MovieChat Forums > Pretty in Pink (1986) Discussion > Let's face it, the acting is horrible..

Let's face it, the acting is horrible..

posted 9 years ago by ryansassy1
10 replies | jump to latest

..but we '80s kids love this movie for other reasons.

Just saw this for the first time since the '80s and I couldn't believe how bad Mollie Ringwald and Andrew McCarthy were (although when I first saw it at the time, I didn't pick up on this nearly as much). I am sincerely amazed that MR had any kind of career after her horrible performance in this film. But, the movie obviously made a lot of money and became iconic because it had a kind of magic for my generation I suppose, although it's hard to put my finger on it exactly.

Was it the fashions of the '80s that we loved at that time? The music? The classic Romeo and Juliette plot? John Cryer's quirky character? The evil/hot Steff? The John Hughs midas touch? Whatever the reason, I still love this movie, despite the deficiencies of the two leads.

_________________________________
"I'm sorry, but.." is a self-contained lie.

[–] BenjiCarver 9 years ago

Good points, but I do think the great acting by Spader and Cryer save the movie. Harry Dean Stanton was great too.

I call woo woo on you,

[–] ryansassy1 9 years ago

Yes, Cryer and Spader did deliver the most memorable performances in this film. I think they saved it.
_________________________________
"I'm sorry, but.." is a self-contained lie.

[–] kaydie-fee 9 years ago

You're right, I've always thought Molly R was pretty wooden (they play it off as angst but NO it's wood), she displays some distinctly tree-like acting in this film, McCarthy is pretty good in other movies but his acting seemed awkward as Blaine - they are both so drippy in this movie.
The supporting cast was really good though James Spader was great as Steff - he's the best character in the movie imo, Annie Potts' Iona was cool too, I liked Ducky and I really wish Andi's friend Jena had a bigger part, the supporting cast totally save the movie.

[–] southerncomfort (20) 7 years ago

(“they play it off as angst but NO it’s wood) I literally laughed out loud. 👍🏻

[–] 9 years ago

[deleted]

[–] Dan_Garten 9 years ago

Molly Ringwald is not so good at being angry/emotional.

[–] PussyCrusher_Principal 8 years ago

Andrew McCarthy was never good in ANYTHING I've seen him in. IDK why you think Molly Ringwald was so bad...I just think Andrew's stank permeated everything and everyone he shared screen time with.

[–] MikeO_64 8 years ago

I love her, man!

"I must be crazy to be in a loony bin like this."

[–] Brandos_Bitch 8 years ago

Never been a huge fan of this movie, but I did think the acting was pretty top notch for a teen flick..especially Spader. The one weak link was McCarthy, but his was a pretty thankless role to begin with.

"When life presents you with lemons, squeeze out the juice and squirt it in your enemies eyes."

[–] R_Kane (15828) 7 years ago

It was the drugs. Nepali temple balls😍. This movie, seen sober, is like an episode off the CW network, with better music. Otis Redding's Try a Little Tenderness was amazing, no surprise, but, as interpreted by Jon Cryer's spasms, as compelling and convincing as as a porno moneyshot.