Review: Sixteen Candles

As a pre-teen do you remember dreaming of your 16th birthday? Do you remember exactly how it was going to be? You knew your parents were going to hire the famous DJ from the radio station right?

Now, do you remember how your 16th birthday actually turned out? Did you realize that the Black BMW convertible with a big red bow was not going to be in your driveway when you woke up in the morning?

Well the coming-of-age movie, Sixteen Candles starring 1980’s actress Molly Ringwald, depicts the life of Samantha “Sam” Baker on her 16th birthday. On what was supposed to be a joyous day, her family all too consumed with her elder sister’s upcoming wedding forgets her birthday. Then a series of very unfortunately and even regrettable events happen leading Baker face to face with her ultimate crush.

But, just like with any movie where the female character wins at the end of the film there is always a side kick. The person that for some reason causes trouble for the main character yet, bends over backwards to fix the problem. That role went to Anthony Michael Hall as Ted or Farmer Ted. Ringwald and Hall would perform again in the hit movie The Breakfest Club. In Sixteen Candles, Ted helps Sam land the guy of her dreams even though he himself has a crush on her. To return the favor Sam looses one thing that you never want to lose in high school particularly not in the gym. Hmmm….I wonder what that could be?

For those of you who haven’t watched Sixteen Candles, it’s a 1980’s movie. The opening scene that introduces the audience that they are now at a high school is a montage of high-wasted aced wash jeans, crop tops, pink nail polish, big teased hair, and lots of sneakers. I love this scene because I wonder if my parents or cousins wore that. Why on earth was that style of dressing popular? Well whatever the case may be, if you hate 80’s fashion you might want to steer clear of this movie.

Another thing that I like about this film is the props. Since this film was filmed in 1983 all the props where from that era. You will notice everyone talking on phones that you had to hang back on the hook. You will notice decorated binders since the main character is in high school. Even the style of Samantha’s room from the posters to the bed sheets look like they belong to a teen girl from in 1983.

Sixteen Candles reminds me of my hopes and dreams of how I wanted my Sweet Sixteen Birthday to be. I also, like watching this movie because it reminds me why I’m so happy I’m not that age anymore.

Happy Sweet Sixteen Birthday to all my Filmist Fans!!