Pretty in Pink
-
Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
-
Common Sense says
Dated, but still fun for teens.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 13–14
What to watch out for
-
Violence:
-
Sex:
-
Language:
-
Consumerism:
-
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Pretty in Pink was written by Marjorie Kase
Parents need to know that this film features teenagers in mature situations. Adults and teens are shown using crude language, drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, cavorting in their underwear, and trashing a home during a party. A character is seen rolling a joint. Excessive bad behavior is portrayed in a negative light and usually results in negative consequences.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about how financial status and conformist behavior play roles in determining popularity. Parents may want to share and compare their own high school experiences with their kids to bridge the generation gap. They could use this film to discuss and encourage their kids to recognize the value of their classmates' differences.
Have you seen it? Review It!
More on Pretty in Pink
What’s the Story?
For most children of the 80s, writer/director John Hughes' films played a considerable role in forming their opinions about what high school was really like. Of course, anyone in high school at the time would have told you differently, but for tweens at the time, movies like The Breakfast Club (1984), Sixteen Candles (1985) and PRETTY IN PINK (1986) served as primers for navigating the shark-infested waters of the high school caste system. Pretty in Pink is the third of such films starring Molly Ringwald. In this one, she plays Andie, a smart girl from the wrong side of the tracks who lives with her well-meaning unemployed father and hangs out with her best friend, Duckie (Jon Cryer). When she develops a mutual crush on a wealthy kid named Blane (Andrew McCarthy) her world is turned upside-down, as friends from both sides disapprove of their relationship.
Is It Any Good?
Although well intentioned, Pretty in Pink's repeated message of being true to oneself is completely lost during its lame conclusion. (A much different ending was intended for the film, yet after proving itself unpopular with test audiences, Hughes switched it). The script is full of clichés and not a shred of chemistry exists between Ringwald and McCarthy. The film's only redeeming qualities are in the performances of its supporting cast, and its totally awesome soundtrack. James Spader is perfectl as McCarthy's best friend Steff, the obnoxious self-entitled snob we love to hate. Annie Potts is divine as nostalgia-ridden Iona, Andie's coworker/mother figure, and Cryer's Duckie evokes sympathy, bemusement, and at times intense irritation.
Despite the film's obvious misgivings, Pretty in Pink is highly entertaining and contains some of Hughes' best one-liners. It's hard to judge how this generation will react to an '80s classic such as this one given its dated look and obvious dialogue. Kids will undoubtedly poke fun at Andie's disastrous sense of fashion, in particular her prom dress, which resembles a pink burlap sack. One thing they most certainly will marvel at is a scene where Blane flirts with Andie using a crude form of instant messenger.
Movie Details
Studio: Paramount Pictures, Director: John Hughes
Run time: 96 minutes
Theatrical release: 06/14/1986, DVD release: 08/20/2002
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for drug use and language
Run time: 96 minutes
Theatrical release: 06/14/1986, DVD release: 08/20/2002
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for drug use and language
Our Members Say
See all 5 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
-
Lives in FloridaI rate this title on for age 13 and give it- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
-
I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
-
I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
80's love
I really enjoyed this movie. ALtho when it came out i wasnt born yet or even planned i really connected to this movie when i first saw it & i believe all kids around the age of 13-etc..should see this movie it show what can actually happen in school and even those years are way different from the today, the same concept occurs in my school and our school everywhere!
-
I rate this title pause for age 0 and give it
I'm such an 80s dork....lol
I love 80s movies... Breakfast Club... The Outsiders... Sixteen Candles... The Goonies... they're fab. P.I.P is awesome, but it's best for 12 and up. I LOVE duckie, he reminds me so much of my friend....haha
Give Recommendations, Get Them, Too!
Become a member and get recommendations from other parents based on your child's age.Tell us your child's age:
Already a member? Log inOur Members Rate It
Have you seen it?
For Your Family
Get age-based recommendations for your kids:
Customize based on your child's age
