in which he played foreign exchange student “Long Duk Dong.” While Watanabe’s line “What’s happenin’, hot stuff?” is still often quoted, the character himself relied on a lot of racist stereotypes, including his name — something Watanabe now says he didn’t see at the time.
“Frankly I was like, this is a good job, and I’m going to get paid more doing one week in this movie that I did [than] for all the years I was in the theater,” the actor told People. “It didn’t really occur to me that it was a stereotype, because there wasn’t really anything out there for Asian actors at the time. It was just so scarce. So I didn’t think it was stereotypical or racist. Isn’t that weird?...
“Frankly I was like, this is a good job, and I’m going to get paid more doing one week in this movie that I did [than] for all the years I was in the theater,” the actor told People. “It didn’t really occur to me that it was a stereotype, because there wasn’t really anything out there for Asian actors at the time. It was just so scarce. So I didn’t think it was stereotypical or racist. Isn’t that weird?...
- 5/5/2024
- by Stephanie Kaloi
- The Wrap
It’s been four decades since Samantha Baker bemoaned the fact that everyone had forgotten her 16th birthday amid the chaos caused by her wacky sister’s impending nuptials. On May 4, 1984, “Sixteen Candles” was released, the success of which prompted a string of hits by filmmaker John Hughes, launched the careers of several performers and inspired the glory years of teen movies in the 1980s. Read on for more about the “Sixteen Candles” 40th anniversary.
After the success of two movies based on screenplays he had written, “Mr. Mom” and “National Lampoon’s Vacation” (1983), Hughes was given the opportunity to direct one of his scripts. Up to this point, “teen movies” had largely evolved from cautionary “rebellion” films in the 1950s to the beach party films of the 1960s to slasher films of the 1970s to sex comedies in the early 1980s. Hughes wrote a script that truly reflected the life of an average teen,...
After the success of two movies based on screenplays he had written, “Mr. Mom” and “National Lampoon’s Vacation” (1983), Hughes was given the opportunity to direct one of his scripts. Up to this point, “teen movies” had largely evolved from cautionary “rebellion” films in the 1950s to the beach party films of the 1960s to slasher films of the 1970s to sex comedies in the early 1980s. Hughes wrote a script that truly reflected the life of an average teen,...
- 5/4/2024
- by Susan Pennington
- Gold Derby
Romance and cinema have had a passionate love affair since the inception of the silver screen. The intoxicating magic of a well-executed romantic gesture can stir our hearts, evoke tears, and leave us reminiscing long after the end credits roll. Whether it’s a stolen moment under a balcony or a grand declaration of love against a cinematic backdrop, these gestures often become the highlight of the movie, etching their places in our collective memories.
In this article, we present a curated list of the 50 best romantic gestures in film, spanning decades, genres, and cultures. From iconic classics like Casablanca to heartwarming modern tales like Juno, these films showcase how love is celebrated, fought for, and remembered. These moments range from the dramatic to the subtle, proving that love’s language is as varied as it is profound.
Hold onto your hearts as we embark on this cinematic journey, revisiting...
In this article, we present a curated list of the 50 best romantic gestures in film, spanning decades, genres, and cultures. From iconic classics like Casablanca to heartwarming modern tales like Juno, these films showcase how love is celebrated, fought for, and remembered. These moments range from the dramatic to the subtle, proving that love’s language is as varied as it is profound.
Hold onto your hearts as we embark on this cinematic journey, revisiting...
- 8/29/2023
- by Buddy TV
- buddytv.com
Michael Schoeffling started his acting career playing Jake Ryan in the 1980s romantic comedy Sixteen Candles. Needless to say, the movie skyrocketed his career and made him a hotshot in Hollywood. But if anything, Schoeffling’s career was short-lived. He called it quits after 7 years in the industry. During his time, he was featured in 11 movies, including one unaccredited role. Additionally, Schoeffling simply dropped off the face of the earth. His brief career left fans with more questions than answers. To provide some closure, here are 10 things you didn’t know about Michael Schoeffling. 10. He Wasn’t Sure What...
- 4/4/2023
- by Iniobong Uyah
- TVovermind.com
John Hughes' "Sixteen Candles" is a beloved teen classic that follows a young girl (Hughes' muse Molly Ringwald) whose sweet sixteen turns sour when her entirely family forgets her birthday during preparations for her sister's wedding. While being relentlessly pursued by a randy geek (Anthony Michael Hall), Samantha pines for the dreamy senior Jake Ryan (Michael Schoeffling). "Sixteen Candles" has some problematic elements, such as the character of Long Duk Dong (Gedde Watanabe) and a scene that makes light of date rape; Molly Ringwald even revisited the film through a post-#MeToo lens in an essay for The New Yorker. Despite that, though, the...
The post The Sixteen Candles Scene John Hughes Quickly Wrote to Get Paul Dooley On Board appeared first on /Film.
The post The Sixteen Candles Scene John Hughes Quickly Wrote to Get Paul Dooley On Board appeared first on /Film.
- 6/1/2022
- by Caroline Madden
- Slash Film
John Hughes' directorial debut "Sixteen Candles" is one of the most popular romantic comedies of the 1980s. It tells the story of Sam (Molly Ringwald), a young teenager whose 16th birthday is overshadowed by her older sister's wedding, causing her parents to forget about her special day. The only thing keeping her going is her unrequited high school crush. Sam secretly pines for Jake Ryan (Michael Schoeffling), her senior in school and a certified dreamboat, while simultaneously navigating the affections of Ted (Anthony Michael Hall), Aka "The Geek," and seemingly the only boy interested in her.
Ringwald, Hall, and Schoeffling were perfectly cast...
The post Viggo Mortensen Was Up For a Big Role In Sixteen Candles appeared first on /Film.
Ringwald, Hall, and Schoeffling were perfectly cast...
The post Viggo Mortensen Was Up For a Big Role In Sixteen Candles appeared first on /Film.
- 3/25/2022
- by Fatemeh Mirjalili
- Slash Film
Selena Gomez, Tanya Saracho and Gabriela Revilla Lugo are teaming up to develop a TV comedy spin on John Hughes’ beloved 1984 coming-of-age film “Sixteen Candles.”
Titled “15 Candles,” the half-hour series will follow four young Latinas in high school, navigating feelings of invisibility while exploring what it means to leave childhood behind as quinceañera season approaches. The series, set at Peacock, hails from Universal Content Productions.
Saracho, under her Ojalá Productions banner, and Lugo write and executive produce “15 Candles,” while Gomez also executive produces under her July Moon Productions. Ojalá’s Christine Dávila co-executive produces.
Gomez stars in the recently renewed Hulu comedy “Only Murders in the Building” alongside Steve Martin and Martin Short. Saracho served as a writer, director and producer of the Starz drama “Vida.” Lugo is a writer, director and producer who has worked on projects like “Whiplash,” “Palm Springs” and “A Million Little Things.”
Written and directed by Hughes,...
Titled “15 Candles,” the half-hour series will follow four young Latinas in high school, navigating feelings of invisibility while exploring what it means to leave childhood behind as quinceañera season approaches. The series, set at Peacock, hails from Universal Content Productions.
Saracho, under her Ojalá Productions banner, and Lugo write and executive produce “15 Candles,” while Gomez also executive produces under her July Moon Productions. Ojalá’s Christine Dávila co-executive produces.
Gomez stars in the recently renewed Hulu comedy “Only Murders in the Building” alongside Steve Martin and Martin Short. Saracho served as a writer, director and producer of the Starz drama “Vida.” Lugo is a writer, director and producer who has worked on projects like “Whiplash,” “Palm Springs” and “A Million Little Things.”
Written and directed by Hughes,...
- 3/15/2022
- by Ethan Shanfeld
- Variety Film + TV
The John Wick producer talks about some of the movies that made her.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Jurassic Park (1993)
Sicario (2015)
Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018)
Wind River (2017)
John Wick (2014)
The Town (2010)
Clash of the Titans (2010)
Hotel Mumbai (2018)
A Private War (2018)
Moana (2016)
A History Of Violence (2005)
Spaceballs (1987)
Young Frankenstein (1974)
Star Wars (1977)
Blazing Saddles (1974)
High Anxiety (1977)
High Fidelity (2000)
History of the World, Part 1 (1981)
Don’t Tell Mom The Babysitter’s Dead (1991)
Back To The Future (1985)
The Goonies (1985)
Cat’s Eye (1985)
Splash (1984)
Big (1988)
Bill And Ted Face The Music (2020)
The French Connection (1971)
Pretty Woman (1990)
Steel Magnolias (1989)
Parenthood (1989)
Beaches (1988)
The Wild Bunch (1969)
Heat (1995)
Cocktail (1988)
Gremlins (1984)
The Lost Boys (1987)
The Lost Boys: The Tribe (2008)
The Lost Boys: The Thirst (2010)
Sixteen Candles (1984)
Curly Sue (1991)
Stagecoach (1939)
The Breakfast Club (1985)
Some Kind Of Wonderful (1987)
National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)
Frozen (2013)
The Little Mermaid (1989)
Beauty And The Beast (1991)
Raising Arizona (1987)
Baby Boom (1987)
I Confess (1953)
Avatar (2009)
Titanic (1997)
The Fast And The Furious...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Jurassic Park (1993)
Sicario (2015)
Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018)
Wind River (2017)
John Wick (2014)
The Town (2010)
Clash of the Titans (2010)
Hotel Mumbai (2018)
A Private War (2018)
Moana (2016)
A History Of Violence (2005)
Spaceballs (1987)
Young Frankenstein (1974)
Star Wars (1977)
Blazing Saddles (1974)
High Anxiety (1977)
High Fidelity (2000)
History of the World, Part 1 (1981)
Don’t Tell Mom The Babysitter’s Dead (1991)
Back To The Future (1985)
The Goonies (1985)
Cat’s Eye (1985)
Splash (1984)
Big (1988)
Bill And Ted Face The Music (2020)
The French Connection (1971)
Pretty Woman (1990)
Steel Magnolias (1989)
Parenthood (1989)
Beaches (1988)
The Wild Bunch (1969)
Heat (1995)
Cocktail (1988)
Gremlins (1984)
The Lost Boys (1987)
The Lost Boys: The Tribe (2008)
The Lost Boys: The Thirst (2010)
Sixteen Candles (1984)
Curly Sue (1991)
Stagecoach (1939)
The Breakfast Club (1985)
Some Kind Of Wonderful (1987)
National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)
Frozen (2013)
The Little Mermaid (1989)
Beauty And The Beast (1991)
Raising Arizona (1987)
Baby Boom (1987)
I Confess (1953)
Avatar (2009)
Titanic (1997)
The Fast And The Furious...
- 9/1/2020
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
John Hughes’ breakthrough writing-directing hit still carries a glow that defuses its rougher edges, making it one of the best of ’80s Teen comedies. Even the savvy Soraya Roberts cuts it some slack, thanks to the authentic presence and fine performance of Molly Ringwald. Hughes’ amusing script comes up with at least ten moments that would have made Preston Sturges laugh, and his perfect casting for personalities young and old makes his direction look inspired. With great turns by Anthony Michael Hall, Haviland Morris, Debbie Pollack, Gedde Watanabe, Paul Dooley, and Michael Schoeffling.
Sixteen Candles
Special Collector’s Edition Blu-ray
Arrow Video
1984 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 94, 92 min. / Street Date April 14, 2020 / Available from Arrow Video / 18.99
Starring: Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall, Justin Henry, Michael Schoeffling, Haviland Morris, Gedde Watanabe, Paul Dooley, Carlin Glynn, Blanche Baker, Edward Andrews, Carole Cook, Max Showalter, John Cusack, Debbie Pollack, Joan Cusack, Brian Doyle-Murray, Jami Gertz, John Kapelos,...
Sixteen Candles
Special Collector’s Edition Blu-ray
Arrow Video
1984 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 94, 92 min. / Street Date April 14, 2020 / Available from Arrow Video / 18.99
Starring: Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall, Justin Henry, Michael Schoeffling, Haviland Morris, Gedde Watanabe, Paul Dooley, Carlin Glynn, Blanche Baker, Edward Andrews, Carole Cook, Max Showalter, John Cusack, Debbie Pollack, Joan Cusack, Brian Doyle-Murray, Jami Gertz, John Kapelos,...
- 6/6/2020
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
John Hughes’ directing debut Sixteen Candles turned Molly Ringwald into a star and sent him on a path to a distinguished film career. Arrow Video will release Sixteen Candles on April 14 on Blu-ray with a plethora of special features.
Samantha Baker’s (Ringwald) 16th birthday may turn out nightmarish, as her crush Jake Ryan (Michael Schoeffling) [...]
The post John Hughes Classic ‘Sixteen Candles’ Hits Blu-ray In April With New Interviews appeared first on Hollywood Outbreak.
Samantha Baker’s (Ringwald) 16th birthday may turn out nightmarish, as her crush Jake Ryan (Michael Schoeffling) [...]
The post John Hughes Classic ‘Sixteen Candles’ Hits Blu-ray In April With New Interviews appeared first on Hollywood Outbreak.
- 3/30/2020
- by Hollywood Outbreak
- HollywoodOutbreak.com
” I want a serious girlfriend. Somebody I can love, that’s gonna love me back. Is that psycho?”
In his debut film as writer-director, John Hughes immediately cemented himself as the king of teen cinema with Sixteen Candles, and in the process also introduced one of the most iconic faces of 80s Americana: Molly Ringwald.
For high schooler Samantha Baker (Molly Ringwald), her 16th birthday might be the worst day of her life. Her entire family has forgotten about it due to her older sister s impending wedding; her biggest crush, high school hunk Jake Ryan (Michael Schoeffling) has discovered an embarrassing sex quiz filled out by Sam in which she details how she is saving herself for him; and to make matters worse, she is hounded by a relentless nerd (Anthony Michael Hall) who won t take no for an answer. But Sam s sweet sixteen isn t over yet,...
In his debut film as writer-director, John Hughes immediately cemented himself as the king of teen cinema with Sixteen Candles, and in the process also introduced one of the most iconic faces of 80s Americana: Molly Ringwald.
For high schooler Samantha Baker (Molly Ringwald), her 16th birthday might be the worst day of her life. Her entire family has forgotten about it due to her older sister s impending wedding; her biggest crush, high school hunk Jake Ryan (Michael Schoeffling) has discovered an embarrassing sex quiz filled out by Sam in which she details how she is saving herself for him; and to make matters worse, she is hounded by a relentless nerd (Anthony Michael Hall) who won t take no for an answer. But Sam s sweet sixteen isn t over yet,...
- 3/27/2020
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
It has to be said that Michael Schoeffling was one of the biggest hunks of the 1980s, and it has been said in fact since he was one of the more noticeable individuals of the decade given that he was in a couple of the most notable movies. Of course one of those was Sixteen Candles as Jake Ryan, the sensitive but super-popular senior that has a thing for Molly Ringwald’s character Samantha, who had a major crush on him. The only issue of course was that Jake was hooked up with a fellow senior, a young woman that was
Whatever Happened to Michael Schoeffling?...
Whatever Happened to Michael Schoeffling?...
- 1/15/2020
- by Tom
- TVovermind.com
It's been 35 years since Sixteen Candles was released in theaters on May 4, 1984.
The film, which was written and directed by John Hughes, follows high school student Samantha (Molly Ringwald) on her 16th birthday. As Samantha's family prepares for her older sister's wedding, they forget to acknowledge her milestone birthday.
Michael Schoeffling, Anthony Michael Hall, Paul Dooley, Carlin Glynn, Haviland Morris, Blanche Baker, Gedde Wantanabe and John Cusack round out the cast.
While the film is beloved by many, Ringwald penned an essay for The New Yorker in 2018 in which she reevaluated problematic aspects of the ...
The film, which was written and directed by John Hughes, follows high school student Samantha (Molly Ringwald) on her 16th birthday. As Samantha's family prepares for her older sister's wedding, they forget to acknowledge her milestone birthday.
Michael Schoeffling, Anthony Michael Hall, Paul Dooley, Carlin Glynn, Haviland Morris, Blanche Baker, Gedde Wantanabe and John Cusack round out the cast.
While the film is beloved by many, Ringwald penned an essay for The New Yorker in 2018 in which she reevaluated problematic aspects of the ...
It's been 35 years since Sixteen Candles was released in theaters on May 4, 1984.
The film, which was written and directed by John Hughes, follows high school student Samantha (Molly Ringwald) on her 16th birthday. As Samantha's family prepares for her older sister's wedding, they forget to acknowledge her milestone birthday.
Michael Schoeffling, Anthony Michael Hall, Paul Dooley, Carlin Glynn, Haviland Morris, Blanche Baker, Gedde Wantanabe and John Cusack round out the cast.
While the film is beloved by many, Ringwald penned an essay for The New Yorker in 2018 in which she reevaluated problematic aspects of the ...
The film, which was written and directed by John Hughes, follows high school student Samantha (Molly Ringwald) on her 16th birthday. As Samantha's family prepares for her older sister's wedding, they forget to acknowledge her milestone birthday.
Michael Schoeffling, Anthony Michael Hall, Paul Dooley, Carlin Glynn, Haviland Morris, Blanche Baker, Gedde Wantanabe and John Cusack round out the cast.
While the film is beloved by many, Ringwald penned an essay for The New Yorker in 2018 in which she reevaluated problematic aspects of the ...
Haviland Morris is best known for playing the practically impossible to cut up Caroline Mulford -- who's dating the dreamy Jake Ryan played by Michael Schoeffling -- in the angsty '84 classic "Sixteen Candles." Guess what she looks like now!
- 11/7/2018
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
More than 30 years after Brat Pack hit Sixteen Candles premiered in theaters, the film's star, Molly Ringwald, admitted there are some scenes in the movie that "bothered" her during shooting. In a candid new interview with NPR, the 50-year-old star opened up about certain plotlines that are especially problematic today in the wake of the #MeToo movement. For example, at one part in Sixteen Candles, Molly's character Samantha Baker's love interest, Jake Ryan (played by Michael Schoeffling), thinks about "violating" his unconscious girlfriend, Caroline. Later, Caroline also doesn't remember having sex with Anthony Michael Hall's character, Ted. (Photo Credit: R/R) "Everyone says and I do believe is true, that times were different and what was acceptable then is definitely not acceptable now and nor should it have been then, but that’s sort of the way that it was. I feel very differently about the movies now...
- 10/2/2018
- by Julia Birkinbine
- Closer Weekly
In light of the recent #MeToo and Time’s Up movements, 80s icon Molly Ringwald is opening up about what scenes bothered her from John Hughes’ 1984 teen classic Sixteen Candles.
In the romantic comedy, Ringwald’s character’s crush Jake Ryan (Michael Schoeffling) suggests taking advantage of his passed out girlfriend after a party at his house.
“I’ve got Caroline in the bedroom right now passed out cold,” Ryan says in the movie. “I could violate her 10 different ways if I wanted to.”
“You know, when I made those movies with John Hughes, his intention was to not make Porky’s or Animal House,...
In the romantic comedy, Ringwald’s character’s crush Jake Ryan (Michael Schoeffling) suggests taking advantage of his passed out girlfriend after a party at his house.
“I’ve got Caroline in the bedroom right now passed out cold,” Ryan says in the movie. “I could violate her 10 different ways if I wanted to.”
“You know, when I made those movies with John Hughes, his intention was to not make Porky’s or Animal House,...
- 10/1/2018
- by Alexia Fernandez
- PEOPLE.com
Adam Goldberg is feeling Molly Ringwald’s pain: During this Wednesday’s Sixteen Candles-themed The Goldbergs season premiere, Adam’s parents forget their son’s birthday — but the disappointment is not without its upside.
“I always thought Sixteen Candles was a delightful comedic premise, but when it happens to you, it’s more shocking and hurtful,” Adam laments to his friends in TVLine’s exclusive sneak peek.
Dave Kim, however, thinks the parents’ slip-up may be the key to moving up the high school social ladder. “You’re finally under your parents’ radar. Let’s use this chance to throw a big-ass birthday rager!
“I always thought Sixteen Candles was a delightful comedic premise, but when it happens to you, it’s more shocking and hurtful,” Adam laments to his friends in TVLine’s exclusive sneak peek.
Dave Kim, however, thinks the parents’ slip-up may be the key to moving up the high school social ladder. “You’re finally under your parents’ radar. Let’s use this chance to throw a big-ass birthday rager!
- 9/25/2018
- TVLine.com
There’s always something special about a first kiss.
Whether it’s shared between longtime friends or two characters who give into their instant spark, these on-screen smooches nailed that sweep-you-off-your-feet magic feeling. So in honor of Valentine’s Day, we’re re-watching them in all of their romantic, over-the-top glory — even if we are still a bit bitter about the unrealistic expectations.
Spider-Man
After rescuing her from a group of muggers, Spider-Man (Tobey Maguire) shares an upside-down kiss in the rain with his childhood crush, Mary Jane (Kirsten Dunst).
Crazy, Stupid, Love
As Jacob and Hannah, Ryan Gosling and...
Whether it’s shared between longtime friends or two characters who give into their instant spark, these on-screen smooches nailed that sweep-you-off-your-feet magic feeling. So in honor of Valentine’s Day, we’re re-watching them in all of their romantic, over-the-top glory — even if we are still a bit bitter about the unrealistic expectations.
Spider-Man
After rescuing her from a group of muggers, Spider-Man (Tobey Maguire) shares an upside-down kiss in the rain with his childhood crush, Mary Jane (Kirsten Dunst).
Crazy, Stupid, Love
As Jacob and Hannah, Ryan Gosling and...
- 2/6/2018
- by Lydia Price
- PEOPLE.com
'Yesterday' movie: Leleti Khumalo and Lihle Mvelase. 'Yesterday' movie review: Fantastic central performance in South African AIDS drama To date, nowhere has the AIDS pandemic been felt more strongly than in Sub-Saharan Africa, home to approximately 10 percent of the world's population and two-thirds of the planet's 30-35 million AIDS cases. In the past thirty years, it is estimated that more than 20 million Sub-Saharan Africans have died from complications of the disease.* Even today, drug cocktails that are relatively accessible in other parts of the globe are still beyond the means of the vast majority of Africans. Writer-director Darrell Roodt's South African drama Yesterday is set in this catastrophic scenario. The film depicts the effects of AIDS in the life of a young Zulu woman who contracts HIV from her husband. Although Roodt's narrative maintains its focus on the plight of one particular individual, the (for non-Zulus) quirkily named Yesterday represents millions of other women,...
- 6/1/2015
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
Like mother, like daughter!Molly Ringwald took to Twitter on Tuesday to share a sweet snapshot of her daughter Mathilda, standing next to a cardboard cutout of her "Sixteen Candles" character, Samantha Baker. "She can't escape her mom, even when "back to school" shopping at Target," she wrote with the cute candid.In the pic, the 10-year-old is posing just like her famous mama, even rocking the same body language as the fan-favorite teenager. It's hard to believe that it's been 30 years since Sam Baker's family forgot about her birthday in the 80's cult classic. While Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall, John Cusack, Liane Curtis and even the guy who played Long Duk Dong have all enjoyed steady success in entertainment, Michael Schoeffling (aka Jake Ryan) disappeared. The dreamy actor was 23 when he played the sweet high school jock, and he continued to steal hearts in films like "Mermaids" and...
- 8/20/2014
- by tooFab Staff
- TooFab
Columbia Pictures
Ah, yes: the timeless art of kissing; the act of pressing one’s lips against another person. A kiss can express sentiments of passion, love, affection, greeting, friendship, respect, peace and good luck. Over the years the world of cinema has given us its fair share of well executed and memorable kissing scenes, from Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman in Casablanca to Molly Ringwald and Michael Schoeffling in Sixteen Candles.
On the flip side, the world of film has also given us its fair share of awkward on-screen lip-locking moments as well. Smooches that instantly make you cringe, either from laughable amusement or unquestionable distaste. Sometimes it’s deliberate; other times it’s due to chemistry. Occasionally, there isn’t a clear reason. No matter the cause, the audience ends up recoiling.
The fact of the matter is that Hollywood constantly tries to shoehorn a love story in...
Ah, yes: the timeless art of kissing; the act of pressing one’s lips against another person. A kiss can express sentiments of passion, love, affection, greeting, friendship, respect, peace and good luck. Over the years the world of cinema has given us its fair share of well executed and memorable kissing scenes, from Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman in Casablanca to Molly Ringwald and Michael Schoeffling in Sixteen Candles.
On the flip side, the world of film has also given us its fair share of awkward on-screen lip-locking moments as well. Smooches that instantly make you cringe, either from laughable amusement or unquestionable distaste. Sometimes it’s deliberate; other times it’s due to chemistry. Occasionally, there isn’t a clear reason. No matter the cause, the audience ends up recoiling.
The fact of the matter is that Hollywood constantly tries to shoehorn a love story in...
- 7/21/2014
- by Jesse Gumbarge
- Obsessed with Film
It's been 30 years since Sam Baker's family forgot about her birthday in "Sixteen Candles," and just as long since Jake Ryan stole all our collective hearts.But in the years following the film's release, the actor who played him all but vanished.While Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall, John Cusack, Liane Curtis and even the guy who played Long Duk Dong have all enjoyed steady success in entertainment, Michael Schoeffling disappeared.See how the entire cast -- sans Michael -- have all aged in the gallery above. Plus, see what they're doing now.As for Schoeffling, let's dig a little deeper.The dreamy actor was 23 when he played the sweet high school jock in "Sixteen Candles," and continued to smolder in films like "Mermaids" and "Let's Get Harry" before his final role in 1991's "Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken."The actor then left Hollywood behind and raised two children,...
- 5/4/2014
- by tooFab Staff
- TooFab
While women are leaning in, the men are leaning against. Well, the men in this case are fictional boyfriends.
In Veronica Mars, Logan (Jason Dohring) waits for Veronica (Kristen Bell) outside of her father’s house, with a sexy smirk on his face, leaning against his car. The scene reminded us of two other movies — Twilight and Sixteen Candles. Bella (Kristen Stewart) sees Edward (Robert Pattinson) up against his silver Volvo in Twilight. Sixteen Candles shows Sam (Molly Ringwald) emerging from her house a church to find Jake Ryan (Michael Schoeffling) motioning to her. All three moments are definitely swoon-worthy.
In Veronica Mars, Logan (Jason Dohring) waits for Veronica (Kristen Bell) outside of her father’s house, with a sexy smirk on his face, leaning against his car. The scene reminded us of two other movies — Twilight and Sixteen Candles. Bella (Kristen Stewart) sees Edward (Robert Pattinson) up against his silver Volvo in Twilight. Sixteen Candles shows Sam (Molly Ringwald) emerging from her house a church to find Jake Ryan (Michael Schoeffling) motioning to her. All three moments are definitely swoon-worthy.
- 3/17/2014
- by Denise Warner
- EW.com - PopWatch
Forever Fest, a new film festival in Austin, Texas, that runs Nov. 1-3, aims to flip the genre’s usual dude-heavy script and honor all things girly. Picture a giant slumber party of a weekend stuffed with chick flicks, mimosa brunches, a clip show of film’s best chiseled abs and biceps, and photo booths where you can get your picture taken with Channing Tatum and Ryan Gosling cutouts. Lots of glitter, though not necessarily the movie Glitter. The co-founders Sarah Pitre and Brandy Fons have standards when it comes to their girly programming. They gave the stultifying ensemble mash-up...
- 10/26/2013
- by Karen Valby
- EW - Inside Movies
"The Secret Life of the American Teenager" star and '80s icon Molly Ringwald joined the Twittersphere on Thursday (April 19).
"I think it's time to get over my 'twitter-fright' and join the party, albeit rather fashionably late," writes Ringwald in her inaugural tweet.
In her series of posts thus far, she's revealed a few little gems for fans of her John Hughes' movies, including letting followers know she takes zero credit for "that crazy dress" in "Pretty in Pink" and answering a fan's tweet asking if her "Sixteen Candles" crush Jake Ryan (played by actor Michael Schoeffling) was a good kisser.
"I think I was too nervous to notice!" Ringwald writes.
The 44-year-old actress and author of the upcoming "When It Happens to You: A Novel in Stories" has just shy of 8,000 followers as of Tuesday. So go pull on your favorite leg warmers and Ray-Bans and show her some Twitter love.
"I think it's time to get over my 'twitter-fright' and join the party, albeit rather fashionably late," writes Ringwald in her inaugural tweet.
In her series of posts thus far, she's revealed a few little gems for fans of her John Hughes' movies, including letting followers know she takes zero credit for "that crazy dress" in "Pretty in Pink" and answering a fan's tweet asking if her "Sixteen Candles" crush Jake Ryan (played by actor Michael Schoeffling) was a good kisser.
"I think I was too nervous to notice!" Ringwald writes.
The 44-year-old actress and author of the upcoming "When It Happens to You: A Novel in Stories" has just shy of 8,000 followers as of Tuesday. So go pull on your favorite leg warmers and Ray-Bans and show her some Twitter love.
- 4/24/2012
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
Some were huge in their day, with hit records, popular movies and roles on top TV shows. But we haven’t seen them much lately — or for years. Here’s what they’ve been up to recently.
Sam Jones
The onetime Playgirl centerfold and star of Flash Gordon (1980) went on to star in 1986’s My Chauffer and the 1987-88 TV series The Highwayman. While starring roles were hard to come by, Jones occasionally appeared in minor TV and movie roles up until 2007. He is reportedly now the CEO of a security company providing protection for high-profile clients all over the world.
Charo
For those too young to know of her, think Shakira’s dance moves and Sofia Vergara’s sexy comic timing — in one person. Known for her trademark “Cuchi-Cuchi” and her frequent Love Boat and Tonight Show appearances in the ’70s and ’80s, Charo, whose full name is Maria...
Sam Jones
The onetime Playgirl centerfold and star of Flash Gordon (1980) went on to star in 1986’s My Chauffer and the 1987-88 TV series The Highwayman. While starring roles were hard to come by, Jones occasionally appeared in minor TV and movie roles up until 2007. He is reportedly now the CEO of a security company providing protection for high-profile clients all over the world.
Charo
For those too young to know of her, think Shakira’s dance moves and Sofia Vergara’s sexy comic timing — in one person. Known for her trademark “Cuchi-Cuchi” and her frequent Love Boat and Tonight Show appearances in the ’70s and ’80s, Charo, whose full name is Maria...
- 3/19/2012
- by JMc
- The Backlot
Love is in the air... and hearts melted for these leading Hollywood men who starred as these lovable boyfriends in some of the most romantic movies ever. Check it out!
The Best Big Screen BoyfriendsHugh Grant
Character: William ThackerFilm: "Notting Hill"Co-star: Julia Roberts as Anna ScottWhy couldn't a high-profile Hollywood A-lister fall in love with a timid bookstore owner?William Thacker was enamored with the beautiful and famous Anna Scott, and it was Thacker's...
The Best Big Screen BoyfriendsHugh Grant
Character: William ThackerFilm: "Notting Hill"Co-star: Julia Roberts as Anna ScottWhy couldn't a high-profile Hollywood A-lister fall in love with a timid bookstore owner?William Thacker was enamored with the beautiful and famous Anna Scott, and it was Thacker's...
- 2/14/2012
- Extra
Netflix has revolutionized the home movie experience for fans of film with its instant streaming technology. Netflix Nuggets is my way of spreading the word about independent, classic and foreign films being made available by Netflix for instant streaming. Important Note: There may be some films that do not become available on the specified dates. This is merely a report of the most accurate release dates I can find, but is not directly confirmed by Netflix themselves.
The Tourist (2010)
Streaming Available: 07/07/2011
Synopsis: Watery Venice, Italy, provides the setting as Johnny Depp, playing an American tourist seeking solace for his shattered heart, instead finds it in danger again after encountering a beautiful Interpol agent (Angelina Jolie). Little does the Yank know that the artful lady has gone to great lengths to arrange their “chance” meeting and is using him to trap a thief who happens to be her ex-lover. The film...
The Tourist (2010)
Streaming Available: 07/07/2011
Synopsis: Watery Venice, Italy, provides the setting as Johnny Depp, playing an American tourist seeking solace for his shattered heart, instead finds it in danger again after encountering a beautiful Interpol agent (Angelina Jolie). Little does the Yank know that the artful lady has gone to great lengths to arrange their “chance” meeting and is using him to trap a thief who happens to be her ex-lover. The film...
- 7/6/2011
- by Travis Keune
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Am I the only one who thinks it’s wrong for media outlets to use the headline “Justin Bieber headed to rehab: Opinion poll results” when only 30 percent of responders to a 60 Minutes/Vanity Fair poll answered the question, “How do you envision Justin Bieber at age 30?” by saying “In celebrity rehab”? Yes, it was the option in the multiple-choice that received the most votes, but 70 percent of readers Don’T think he’s headed to rehab. Nineteen percent said they’re “Not sure” what he’ll be like at 47, 18 percent said he’ll be “Married, living quietly,” 13 percent said...
- 3/29/2011
- by Mandi Bierly
- EW.com - PopWatch
An all-grown-up Molly Ringwald was in attendance on Sunday as Lincoln Center paid tribute to the master of high school angst, John Hughes. Molly Ringwald and Michael Schoeffling in Sixteen Candles The Film Society of Lincoln Center put together John Hughes: We Can't Forget About Him, a one-day retrospective of five John Hughes movies that appealed to audiences of all ages. If you are a pop culture fan, grew up in the 80s/90s, and are a film buff, you recognize Hughes as the voice of a generation. As such, I jumped at the chance to see Sixteen Candles and Pretty in Pink on the big screen. For $12 each, they were better than any movie out today in substance, humor, and heart. Molly Ringwald as Samantha Baker in Sixteen Candles Sixteen Candles is still so endearing, with a touch of ridiculous that makes you laugh out loud. Molly Ringwald...
- 9/20/2010
- TribecaFilm.com
Filed under: Celebrity Interviews, Cinematical
Emma Stone appears poised for stardom in this week's 'Easy A,' a comedy about a high school student who doesn't give a damn about her (made-up) bad reputation until her small town classmates completely turn on her. Cinematical caught up with director Will Gluck ('Fired Up!'), the man responsible for giving Stone her much-deserved break-out role, to share our mutual love for Emma Stone, talk teen sexuality, and find out more about his next film, the Justin Timberlake-Mila Kunis romantic comedy 'Friends with Benefits.'
Along the way we managed to take a few detours into 'Sixteen Candles' fandom, because, let's face it; no fan of '80s cinema should ever pass up the opportunity to compare notes on the real life Jake Ryan (real name: Michael Schoeffling). Read on for all this and more, including how...
Emma Stone appears poised for stardom in this week's 'Easy A,' a comedy about a high school student who doesn't give a damn about her (made-up) bad reputation until her small town classmates completely turn on her. Cinematical caught up with director Will Gluck ('Fired Up!'), the man responsible for giving Stone her much-deserved break-out role, to share our mutual love for Emma Stone, talk teen sexuality, and find out more about his next film, the Justin Timberlake-Mila Kunis romantic comedy 'Friends with Benefits.'
Along the way we managed to take a few detours into 'Sixteen Candles' fandom, because, let's face it; no fan of '80s cinema should ever pass up the opportunity to compare notes on the real life Jake Ryan (real name: Michael Schoeffling). Read on for all this and more, including how...
- 9/18/2010
- by Jen Yamato
- Moviefone
Filed under: Celebrity Interviews, Cinematical
Emma Stone appears poised for stardom in this week's 'Easy A,' a comedy about a high school student who doesn't give a damn about her (made-up) bad reputation until her small town classmates completely turn on her. Cinematical caught up with director Will Gluck ('Fired Up!'), the man responsible for giving Stone her much-deserved break-out role, to share our mutual love for Emma Stone, talk teen sexuality, and find out more about his next film, the Justin Timberlake-Mila Kunis romantic comedy 'Friends with Benefits.'
Along the way we managed to take a few detours into 'Sixteen Candles' fandom, because, let's face it; no fan of '80s cinema should ever pass up the opportunity to compare notes on the real life Jake Ryan (real name: Michael Schoeffling). Read on for all this and more, including how...
Emma Stone appears poised for stardom in this week's 'Easy A,' a comedy about a high school student who doesn't give a damn about her (made-up) bad reputation until her small town classmates completely turn on her. Cinematical caught up with director Will Gluck ('Fired Up!'), the man responsible for giving Stone her much-deserved break-out role, to share our mutual love for Emma Stone, talk teen sexuality, and find out more about his next film, the Justin Timberlake-Mila Kunis romantic comedy 'Friends with Benefits.'
Along the way we managed to take a few detours into 'Sixteen Candles' fandom, because, let's face it; no fan of '80s cinema should ever pass up the opportunity to compare notes on the real life Jake Ryan (real name: Michael Schoeffling). Read on for all this and more, including how...
- 9/18/2010
- by Jen Yamato
- Cinematical
Two of the three top movies of 1985 had Sylvester Stallone in them (Rambo First Blood: Part II and Rocky IV), while the biggest box office hit of the year was Back to the Future. Out of Africa won Best Picture, although it was The Color Purple that most won over audiences and critics alike. "The Cosby Show," and "Family Ties," were dominating the television airwaves, and Wham! and Madonna were dominant forces on cassette. "We are the World," of course, was on constant rotation. Kids loved Pound Puppies. Teenagers loved Goonies. Lightweights loved Bartles and Jaymes. And these were the faces of pinups hung in every high school locker.
Markie Post
Kirk Cameron
Tom Selleck
Matt Dillon
The Coreys
Rob Lowe
Alyssa Milano
Ralph Machio
Kelly LeBrock
Michael Schoeffling...
Markie Post
Kirk Cameron
Tom Selleck
Matt Dillon
The Coreys
Rob Lowe
Alyssa Milano
Ralph Machio
Kelly LeBrock
Michael Schoeffling...
- 9/1/2010
- by Dustin Rowles
There are countless cases of child stars who go bad. There are yet other cases of child stars who go on to successful entertainment careers. This is neither of those. These are ten former teen and child actors who returned to normal civilian life only to be recognized occasionally at Starbucks and mentioned occasionally on a site like this.
(See Also The Case of the Disappearing Actor and The Case of the Disappearing Actress)
Mayim Bialik: Signature Role: Blossom in "Blossom."
Where Is She Now? Doctorate in Neuroscience. Married. 2 children. Lives in L.A.
Ilan Mitchell-Smith: Signature Role: Wyatt in Weird Science
Where Is He Now? Doctorate in medieval studies. Married. Assistant Professor of English at Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas.
Josh Saviano: Signature Role: Paul Ffieffer in "The Wonder Years"
Where Is He Now? Attended Yale Undergrad. Fordham law school. Married. One Child. Corporate attorney in New York City.
(See Also The Case of the Disappearing Actor and The Case of the Disappearing Actress)
Mayim Bialik: Signature Role: Blossom in "Blossom."
Where Is She Now? Doctorate in Neuroscience. Married. 2 children. Lives in L.A.
Ilan Mitchell-Smith: Signature Role: Wyatt in Weird Science
Where Is He Now? Doctorate in medieval studies. Married. Assistant Professor of English at Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas.
Josh Saviano: Signature Role: Paul Ffieffer in "The Wonder Years"
Where Is He Now? Attended Yale Undergrad. Fordham law school. Married. One Child. Corporate attorney in New York City.
- 8/19/2010
- by Dustin Rowles
I already know what you Jakettes are going to say. How could I possibly crush more on Michael Schoeffling as a Depression-era diving horse showman instead of his more famous turn as Sixteen Candles' Jake Ryan, the most perfect senior boy to ever attend high school anywhere, ever, period, end of story? Well, here's what I say to you: of course Jake Ryan is the bees' knees, and quite possibly one of the dreamiest love interests ever to make teenage hearts swoon. But if you're a true fan of model-turned-actor who all but disappeared after his brief seven year acting career, then you hold Michael Schoeffling's last screen credit close to your wild heart because your crush on the man extends beyond his turn as Jake Ryan. And that crush cannot be broken.
In truth, I took the backwards route of getting to know the all-too brief film career of Michael Schoeffling.
In truth, I took the backwards route of getting to know the all-too brief film career of Michael Schoeffling.
- 5/5/2010
- by Jen Yamato
- Cinematical
With a title like ‘Top 10 Best Romantic Comedy Movies’ there are bound to be certain… expectations. Let’s get this out of the way: there will be no films on this list that feature Matthew McConaughey or Hugh Grant. None. If that seems ridiculous/prejudiced/impossible to you… well, sorry.
So without further ado, here are the best romantic comedies. In date order.
The Apartment (1960)
Boy Meets Girl
C.C. Baxter works for an insurance company and has a major crush on Fran Kubelik, an elevator operator in his office building. Baxter’s a shy sort of fellow, lacking the confidence to ask out Miss Kubelik. His somewhat timid disposition is exploited by superiors at his workplace, who use his apartment to conduct extra-marital affairs. The arrangement results in his promotion, which bolsters his confidence, and he invites Miss Kubelik to see a play with him.
Boy Loses Girl
Baxter gets stood up,...
So without further ado, here are the best romantic comedies. In date order.
The Apartment (1960)
Boy Meets Girl
C.C. Baxter works for an insurance company and has a major crush on Fran Kubelik, an elevator operator in his office building. Baxter’s a shy sort of fellow, lacking the confidence to ask out Miss Kubelik. His somewhat timid disposition is exploited by superiors at his workplace, who use his apartment to conduct extra-marital affairs. The arrangement results in his promotion, which bolsters his confidence, and he invites Miss Kubelik to see a play with him.
Boy Loses Girl
Baxter gets stood up,...
- 10/20/2009
- by David Williams
- Movie-moron.com
Encore will be paying tribute to director John Hughes with a double-feature on Sunday, August 9. Hughes was known for writing, directing and producing some of the most beloved and influential films of the 80s.
The tribute will begin at 8:00 pm on Sunday with "Sixteen Candles" starring Molly Ringwald, Michael Schoeffling and Anthony Michael Hall. It will be followed by "Weird Science" at 9:35pm starring Anthony Michael Hall, Ilan Mitchell-Smith and Kelly LeBrock.
Hughes film credits include "Home Alone," "Pretty in Pink," "Ferris Bueller's Day" and "The "Breakfast Club."
Hughes, 59, passed away on Thursday of a heart attack during a morning walk while visiting Manhattan.
The tribute will begin at 8:00 pm on Sunday with "Sixteen Candles" starring Molly Ringwald, Michael Schoeffling and Anthony Michael Hall. It will be followed by "Weird Science" at 9:35pm starring Anthony Michael Hall, Ilan Mitchell-Smith and Kelly LeBrock.
Hughes film credits include "Home Alone," "Pretty in Pink," "Ferris Bueller's Day" and "The "Breakfast Club."
Hughes, 59, passed away on Thursday of a heart attack during a morning walk while visiting Manhattan.
- 8/7/2009
- icelebz.com
Encore will be paying tribute to director John Hughes with a double-feature on Sunday, August 9. Hughes was known for writing, directing and producing some of the most beloved and influential films of the 80s.
The tribute will begin at 8:00 pm on Sunday with "Sixteen Candles" starring Molly Ringwald, Michael Schoeffling and Anthony Michael Hall. It will be followed by "Weird Science" at 9:35pm starring Anthony Michael Hall, Ilan Mitchell-Smith and Kelly LeBrock.
Hughes film credits include "Home Alone," "Pretty in Pink," "Ferris Bueller's Day" and "The "Breakfast Club."
Hughes, 59, passed away on Thursday of a heart attack during a morning walk while visiting Manhattan.
The tribute will begin at 8:00 pm on Sunday with "Sixteen Candles" starring Molly Ringwald, Michael Schoeffling and Anthony Michael Hall. It will be followed by "Weird Science" at 9:35pm starring Anthony Michael Hall, Ilan Mitchell-Smith and Kelly LeBrock.
Hughes film credits include "Home Alone," "Pretty in Pink," "Ferris Bueller's Day" and "The "Breakfast Club."
Hughes, 59, passed away on Thursday of a heart attack during a morning walk while visiting Manhattan.
- 8/7/2009
- icelebz.com
A meandering plot line, some stilted stagings and surprisingly uneven performances could lead to mixed word of mouth and dampen longterm business, though being the only G offering for the early summer may be enough to overcome such impediments.
In early scenes, featuring expressive economy not repeated during the film, we meet Sonora Webster, the stubborn orphaned ward of her dirt poor Georgia aunt. Sonora (Gabrielle Anwar) loves horses as much as she dislikes school, so when she runs away after her aunt threatens her with the state orphanage, she heads for a distant carnival and the diving horse show run by Dr. W.F. Carver (Cliff Robertson).
Virtually as stubborn as the young girl and at constant loggerheads with his card-shark son Al (Michael Schoeffling), whom Sonora has saved from an angry mob of locals by concealing a misplaced hidden ace, Carver only reluctantly takes on the unglamorous young teen as a stablehand and back-up to his celebrity loving first-string diver, Marie (Kathleen York).
Times being what they are the little troupe has its ups and downs, but eventually they live to see themselves hired as a permanent attraction at the Steel Pier, though Dr. Carver dies picturesquely along the way. Sonora has even accepted Al's marriage proposal when, subsequent to ignoring a slight sting in her eyes following a botched dive, she becomes blind. However, this turns out to be merely the most difficult of their challenges, not an impossible one, and Sonora uses sharp ears and good timing to become the pier's star attraction once again.
Although the story itself, with its realistic Depression woes and inspirational show biz dreams, is sound enough, the film fudges all the important relationships to the point where audience involvement should be affected. At first, much is made of Sonora's mere pubescence, and her crush on Al is regarded as the impossible schoolgirl variety; yet, without explanation, suddenly marriage between the two becomes perfectly acceptable. Likewise, Al makes his first appearance as a card cheat, a criminal profession, but is soon rounded off into a mere wild boy, and then further domesticated to a slightly strongwilled suitor, all without motivation.
The film has a picture postcard prettiness reminiscent of old view of the pier. Mattes do a good job of restoring the site to its vanished glory, though optical effects showing the horses leap from their high diving boards are less successfully persuasive.
As Sonora, Anwar overdoes the cute little hot ticket number, while Schoeffling appears as confused by his character as viewers will be. Anwar is good with the horses, though, and the film would have benefited from more scenes featuring her character's special sympathy for the animals.
WILD HEARTS CAN'T BE BROKEN
Walt Disney Pictures
Producer Matt Williams
Director Steve Miner
Writers Matt Williams, Oley Sassone
Director of photography Daryn Okada
Production desginer Randy Ser
Editor Jon Poll
Music Mason Daring
Costume designer Malissa Daniel
Color/Dolby
Cast:
Sonora Gabrielle Anwar
Al Carver Michael Schoeffling
W.T. Carver Cliff Robertson
Marie Kathleen York
Running time -- 88 minutes
MPAA Rating: G
(c) The Hollywood Reporter...
In early scenes, featuring expressive economy not repeated during the film, we meet Sonora Webster, the stubborn orphaned ward of her dirt poor Georgia aunt. Sonora (Gabrielle Anwar) loves horses as much as she dislikes school, so when she runs away after her aunt threatens her with the state orphanage, she heads for a distant carnival and the diving horse show run by Dr. W.F. Carver (Cliff Robertson).
Virtually as stubborn as the young girl and at constant loggerheads with his card-shark son Al (Michael Schoeffling), whom Sonora has saved from an angry mob of locals by concealing a misplaced hidden ace, Carver only reluctantly takes on the unglamorous young teen as a stablehand and back-up to his celebrity loving first-string diver, Marie (Kathleen York).
Times being what they are the little troupe has its ups and downs, but eventually they live to see themselves hired as a permanent attraction at the Steel Pier, though Dr. Carver dies picturesquely along the way. Sonora has even accepted Al's marriage proposal when, subsequent to ignoring a slight sting in her eyes following a botched dive, she becomes blind. However, this turns out to be merely the most difficult of their challenges, not an impossible one, and Sonora uses sharp ears and good timing to become the pier's star attraction once again.
Although the story itself, with its realistic Depression woes and inspirational show biz dreams, is sound enough, the film fudges all the important relationships to the point where audience involvement should be affected. At first, much is made of Sonora's mere pubescence, and her crush on Al is regarded as the impossible schoolgirl variety; yet, without explanation, suddenly marriage between the two becomes perfectly acceptable. Likewise, Al makes his first appearance as a card cheat, a criminal profession, but is soon rounded off into a mere wild boy, and then further domesticated to a slightly strongwilled suitor, all without motivation.
The film has a picture postcard prettiness reminiscent of old view of the pier. Mattes do a good job of restoring the site to its vanished glory, though optical effects showing the horses leap from their high diving boards are less successfully persuasive.
As Sonora, Anwar overdoes the cute little hot ticket number, while Schoeffling appears as confused by his character as viewers will be. Anwar is good with the horses, though, and the film would have benefited from more scenes featuring her character's special sympathy for the animals.
WILD HEARTS CAN'T BE BROKEN
Walt Disney Pictures
Producer Matt Williams
Director Steve Miner
Writers Matt Williams, Oley Sassone
Director of photography Daryn Okada
Production desginer Randy Ser
Editor Jon Poll
Music Mason Daring
Costume designer Malissa Daniel
Color/Dolby
Cast:
Sonora Gabrielle Anwar
Al Carver Michael Schoeffling
W.T. Carver Cliff Robertson
Marie Kathleen York
Running time -- 88 minutes
MPAA Rating: G
(c) The Hollywood Reporter...
- 6/24/1991
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Girls and horses are always a potent boxoffice combination, and ''Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken, '' a Depression-era story of a poor Southern lass who achieves fame and fortune riding the diving horse at New Jersey's Atlantic City Steel Pier, despite being blinded in a diving accident, should be able to count on wide initial appeal to pre-teens, particularly female.
A meandering plot line, some stilted stagings and surprisingly uneven performances could lead to mixed word of mouth and dampen longterm business, though being the only G offering for the early summer may be enough to overcome such impediments.
In early scenes, featuring expressive economy not repeated during the film, we meet Sonora Webster, the stubborn orphaned ward of her dirt poor Georgia aunt. Sonora (Gabrielle Anwar) loves horses as much as she dislikes school, so when she runs away after her aunt threatens her with the state orphanage, she heads for a distant carnival and the diving horse show run by Dr. W.F. Carver (Cliff Robertson).
Virtually as stubborn as the young girl and at constant loggerheads with his card-shark son Al (Michael Schoeffling), whom Sonora has saved from an angry mob of locals by concealing a misplaced hidden ace, Carver only reluctantly takes on the unglamorous young teen as a stablehand and back-up to his celebrity loving first-string diver, Marie (Kathleen York).
Times being what they are the little troupe has its ups and downs, but eventually they live to see themselves hired as a permanent attraction at the Steel Pier, though Dr. Carver dies picturesquely along the way. Sonora has even accepted Al's marriage proposal when, subsequent to ignoring a slight sting in her eyes following a botched dive, she becomes blind. However, this turns out to be merely the most difficult of their challenges, not an impossible one, and Sonora uses sharp ears and good timing to become the pier's star attraction once again.
Although the story itself, with its realistic Depression woes and inspirational show biz dreams, is sound enough, the film fudges all the important relationships to the point where audience involvement should be affected. At first, much is made of Sonora's mere pubescence, and her crush on Al is regarded as the impossible schoolgirl variety; yet, without explanation, suddenly marriage between the two becomes perfectly acceptable. Likewise, Al makes his first appearance as a card cheat, a criminal profession, but is soon rounded off into a mere wild boy, and then further domesticated to a slightly strongwilled suitor, all without motivation.
The film has a picture postcard prettiness reminiscent of old view of the pier. Mattes do a good job of restoring the site to its vanished glory, though optical effects showing the horses leap from their high diving boards are less successfully persuasive.
As Sonora, Anwar overdoes the cute little hot ticket number, while Schoeffling appears as confused by his character as viewers will be. Anwar is good with the horses, though, and the film would have benefited from more scenes featuring her character's special sympathy for the animals.
WILD HEARTS CAN'T BE BROKEN
Walt Disney Pictures
ProducerMatt Williams
DirectorSteve Miner
WritersMatt Williams, Oley Sassone
Director of photographyDaryn Okada
Production desginerRandy Ser
EditorJon Poll
MusicMason Daring
Costume designerMalissa Daniel
Color/Dolby
Cast:
SonoraGabrielle Anwar
Al CarverMichael Schoeffling
W.T. CarverCliff Robertson
MarieKathleen York
Running time -- 88 minutes
MPAA Rating: G
(c) The Hollywood Reporter...
A meandering plot line, some stilted stagings and surprisingly uneven performances could lead to mixed word of mouth and dampen longterm business, though being the only G offering for the early summer may be enough to overcome such impediments.
In early scenes, featuring expressive economy not repeated during the film, we meet Sonora Webster, the stubborn orphaned ward of her dirt poor Georgia aunt. Sonora (Gabrielle Anwar) loves horses as much as she dislikes school, so when she runs away after her aunt threatens her with the state orphanage, she heads for a distant carnival and the diving horse show run by Dr. W.F. Carver (Cliff Robertson).
Virtually as stubborn as the young girl and at constant loggerheads with his card-shark son Al (Michael Schoeffling), whom Sonora has saved from an angry mob of locals by concealing a misplaced hidden ace, Carver only reluctantly takes on the unglamorous young teen as a stablehand and back-up to his celebrity loving first-string diver, Marie (Kathleen York).
Times being what they are the little troupe has its ups and downs, but eventually they live to see themselves hired as a permanent attraction at the Steel Pier, though Dr. Carver dies picturesquely along the way. Sonora has even accepted Al's marriage proposal when, subsequent to ignoring a slight sting in her eyes following a botched dive, she becomes blind. However, this turns out to be merely the most difficult of their challenges, not an impossible one, and Sonora uses sharp ears and good timing to become the pier's star attraction once again.
Although the story itself, with its realistic Depression woes and inspirational show biz dreams, is sound enough, the film fudges all the important relationships to the point where audience involvement should be affected. At first, much is made of Sonora's mere pubescence, and her crush on Al is regarded as the impossible schoolgirl variety; yet, without explanation, suddenly marriage between the two becomes perfectly acceptable. Likewise, Al makes his first appearance as a card cheat, a criminal profession, but is soon rounded off into a mere wild boy, and then further domesticated to a slightly strongwilled suitor, all without motivation.
The film has a picture postcard prettiness reminiscent of old view of the pier. Mattes do a good job of restoring the site to its vanished glory, though optical effects showing the horses leap from their high diving boards are less successfully persuasive.
As Sonora, Anwar overdoes the cute little hot ticket number, while Schoeffling appears as confused by his character as viewers will be. Anwar is good with the horses, though, and the film would have benefited from more scenes featuring her character's special sympathy for the animals.
WILD HEARTS CAN'T BE BROKEN
Walt Disney Pictures
ProducerMatt Williams
DirectorSteve Miner
WritersMatt Williams, Oley Sassone
Director of photographyDaryn Okada
Production desginerRandy Ser
EditorJon Poll
MusicMason Daring
Costume designerMalissa Daniel
Color/Dolby
Cast:
SonoraGabrielle Anwar
Al CarverMichael Schoeffling
W.T. CarverCliff Robertson
MarieKathleen York
Running time -- 88 minutes
MPAA Rating: G
(c) The Hollywood Reporter...
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