Common Sense Media Review
Soapy Brat Pack friendship saga has violence, stereotypes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
St. Elmo's Fire
What's the Story?
ST. ELMO'S FIRE follows the trials and tribulations of seven recent Georgetown grads struggling to build careers, maintain relationships, and transition into full-fledged adults. Social worker Wendy (Mare Winningham) gets constant pressure from her rich father to get married and join the family business. She has a crush on Billy (Rob Lowe), who has troubles of his own. All the while, friends Alec (Judd Nelson), Leslie (Ally Sheedy), and Jules (Demi Moore) contend with their own personal lives. They each grapple with complicated relationships with one another—and find themselves along the way.
Is It Any Good?
Written and directed by Joel Schumacher, this popular film is nonetheless a mediocre attempt at re-creating the success of earlier "Brat Pack" films. While St. Elmo's Fire offers a nostalgic soundtrack by David Foster, it has a hard time redeeming its characters. Toxic behavior such as drunk driving, drug abuse, stalking, and sexual harassment are portrayed as "normal" growing pains. Yes, St. Elmo's Fire might be a product of its time, but it's one that deserves to stay in the past.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the challenges and responsibilities of adulthood as depicted in St. Elmo's Fire. Parents can offer unique insights about entering "the real world." What kinds of responsibilities come with work and family? How can the support of friends affect your development and growth?
What do you think differentiates toxic friendships from healthy ones? Do you agree with the way St. Elmo's Fire presents that duality?
The "Brat Pack" genre described popular 1980s coming-of-age films, like St. Elmo's Fire, which often grouped young people together and focused on teen experiences. Do these films still feel relevant today? Why, or why not?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 28, 1985
- On DVD or streaming : July 3, 2000
- Cast : Demi Moore , Emilio Estevez , Rob Lowe
- Director : Joel Schumacher
- Inclusion Information : Queer Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Columbia Tristar
- Genre : Drama
- Run time : 110 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language and sexual content
- Last updated : November 13, 2024
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