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I need to be completely honest here: I’m not so sure this is a list I’m qualified to write. It’s inspired by my recent watching of The Breakfast Club, a movie my wife had never seen before. I didn’t remember liking the movie all that much when I saw it before, but I knew it was an Important Movie that she really should see. This time through I liked it a lot more, so it really is a candidate for that “Second Chance” series I really want to start doing.

The reason I don’t feel like I’m necessarily qualified to write this list is that there are several entries on it that I have not seen in 15+ years. I’m going on vague recollections and remembrances of feelings. How’s that for a rock-solid underpinning for an article, eh?

John Hughes movies tend to be remembered very fondly by most folks. I like a lot of his movies, but love hardly any. I’m sure many of you will have differing opinions in the comments.

10. Home Alone (1990) / Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992) – These are some of my wife’s favorite movies, but they’re really not my thing. I mean, I’m glad I saw them, but if I never see them again I’ll be okay. And, yes, I know Hughes wrote 3 & 4 as well, but I haven’t seen either of them.

9. Uncle Buck (1989) – I saw this movie for the first time only a couple of years ago, and it was fine. I wonder, though, if I had seen it a long time ago if I would rank this one higher? Most people mention this among John Candy’s best, I think I maybe just missed my window on it.

8. Pretty in Pink (1986) – I remember thinking that Andie and Duckie were just so very odd, but that’s what made this work, right? How many Blanes did you know in high school versus how many Duckies and Andies?

7. Some Kind of Wonderful (1987) – I barely remember this movie at all, but I remember my feelings about it, and they were mostly positive. I know it seems strange to make a list based on feelings, but it intrigues me just how many movies I have filed away like that in my brain. “I remember one of the girls was a drummer and I liked it.” If this site ever goes All Reviews, All The Time, it’ll be one-sentence reviews like that.

6. Weird Science (1985) – Here’s a reverse Uncle Buck: I really, really liked this one when I was younger, but I bet I wouldn’t like it much at all if I were to rewatch it now.

5. The Breakfast Club (1985) – I was surprised by how much I liked this one on rewatch. I’m mulling a full article on this so I won’t say much more right now.

4. Sixteen Candles (1984) – This one is on the “to be rewatched soon” list because my wife hasn’t seen this one, either. I’m curious to see if it will stay at this position on the list.

3. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986) – Last year’s rewatch of this made me realize that this movie doesn’t hang together all that well. Don’t get me wrong, it’s enjoyable, but there are so many odd little things that seem to be randomly thrown in. Still, it’s fun.

2. Christmas Vacation (1989) – Speaking of “random things seemingly thrown in,” how about this movie, eh?  I’ve liked this movie for a long time, but the most recent rewatch didn’t evoke the same joy and I don’t know why. Different enjoyments at different times in your life, most likely.

1. Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987) – I doubt I’ll ever not like this one, though. This is my one certified “love” on this list.

 

Tags: Tuesday10

Written by: Mark