Written by Flori Bickel
Modified & Updated: 04 Mar 2024
Reviewed by Jessica Corbett
Are you ready to dive into the world of ‘Some Kind of Wonderful’? This 1987 film, directed by Howard Deutch, has become a beloved classic over the years. With its memorable characters, timeless story, and incredible soundtrack, it has left a lasting impact on audiences. In this article, we will explore 41 fascinating facts about ‘Some Kind of Wonderful’ that will take you behind the scenes and into the making of this iconic movie. From the casting decisions to the filming locations, there’s so much to discover. So, whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about this cult favorite, join us as we uncover the secrets and trivia of ‘Some Kind of Wonderful. Get ready for an entertaining journey through the world of this remarkable film!
Key Takeaways:
- Some Kind of Wonderful is a classic ’80s movie that explores love, friendship, and self-discovery in high school, with a cool soundtrack and relatable characters.
- The film was initially a box office success and has since gained a devoted fan base, resonating with viewers for its timeless themes and memorable moments.
Some Kind of Wonderful was directed by Howard Deutch.
The movie was helmed by director Howard Deutch, who is known for his work on popular films such as Pretty in Pink and The Great Outdoors.
It was released in 1987.
Some Kind of Wonderful was released on February 27, It was met with mixed reviews from critics but achieved cult status over the years.
The film stars Eric Stoltz as Keith Nelson.
Eric Stoltz portrays the lead character Keith Nelson, a talented young artist who is navigating the complexities of love and friendship in high school.
Mary Stuart Masterson plays the role of Watts.
Mary Stuart Masterson portrays the character of Watts, Keith’s tomboy best friend who secretly pines for him.
Lea Thompson portrays Amanda Jones.
Lea Thompson plays the role of Amanda Jones, a popular and seemingly unattainable girl who becomes the object of Keith’s affection.
The movie explores themes of social class and teenage angst.
Some Kind of Wonderful delves into the world of high school social dynamics, highlighting the struggles and challenges faced by teenagers from different backgrounds.
Some Kind of Wonderful has a memorable soundtrack.
The film features an iconic soundtrack that includes songs from artists like Pete Shelley, Stephen Duffy, and Flesh for Lulu.
John Hughes wrote the screenplay for the movie.
Renowned writer John Hughes penned the screenplay for Some Kind of Wonderful. He is known for his work on classic ’80s films such as The Breakfast Club and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.
The movie was a box office success.
Despite initially receiving mixed reviews, Some Kind of Wonderful performed well at the box office, grossing over $18 million worldwide.
The film was originally intended as a gender-reversal of Pretty in Pink.
Some Kind of Wonderful was initially conceived as a gender-swapped version of Pretty in Pink, with the roles of the working-class protagonist and the affluent love interest reversed.
Some Kind of Wonderful pays homage to The Graduate.
The film includes a memorable scene where Keith imitates the iconic “Mrs. Robinson” shot from The Graduate, a classic coming-of-age film.
Keith’s artwork in the movie was actually created by a professional artist.
Timothy Hutton, a renowned artist, was hired to create the artwork showcased as Keith’s own creations in the movie.
The character Watts is considered a feminist icon.
Watts’ character, portrayed as a strong and independent young woman, resonated with many viewers and is often hailed as a feminist icon.
Some Kind of Wonderful was not a commercial success upon its initial release.
Despite its eventual cult following, the movie did not perform well at the box office during its initial theatrical run.
Howard Deutch and Lea Thompson got married after working on the film.
Director Howard Deutch and lead actress Lea Thompson fell in love while working on Some Kind of Wonderful and later got married.
The movie had a different ending in the initial cut.
In the original cut of the film, Keith and Watts ended up together, but it was changed after test screenings to the current ending.
Some Kind of Wonderful has become a beloved cult classic.
Over time, Some Kind of Wonderful has gained a devoted fan base who appreciate its relatable characters and sincere storytelling.
Keith’s car in the film is a Volkswagen Beetle.
The iconic car driven by Keith in the movie is a classic Volkswagen Beetle, underscoring his individuality and creative spirit.
The film was inspired by director Howard Deutch’s own high school experiences.
Deutch drew inspiration from his own high school years while crafting the story for Some Kind of Wonderful.
Some Kind of Wonderful explores the theme of self-discovery.
The movie delves into the journeys of self-discovery undertaken by the main characters as they navigate the complexities of young adulthood.
The film features a classic ’80s prom scene.
Some Kind of Wonderful includes a memorable prom scene, complete with iconic ’80s fashion and music.
Some Kind of Wonderful was nominated for a Young Artist Award.
The film received a nomination for Best Young Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture at the Young Artist Awards for Mary Stuart Masterson’s performance as Watts.
Some Kind of Wonderful was not initially well-received by critics.
The movie received mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics finding it derivative of other John Hughes films.
The film explores the complexities of friendship.
Some Kind of Wonderful examines the intricacies and challenges of friendship, especially when romantic feelings are involved.
The movie’s title is taken from a song by The Drifters.
Some Kind of Wonderful derives its title from the classic song by The Drifters, adding an additional layer of nostalgia to the film.
Some Kind of Wonderful has a strong following within the LGBTQ+ community.
The film resonates with many members of the LGBTQ+ community for its exploration of identity and societal expectations.
The movie was filmed in Los Angeles, California.
Some Kind of Wonderful was primarily filmed on location in Los Angeles, capturing the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
Some Kind of Wonderful is often compared to other John Hughes films.
Given its similar themes and coming-of-age storytelling, Some Kind of Wonderful is often likened to other classic John Hughes films.
The character of Duncan was played by Elias Koteas.
Elias Koteas portrays Duncan, a drummer in a punk rock band and a friend of Keith and Watts.
Some Kind of Wonderful features memorable dialogue.
The movie is known for its quotable lines, showcasing John Hughes’ talent for crafting memorable and relatable dialogue.
The film’s budget was approximately $9 million.
Some Kind of Wonderful had a moderate budget of around $9 million.
Some Kind of Wonderful explores the theme of unconditional love.
The movie delves into the idea of love that transcends social status and embraces the imperfections of individuals.
Some Kind of Wonderful is set in a fictional town called Hilldale.
The events of the movie unfold in the fictional town of Hilldale, providing a familiar suburban backdrop for the story.
The movie has a runtime of 95 minutes.
Some Kind of Wonderful has a runtime of approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes.
The film’s script includes moments of humor.
Interwoven within its dramatic moments, Some Kind of Wonderful features comedic elements that provide levity to the story.
Some Kind of Wonderful explores the concept of first love.
The film captures the intensity and emotional rollercoaster of experiencing first love and the lessons learned along the way.
The soundtrack of the film was released on vinyl and cassette.
The iconic soundtrack of Some Kind of Wonderful was made available to fans in both vinyl and cassette formats.
The film was not initially considered a critical success.
Upon its release, Some Kind of Wonderful received mixed reviews from critics who viewed it as formulaic.
Some Kind of Wonderful was released by Paramount Pictures.
Paramount Pictures distributed the film, contributing to its exposure and eventual cult status.
The movie’s plot revolves around a love triangle.
Some Kind of Wonderful centers around a love triangle involving Keith, Amanda, and Watts, adding depth and complexity to the story.
Some Kind of Wonderful celebrates the importance of staying true to oneself.
Throughout the film, the characters learn the value of authenticity and embracing their own unique qualities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Some Kind of Wonderful is a timeless movie that continues to captivate audiences with its relatable story, memorable characters, and impactful messages. The film explores the complexities of love, friendship, and self-discovery, while also addressing societal issues such as social class and stereotypes. With its exceptional performances, iconic soundtrack, and John Hughes’ signature touch, Some Kind of Wonderful remains a beloved classic in the world of cinema. Whether you’re a fan of romantic dramas, teenage coming-of-age stories, or simply looking for an entertaining film to enjoy, Some Kind of Wonderful is definitely worth adding to your must-watch list.
FAQs
Q: Who directed Some Kind of Wonderful?
A: Some Kind of Wonderful was directed by Howard Deutch.
Q: When was Some Kind of Wonderful released?
A: Some Kind of Wonderful was released on February 27, 1987.
Q: What is the main plot of Some Kind of Wonderful?
A: The main plot of Some Kind of Wonderful follows the story of a high school student named Keith who is torn between his friendship with his best friend, Watts, and his secret love for a popular and seemingly unattainable girl named Amanda.
Q: Who are the main actors in Some Kind of Wonderful?
A: Some of the main actors in Some Kind of Wonderful include Eric Stoltz as Keith Nelson, Mary Stuart Masterson as Watts, and Lea Thompson as Amanda Jones.
Q: Is Some Kind of Wonderful a John Hughes movie?
A: Yes, Some Kind of Wonderful was written by John Hughes and retains his signature storytelling style often associated with his other successful movies like The Breakfast Club and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.
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