1 Hilarious
If you grew up in the '80s like I did, you probably have seen every John Hughes movie he made during that decade. I literally grew up on a staple of John's films, namely "Pretty in Pink", "Weird Science", "The Breakfast Club" and "Sixteen Candles". I still love those movies to this very day, especially "Sixteen Candles". Molly Ringwald as Samantha Baker who has an unrequited crush on the most popular guy in school Jake Ryan (played by the Matt Dillon look-alike Michael Shoeffling). What makes this film hilarious is that her family forgets her birthday while they are consumed with her sister's impending nuptials, her grandparents who are staying with the family with their foreign studen exchanged student Long Duc Dong, and the geek who won't go away played by the hilarious Anthony Michael Hall. Chaos and non-stop laughs ensues. John Cusak and his sister Joan makes a cameo appearance. One of the funniest moments is when the family is about to go to the church for the wedding and they find Long Duc Dong passed out on the front lawn after a heavy night of partying. Not a very politically correct moment in cinema history but it sure is hilarious. My also favorite Long Duc Dong moment was when greets Sam from the top bunk bed in Sam's brother's room. I have never gotten tired of watching this movie. Teen comedies today just don't have the same comedic punch or innocence that John Hughes' films always had. Films like "Sixteen Candles' really captured the era that I grew up in.
2 Why does my VHS say "PG" and amazon say "R"?
Truthfully this should probably be rated PG-13. Anyway, this is kind of your typical 80's teenage angst movie. The main character, Samantha, is your typical over-dramatic teenager. The guy she has a crush on, Jake, is a total babe. Michael Anthony Hall, the geek, is pretty hysterical. All in all a decent flick with some pretty good laughs. Joan and John Cusack provide some pretty random chuckles in one of their first films.
3 16 Candels
I really loved this movie. Its pretty much about girl falling in love with cute guy, girl gets hit on by geek, girl bonds with geek, and finally girl wins boy (cute boy) with her magical charm. I really thought this was a great 80's movie. I love the whole 'I'm a girl that no one could like ever in a million years'. The charcters really make this an enjoyable movie with their charm and wit. 2 thumbs up, totally check this movie out! I loved it, ad I hope you do too!
4 The Pinnacle of 80s Teen Movies
"Sixteen Candles" is my second-favorite movie of all time. Just getting that out in the open right away.
In my opinion, this movie is the best teen comedy ever. The writing is crisp, the memorable lines are plentiful, the characterizations are spot-on (as someone who was in high school in the 80s, I can vouch for them).
Molly Ringwald turns in a great performance, Anthony Michael Hall does likewise, and even John Cusack is enjoyable here (for once).
John Hughes went on to make several more 80s masterpieces, but to me "Sixteen Candles" is the epitome of the great 80s teen movie. From the storyline, to the one-liners, to the awesome soundtrack, this is a warm-hearted comedy that can be watched again and again.
There is no villain in "Sixteen Candles", just the slings and arrows of teenage life's outrageous fortune. They don't make movies like this anymore.
P.S. To the reviewer below me: I have no problems fast-forwarding the ads at the beginning of the movie. Then again, I have a DVD player from 1998, maybe the newer ones have the FF feature disabled somehow by the DVD?
5 Excellent Film Transfer, BUT...!
The film is excellently preserved here, and I love that the original music was returned to its rightful place.
But...
When you pop this disc into your player, it automatically plays a 3 minute trailer advertising this and several other "High School Reunion Collection" titles.
You cannot skip past it!
You cannot fastforward through it!
You can't even STOP THE PLAYER!!
How insidiously hateful of the studio and manufacturer to forcefeed consumers this obnoxious advertisement. If they consider this some kind of 'extra' (and by the way there are NONE on this DVD), they're nuts.
To make matters worse, the main menu contains a montage of audio clips from the film that play on a continuous loop. Fall asleep while this baby is playing and you'll be woken up at the end by the sound of Molly Ringwald screaming OVER AND OVER AND OVER AND OVER AND OVER...!!!
If anyone out there knows of some sort of "patch" that will help bypass this trailer, please let it be known by posting a message here.
ARGH!!!!
6 Where are the extras??
Come on John Hughes. Yes, this is one of the best 80's movies, but give us some extras already!!! Commentary? Deleted scenes? Something??
7 Coming Of Age.
This movie is one of the best of the 80s without question. I remember seeing it as a child. I thought it was funny. I still think it is amusing. Some movies like this one just do not stand the test of time. This one does. I loved it when I was younger because it told of what would happen when I was a teenager. I love it now because it reminds me of my own high school days.
8 Sixteen Candles
How would you feel to wake up and realize that your family had forgotten your sixteenth birthday? This is what happens to Samantha Baker in the movie "Sixteen Candles". She wakes up on her birthday to find that her family, preoccupied with her sisters wedding the next day, had completely forgotten. The movie shows from when she wakes up to a dance at school to her attempt at making the guy she has a crush on- an older boy named Jake Ryan- actually notice her. This movie shows a relatively accurate portrayal of a teenage girls life during high school. Many people can relate to this movie.
The only part of this movie that many people have a hard time dealing with, but I liked was the foreign visitor named Long Duck Dong. Many people say he was a pointless addition to the movie and added nothing. I think that Long Duck Dong was a good addition, however. He added comedy to the movie. Many think, and I agree with this, that the movie went a little overboard with making fun of him. There were a lot of jokes made about people of Asian descent and about his accent and difficulties with English. However, he did add comic relief. He has many classic lines in this movie and he adds a little something the movie would be lacking without him. For example, he goes to the dance with Samantha which she thinks totally ruins her evening. He steals "grandpa's" car and well...you'll have to see the- movie to see what happens to Long Duck Dong and grandpa's car. Although this part of the movie is not very politically correct, it still is one of the funniest parts.
The movies strong points were that it was absolutely hilarious. Many people could probably relate to Samantha's problems. She has a guy she doesn't like liking her while the guy she DOES like doesn't even know she exists. Many girls can relate to especially that last part about the guy she likes not knowing her. This has probably happened to every girl at least once during high school. This movie has many funny parts and a lot of one-liners that people can use over and over again.
I would recommend this movie to anyone looking for a good laugh. This movie is perfect for people of all ages. I still laugh every time I watch this movie and I've seen it at least fifteen times or so. I think this is one of Molly Ringwald's greatest movies along with "The Breakfast Club" which I would also recommend to anyone who enjoys this movie. This movie is good for laughs, it has an easy to follow plot, and I think most people who watch this enjoy it a lot. My mom recommended this to me when I was in bed for a week after a surgery and I have never been in so much pain from laughing. I have seen this movie too many times to count and it still cracks me up every time I watch it. This movie never gets old for most people. I would recommend this to anyone who wants a good laugh.
9 Another great 80s/John Hughes Movie!
From the director who made Molly Ringwald famous, John Hughes shines with this classic eightes comedy. Sophomore Samantha Baker's birthday is coming up, but her family does not remember, a tragic event for any teenager. Her crush, Jake Ryan, begins to notice her, the geek, Farmer Ted, falls in love with her, and of course high school happens. If you want to laugh, shed a few tears, and have a movie with a happy ending, this is it.
I, being 15 years old, seen this for the first time last week on AMC. I enjoyed it.
10 best left in the past
I was disappointed when I received this dvd. It advertised as having the original soundtrack, but it does not. It's just not as good as I remember. Perhaps I have matured.
11 This is getting good
Revolutionary in its time, now it plays just as well; however you spend a lot of time thinking about this is where it all started. We all have our favorite parts and people. What is that at the fountain? No it can't be, Joan Cusack? And this is the last time you will see Jamie Gertz on the bench.
You will have to watch it several times to take it all in.
------------------------------------
It is a double due for Samantha Baker (Molly Ringwald). It is her birthday and the school dance. Tomorrow her sister is getting married. So Grand Parents are converging with their grandparent quirks.
Turns out hat Samantha like Jake who is going with Caroline. Mean time back at the dance other agendas arise with the geeks challenging Farmer Ted (a young Anthony Michael Hall) to do it with Samantha or fork over several floppies. We see parties and their aftermath. In the end can Farmer Ted place all the people where they belong? In the mean time he says, "This, is getting good."
12 Definitive 80's. A must!
Sixteen Candles is a must-see classic. Truly unique, original, and memorable. The cast is fantastic and the story has been duplicated countless times. It took me so long to finally see this, and I regret not seeing it earlier. Everyone talks about it, it's not worth being left out and you're just gonna thank yourself later anyway, so SEE IT NOW if you haven't already. If you have, see it again, memorize the lines, and have a Sixteen Candles drinking party!!!!
13 Great movie - BAD DVD
This was a fun movie. It does not take itself seriously and pokes fun at its characters. Some of the pokig fun is not politically correct (to wit - Long Duk Dong, and some of the BoHunk comments)) but that was a bit of the 80's.
This DVD has the original soundtrack, previously unavailable on VHS or the old DVD, and it still holds up.
THE BAD PART
Where to start - the packaging is cheap cheap CHEAP! They did not even put in a little card to tell you the chapter names. There is no commentary, no extras, NOTHING!
PLUS when you put it in, it goes through ads for other movies and DISABLES THE MENU BUTTON!
Again, this is a fun, 80's movie, but the DVD is so cheap and so obnoxious to the fans/owners that I hate to recommend it becuse the people who put it together were such jerks.
But I do recommend it. Enjoy.
14 A Rememberable Teen Flick.
This is definately the rebound film. It is hard to live up to a movie like The Breakfast Club. This film is your average, average, teen movie. It does boost some new things to the screen, but it is mostly predictable, however, it is enjoyable. It has enough great moments to outweigh the cheesy parts, which makes it good in my book. If you are in the mood for a "no surprise" movie, this is the film for you. I reccomend it.
15 Still pretty good
This movie has some politically-incorrect jokes based on nationalities and sexual preference - but I'm not politically correct and don't care.
Molly's character Samantha turns 16 and her family does not remember it because they are busy with her sister's impending wedding. The sister gets zonked on Midol or equivalent before and during the wedding.
Anthony Michael Hall is perhaps the funniest character, and because he is basically the same in all his films, this was probably his best role.
A few notable small parts for John and Joan Cusak, and Jamie Gertz.
Apparently an earlier DVD release had music, sound and picture-quality issues, but this one boasts having the original music mix, and sounded and looked fine.
Odd thing is that Amazon has it rated as "R", while the cover and opening of the movie have it as "PG". There is a fair amount of four-letter words, body-part references, and a bit of shower nudity.
No extras to speak of, so you are buying it for the movie only.
16 Sweet Sixteen
John Hughes directorial debut, "Sixteen Candles" is a real treat. The cast of young actors are very genuine and the story line is very good. The movie revolves around Samantha Baker(Molly Ringwald), whose sixteenth birthday is forgotten in the hectic day before her big sister's wedding. In a funny scene, Samantha is talking on the phone to her best friend, complaining how she has to go down stairs & endure the family making a big fuss over her birthday. When she gets downstairs, not a word about her birthday, mom even forgot to make her lunch. The look of utter suprise on Sammy's face is priceless, and Ringwald has that cute kewpie doll face that really makes the expression work.
The other issues in the movie, growing up, falling love, interacting with family & friends are very real. One of Hughe's greatest strengths as a filmmaker is the keen ear he has for teen dialogue. His characters act & speak like REAL teenagers, not some hollywood producers conception of teenagers.
I especially liked Paul Dooley as Sammy's father, he was affectionate without being sappy, and their scene in the living room is warm and engaging.
The happy ending is wonderful.
If you like well made movies that capture the teenage years and the 1980's, check out "Sixteen Candles".
17 Great movie, disappointing DVD....
This wonderful comedy is as much a slice of the 1980s as "Saturday Night Fever" is of the 1970s. It is still laugh-out-loud funny, especially for those of us who lived through that time period. Unfortunately, the DVD offers no special features that could really enhance the experience. A scene selection menu is hardly worth it! What about some of the music videos from the soundtrack or a commentary track from someone involved in the production? What a waste! Plus, there is also an inescapable commercial stuck on to the beginning, which stinks!
18 Disappointing DVD version of Funny Flick
After countless viewings, this John Hughes modern classic is still laugh-out-loud hilarious. It's also a great time capsule for the styles of the 1980s. Unfortunately, the producers of the DVD version didn't capitalize on any of that and the almost non-existent Special Features are a serious disappointment. At least you will enjoy seeing the movie uncut!
19 Sixteen Candles
From the first time I ever saw this movie it became my all time favorite movie!! It captures teen highschool life so perfect!! It's the best teen 80's movie!! If you're an 80's fan this is the movie for you!! I would recommend this movie to anyone who like the highschool movies!!
20 Dong! Where is my automobile?
We all know the story of poor Samantha and her forgotten birthday. Maybe getting felt up by your grandmother is enough to scar you forever, but isn't that what life is all about? Scars?
This movie goes much deeper than your average teen comedy. The social, political, and religious undertones are far too prominent, yet never discussed. Farmer Ted may have reached the supreme peak his kind could, but without the Polaroid, he might as well had just bought the floopy disks!
In the shower scene, the breasts are not only shown in their natural splendor, but are celebrated and demand to be worshipped. The loud, single drum instantly forces you to look at the screen and whether you are male or female, you cannot look away. Perfection needs not be appreciated, but worshipped. Samantha knew this. She did not really want Jake, she wanted Carolyn! Yes that's right, her entire plan backfired when she wound up with Jake and not Carolyn on the table. Oh what a happy ending we were denied. I always imagine Sam and Carolyn kissing then having a giggle fest as they cover themselves with cake frosting.
Farmer Ted, King of the Dipsh*ts as he calls himself is really the future. You don't have to be Nostradomas to see the identical qualities between Ted and G.W. Bush. We were warned, we tried to fight the system, but our history was written long before the voting booths opened.
The 'Jock Strap' Twins. Remember these derelicts on the bus? The ones with the Laser Tag guns? They represented Jesus and the Devil. Everyday you are bombarded with sin, temptation, corruption, good deeds, sorrow, and joy. They hit you like a laser tag ray. A 'direct hit' is scored by both sides, but who will you succumb to. I don't agree with the movie's answer of just getting off the bus and ignoring both, the front yard is certainly not Purgatory.
'Headgear Girl'. It should be obvious to anyone that this character represents the Florida Agriculture Commision of 1993. Remember the water fountain scene and the 'Ah, yeah.' on the bus? Now put two and two together. See what I mean? John Hughs is a true seer. If only we had paid attention.
And last we have Jake the Lion hearted. He is Desperation, The Fifth Horseman of the Apocalypse. The ugly sweater, the Rolls Royce, the sheepish voice when talking to grandparents on the phone. What we never saw was the lunchbox. Here is where executives got nervous and thought John was taking his film too far. The two scenes with Jake carrying his lunchbox were deleted, (and rumored to have been destroyed so there was no way they'd EVER be discovered). The lunchbox depicted the double murder of the Bordens at the hand of their daughter Lizzie (yes I know it was her step-mother stay with me here). John was hired by Madagascar agents to give them a message through this movie, and the lunchbox was the clue. You have to remember this was during the 80's and the Evil Empire of the Soviet Union loomed over us like Death. Supposedly, the clue had something to do with an alliance between Egypt and the Republic of Chad.
So the question remains, does a girl want a pink one or a black one?
21 An Ideal Flick For Teens
All I can say is that I've been obsessed with John Hughes and his films for fours years now and I'm in love with "Sixteen Candles". This film paints an incredibly acurate portraite of high school in the 80's while adding some fantasy into the mix. Samantha Baker is an incredibly downt-to-earth, normal teenager who's in love with the hottest, most popular boy in school. Of course he's taken by the beautiful blonde and the only boy who seems to be interested is Farmer Ted, the hopeless Geek. This movie has some excellent moments and will definately entertain you. There are tons of other hillarious characters that essentuate the story beautifuly. I love Jake Ryan, and I think Anthony Michael Hall did an awesome job in this movie. See this movie it's tons of fun and will give you a laugh. Long live Hughes!
22 "This is the single worst day of my entire life."
Samantha Baker (Molly Ringwald) is having the worst day of her life. Her entire family, including heartless parents, have forgotten her sixteenth birthday. Her stuck-up sister is getting married tomorrow. The hunk of her dreams, Jake Ryan (Michael Shoeffling) doesn't even know she's alive - or so she thinks - because he's going with Caroline Mulford, the shallow, beautiful Big Blond On Campus (Haviland Morris). On top of all that, a sawed-off geek with delusions of coolness (Anthony Michael Hall) has the hots for her.
In a typical movie, the hunk would be totally unable to appreciate Sam, and, after breaking her own heart, she'd realize the cute and lovable geek was really the guy for her. John Hughes, writer and first-time director, plays against expectation by making Jake sensitive, decent, looking for a stable relationship, and quite capable of recognizing in Sam good material for same. Problem: Sam is so shy she flees every time he looks at her, and her reaction makes Jake think she hates his guts. The geek, after drooling over Sam to start, finds surprising reserves of wisdom, persuasiveness, and real coolness in spite of himself, and dedicates his efforts to getting these two together. Sam's parents turn out to be loving and caring, simply overwhelmed by the insanity of the upcoming wedding. In the end, even Caroline, the shallow, beautiful girlfriend turns out to be not so shallow, after all.
Molly Ringwald is sweetly charming as Sam. Michael Schoeffling and Haviland Morris are beautiful people with real acting ability, both deserving of more successful careers after this movie than they had. John and Joan Cusack have small parts, and it's interesting to see what they looked like as babies. But it's Anthony Michael Hall's portrayal of a pubescent wannabe hustler that makes the movie.
Really the only major negative in this film, that cost it a fifth star with me, is the character of Long Duk Dong, the Chinese exchange student. Why Long Dong (get it?) is even in this movie is beyond me. He's totally superfluous to the plot, and his characterization is more than a little racist. The fact Sixteen Candles can survive his useless, offensive scenes is a testament to just how strong is the rest of the movie.
23 very funny
I am anti molly ringwald, but this movie is too funny to ignore! Girls sweet 16 is coming up, no one remembers, then she has a major crush, then she has an exchange student living in her home, then her grandparents come not for her (Sam) but for her sister's wedding. Too funny.
24 Dont bother blowing these candles out
Dont get me wrong this a good movie, but this movie is just to typical. I mean how unoriginal can you get. A girl looking for her love. She trys to find it in the most popular guy at school. Then what do you know, he calls her out of no where and bobs your uncle.
The Movie is mostly about Molly Rigwalds sister getting married and everyone forgetting her birthday and some of the silly events that happen on her birthday and the day after.
Molly Ringwald should have stuck to movies with the other brat pack members. Breakfast Club is undoubtably her best, and since she isn't the greatest actor I'm sorry to say this is her second best. She has so much potential, or I should say 'Had!'
25 Classic.....
My Favorite John Hughes movie. Probably my 2nd or 3rd favorite movie EVER!!!!!!!! The Donger was a nice touch too.
26 Teen angst through a soft lense
John Hughes was good at presenting teen angst through a soft lense, particularly through four films produced in rapid succession in the mid-eighties: Sixteen Candles (1984), Breakfast Club (1985), Pretty in Pink (1986), and Some Kind of Wonderful (1987).
Maybe because it is the first in this thematic thread, Sixteen Candles is the weakest. While the other three titles achieve a modicum of depth by examining larger social issues (characters who overcome social barriers imposed by class differences, or explore realities behind stereotypical appearances), Sixteen Candles lacks this element, leaving it comparatively shallow.
Its shallowness is worsened by going for cheap shots and cheap laughs. We're supposed to laugh at a girl's inability to drink from a water fountain or out of a can because she wears a neck brace. (IMDB lists her as "girl wearing a scoliosis brace.") We're supposed to laugh at an Asian character's ridiculous name and accented non-standard English. He is referred to twice in the movie with the insulting term, "Chinaman." When I say this term is insulting I am not being overly sensitive nor am I attempting to adhere to humorless political correctness. "Chinaman" (unlike "Englishman" or "Irishman") is defined as a derogatory term. Please don't take my word for it; consult any reputable dictionary. And finally, we're supposed to laugh at Samantha Baker's sister's stumbling through her own wedding because she's overdosed on muscle relaxants to fend off the effects of her menstrual period. The resulting physical "comedy" is tedious at best.
However, the movie isn't without its charm. Molly Ringwald turns in a sweet, affecting performance, and there are many fine actors in smaller roles. Supporting performers include two very young Cuzaks: Joan cast in the unfortunate role of the girl in the neck brace, and John as Bryce, one of the "dip wads" in the clique led by Anthony Michael Hall's Geek/Farmer Ted character. Among the many veteran character actors in the movie is Paul Dooley as Samantha's dad, Jim Baker, oftentimes clueless, but always supportive and loving. (Paul Dooley's clueless/loving father character is very limited here compared with his wonderful performance in a similar, but much more developed role in the earlier 1979 movie, Breaking Away, one of the finest coming-of-age movies from the seventies.)
The limitations of the DVD edition of this movie have already been mentioned by other customers: the lack of special features, and the much ballyhooed digitally remastered 5.1 sound which only seems to be present during Universal's self-serving commercial that begins the disc and nowhere else.
27 SWEET SIXTEEN!!!!
This is one of my favorite movies of all time and I love this movie so much it is so hilarious it stars Anthony Michael Hall, Molly Ringwald, and John Cusack to name a few . Molly Ringwald is one of my favorite 1980's female actresses . This movie is about Samantha Baker's (Molly Ringwald) family forgetting her sixteenth birthday. Anthony Michael Hall stars as the geek who has the hots for Samantha Baker and tries to win her heart but instead she is in love with Jake and then he finds out and the begins to become interested in her also and they end up getting together at the end and the geek ends up with Jake's girlfriend Carolyn and also Samantha's sister ends up getting married and makes a complete fool out of herself!!!!! I would recommend any 1980's movie fan to buy this movie!!!!!!
28 This DVD ruined a John Hughes classic
My Sixteen Candles VHS version has been a most coveted part of my collection for quite some time now. When the remastered dvd was released, I bought it with the idea that I could save this movie for posterity! However I was certainly displeased with how it came out. Not only does it have no additional features on the dvd, but the frequent viewer would also notice with shock and anger that some of the songs were changed. A change in music certainly changes the mood of that particular scene! Namely the opening sequence at school,parts of the school dance, Anthony Michael Hall pulling the car out of Jake Ryan's garage. I will also add that I felt the sound effects were amplified so much that it's distracting to the dialogue and makes it less humorous- but perhaps I was so displeased the the rest of the experience that this is not a valid criticism. To someone who truly liked Sixteen Candles as it was.. I wouldn't recommend this DVD as a replacement to the old vhs version.
29 great DVD.
this is a classic movie, growing up in the 80's was one of the best times in my life, and watching this movie Sixteen Candles on this great release was great, the DVD comes with DTS sound, and while it may not be the best DVD ever it really is better than the original it looks, and sounds great, really a DVD everyone should own.
30 High School Reunion Collection
THIS REVIEW IS FOR THE QUALITY OF THESE 5 STAR
FILMS!!!
I'm a HUGE fan of John Hughes. Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club and Wierd Science are totally essential for
any 80's Teen Film fan. Here are my gripes about these releases. First the picture quality is grainy and fuzzy on
Sixteen Candles and not much better on the others.
Next the sound is horrible! DTS? How could they consider
this to be 5.1 surround when I didn't hear a peep out of
my back speakers? I thought I would be hearing the brilliant
New Wave soundtrack in DTS surround. It's not! I thought the DTS logo on the back of the box assured a degree of quality. I'll certainly be careful on my next purchases. Lastly
There were no inserts in the box. I don't need a booklet, but
a chapter listing would've been nice. I wonder how John Hughes feels about these crappy re-issues? Ugh!
31 Universal gets it right on this stripped-down edition
After years of plaguing us with video versions of this John Hughes teen classic that were missing a significant number of the songs featured in the original theatrical release, Universal finally puts things to right with this new letterboxed edition that features all the music (from Kajagoogoo to David Bowie to Frank Sinatra) that was missing from the earlier videos.
But hey, would it have been too much to ask to have a 20th anniversary edition featuring some commentaries? The trailer? How about the deleted scenes that made their way into the TV version? For a movie that is so fondly remembered by a generation of moviegoers, it's a little disappointing that there aren't more bells and whistles for this edition.
But hey, I'm happy about the music. (Oh, and the restoration of two jokes regarding Long Duk Dong that also got chopped.) If you're a fan of this delicious comedy, you'll be thrilled to have this in your collection.
32 One of the best teen comedies ever made!
john hughes is a genius!!!!
this movie is one of the best teen comedies ever made! Its funny, yes, but it has heart to. i guess its getting more popular now with the punk crowd, but its always been a good movie.
Even on VHS with not so good of a picture (its from 1984), this movie captures the trials of being a teen while making it humorous. Good times.
33 Dude, where's my commentary?
For a movie that was an 80's staple and one that is in constant, popular rotation, the lack of detail given to this DVD is staggering. Many of us grown and raised in the 80's would have paid a pretty penny for a well-done, packed collector's edition of this movie. No trailer or featurettes either? Ugh.
That said and written, Molly Ringwald is the queen of 80's teen comedy. In this sad age of "Fast and Furious" and other atrocious sequels, it's nice to look back and hail the glory of John Hughes and the glory that was Shermerr, Illinois. Where have you gone, Jake Ryan - our nation turns it's lonely eyes to you
34 Sixteen Candles 20 Years On
Sixteen Candles takes place basically over the course of one day when a family forgets the sweet sixteenth birthday of one daughter amid the preparations for the oldest daughter's wedding. The sixteen year old is played by the 80's teen queen Molly Ringwald. It was the movie that helped her gain that title and is the best of her career. She plays the role of Samantha Baker with ease and charm. We feel all her range of emotions from the hurt of being forgotten to the longing she feels for a boy, Jake Ryan, who she has a major crush on but doesn't think he knows that she's alive. Little does Samantha know that Jake wants to meet her and the movie goes through a series of near misses between the two. Anthony Michael Hall plays "The Geek" who is constantly hitting on Samantha. He acts like he is a man of the world, but really is full of hot air. Mr. Hall is extremely funny and the scenes where he gives Jake advice on women and eventually drives the prom queen home in Jake's father's Roll Royce are priceless. Both sets of Samantha's grandparents are funny, one set are the worriers and the other the carefree sort. Gedde Wannabe is funny as an exchange student who comes with one of the grandparents. He does take the Asian stereotypes to the max but he comes across with a nice degree of charm. John and Joan Cusack show up in bit parts and the movie has a great soundtrack. The Thompson Twins' "Wish You Were Here" perfectly frames the ending scene where Jake and Samantha finally hook up. Sixteen Candles was the directorial debut of John Hughes and set the stage for the Brat Pack movies that would be the dominant teen movies of the 80's. Unlike his other movies like The Breakfast Club, Pretty In Pink or Some Kind Of Wonderful, Sixteen Candles isn't full of teen angst, self-examination and skepticism that the others are. It is a charming look at the life of a teenager that seems to actually be real. The new version restores the original soundtrack and improves the sound somewhat, but compared with most digitally remastered dvd's, this one isn't quite up to par. It is definately an improvement over the original dvd version and since the first one has long been out of print, it is worthwhile just to have it back in circulation.
35 CLASSIC TEEN FARCE - POOR LOOKING TRANSFER
John Hughes had a string of hits in the early eighties that followed, for the most part, Molly Ringwald, through a series of misadventures in growing up. Among them, "Sixteen Candles" is vintage Hughes. It follows Ms. Ringwald on her quest to gain the interest of the most popular boy at school (Justin Henry)who - no, can it be?!? - turns out to be a nice guy at heart. The screenplay pulled out all the stops for comedy and sweetness and the film - all hype and nonsense - brilliantly captures that snapshot of 80's Americana in which every teenager within viewing distance desperately wanted to fit in.
TRANSFER: Universal's anamorphically enhanced DVD is a disappointment. The film suffers from faded colors, low contrast, weak black levels, color bleeding and an incredible loss of fine detail in the image throughout. Flesh tones are pasty. Age related artifacts including chips, scratches and jump cuts in editing are glaringly obvious. In addition - night scenes suffer from a near blackout characteristic in which a completely dark viewing room is needed just to get by. The audio, remixed to 5.1 in Dolby and DTS is barely stereo, with no separation among the channels except in its music tracks.
EXTRAS: NOTHING! NOT EVEN A TRAILER!!!
BOTTOM LINE: A very disappointing transfer that does not deserve a slip case that advertises it as "digitally remastered".
36 "Now I Have A Place To Put My Hand!"
What can I add about this great film, apart from the fact that it took SOOOOO long to get it back on DVD? It's a true landmark for anyone coming of age in the '80s and a great document to show your kids our criminal dress sense at the time! No one could have played Samantha but Molly Ringwald, but the whole cast is a masterstroke: Michael Schoeffling as dreamboat Jake, Anthony Michael Hall as Farmer Ted, Gedde Watanabe as Long Duk Dong ("Automobile?..."), Justin Henry as Samantha's bratty little brother, all Samantha's relatives were brilliant (especially Blanche Baker as her older sister after she takes four muscle relaxers on the day of her wedding), and John and Joan Cusack (in a back brace!). If you buy nothing else this year, you MUST own this!
37 Classic Teen Movie
This movie is a great example of what a teen goes through. Its a fun movie in which the girl get the guys! Plus the nerd is cute too!
38 Cool teen flick
This movie rock's!!!Okay,the dvd was a drag nothing,notta,zip!
I mean who wouldn't love this movie,being John Hughes first teen movie,and being Anthony Micheal Hall's funniest.The movie's got some brief nudity and strong language.
MOVIE:5 stars DVD:0 stars
39 In My Top 5 Favorites of All Time!
I first watched this video on my 16th birthday and it has been a favorite ever since. It's a touching and comic look at that first huge crush you had in high school. (We can all relate to how Sam feels.) And on top of everything else going on - her family forgets her 16th birthday! Love, Love, Love this movie. I will still be watching this movie and loving it when I am 80 years old!
40 sweet sixteen
One of the classic Brat Pack films and still funny as ever. With Anthony Michael Hall being as geeky as ever and Molly Ringwald being the contemporary yet unnoticed 16 year old crushing hard and shocked that no one remembers her birthday, Sixteen Candles will draw a laugh out of you. Mixed with an Asian exchange student and more geekdom than you possibly fit into a room together, it will take you back to the 80s with an oomph!
41 Movie gets a 5. DVD gets a 3.
Yes - the DVD quality isn't great. Yes - soundtrack is altered. That aside, this is John Hughes' crowning glory in movie making.
The premise is great. The execution is even better. The cast pulls it all of spectacularly (could the casting for the grandparents be any better?). The screenplay is great. The entire movie is quotable (ask any and all of my friends). Even the site gags (Joan Cusak getting a drink of water or dancing) are hilarious.
The pain of high school should be half as fun as this movie makes it seem to be.
42 We Forgot Your Birthday!
My sister got me this movie for my sixteenth birthday. She knows how much I love actress Molly Ringwald and all eighties movies. It was perfect because that year my mom forgot my birthday, which is how the movie starts... and then continues, creating the worst sixteenth birthday that a girl could imagine. It reminded me of how bad my birthday could have been.
43 "No, Sam. You're Just Being a Little Selfish and Immature."
If you grew up in the 1980s, and you haven't seen this movie, I don't know what to tell ya. It's as much a staple of 1980s culture as "Thriller," ColecoVision, and Saturday evening runs of "Solid Gold." In fact, "Sixteen Candles" and its influence are so ingrained in American pop culture, every other adult in their mid-thirties is able to recite the script in their sleep. For the uninitiated, former Brat Packer Molly Ringwald is Samantha Baker, a suburbanite whose parents blow off her sixteenth birthday because they're too preoccupied with her older sister's wedding, which takes place the next day. High school crushes are as inevitable as acne, and Samantha has the hots for the hunky jock Jake Ryan (Michael Schoeffling), who is already attached to prima donna prom queen Carolyn (Haviland Morris). While Samantha works up the nerve to approach Jake, she's trying to ward off the Geek (a star-making performance by Anthony Michael Hall) and his unwanted advances. All the while this is happening, Samantha is completely bummed that her parents forgot her birthday. I mean, a kid's sixteenth birthday is pretty major, so her frustration and angst are pretty understandable. But no matter how well you summarize this already-familiar plot, you can't deny the fact that "Sixteen Candles" has some of the best one-liners you will find in any film. The humor is plumb-dumb silly but a whole lot of fun thanks to director John Hughes. However, if "Sixteen Candles" has revealed its age in any way, it's through its subplot with foreign exchange student Long Duck Dong (Geede Wantanabe). The ethnic jokes border on tasteless, but it's hard not to laugh out loud at Dong's attempt to assimilate into American culture. While "Sixteen Candles" isn't a "classic" as we understand the term, it's a revered favorite that still generates chuckles from me. I'm just disappointed that the film features music and a soundtrack that's different from the original version. What's more, the DVD looks like a bare-bones effort with virtually no features and it has lackluster sound. However, "Sixteen Candles" still earns its five star rating for it's such a sentimental favorite for many viewers.
44 One of the 80's Best
This is a very amusing movie and one of my favorites. The story focuses around Molly Ringwald on her 16th birthday. Her entire family seems to forget as they bustle around to prepare for her older sister's wedding. To add to things, her grandparents are staying at their house along with the very strange Chinese exchange student Long Duck Dong. Meanwhile, Sam (Molly Ringwald) is locked on her fantasy world revolving around the high school stud while trying to evoid the high school geek (Anthony Michael Hall.) A definite crowd-pleaser. The grandparents are a riot without even trying to be and Long Duck Dong is just...weird, but amusing. Molly Ringwald is terrific in her role. Highly recommended!
45 My absolute favorite teen movie
This was John Hughes at his best. "Sixteen Candles" is a classic teen movie and it set the precedent for numerous imitators and copy-kats. Yet, this movie is absolutely untouchable. I don't think I know anyone who hasn't seen it and doesn't love it. I highly recommend this movie as a must for your collection. I would have given it 5 stars because the movie in itself is excellent, but I was highly disappointed with the quality of the DVD. There aren't any special features and the sound is horrible. I would have liked to see an interview with the cast and the director. Maybe a couple of deleted scenes. Something! I don't even think there was a trailer. I was also disappointed because there is another version of the movie made for the numerous runs on television. There aren't any huge glaring differences, but there are a few additional scenes. I hope they eventually put out special editions of all the Hughes teen classics.
46 If you grew up in the 80's you already know this movie
Take yourself back a couple of decades by buying this movie. Who can resist the now innocent seeming depiction of high-school life in this movie. If only things were still as simple, then the world would be a better place :) For John and Joan Cusack lovers, its always fun to see them in their younger years as well. Nearly everyone else in these 80's high school movies has disappeared (though Anthony Michael Hall was in Caveman's Valentine), but that doesn't reduce their appeal.
Buy it now, watch it at least once a year so you don't forget how much simpler things seemed "back then."
47 What's the deal with this DVD?
Ok, I was an 80's pre-teen, now late 20 something.
I grew up on John Hughes films, like the rest of you out there-I would NEVER knock this film. I love it. What I hate, is the way some movies are butchered by the production process and or the brilliant people who decide to re-do a classic.
Here's what's the deal with this DVD. I bought it brand new for a very low price several years ago, and now I see it has been removed from the market in most places. I know why. #1 The picture quality is not great. Grainy. #2 They changed the soundtrack in the film. YOU CAN'T DO THAT, especially on these "genre specific" titles we of a certain age can practically recite to each other when we are bored.
Examples: During the beginning title sequence when everyone is heading to the school, the song playing (when all the people are sitting down and pounding thier feet)is re-done and it is LAME. The scene in the beginning where Samantha is checking herself out in the mirror is not playing as loudly, and it isn't the same song. During the scene where Samantha fills out the "sex quiz" the song "Happy Birthday" by Altered Images is playing in the background. Now it is completely silent with no song playing at all. It took me that amount of time after getting it home to flip out and say, what the [heck?] My husband is not of my generation. He had no idea what I was talking about, so if you are not that particular about this, it may not bother you. It does state on the back of the box: "Some Music Rescored/Home Video Version". I didn't see the fine print when I bought it.
The song playing while Jake (heart throb) dances with Caroline (prom queen) at the school dance is "True". The catchy song that plays when Samantha gets up the courage to talk to Jake in the gym coat check area is different. And I could have sworn there was a George Michael (actually that would have been WHAM!) song playing at one point during the party scene, but it is gone too.
Now it is hard to get ahold of it, with rumours of it never coming back..I am going to hold onto it even with it's flaws, because it may never. I'd rather have it, than not have it in that case, but I am glad I paid very little for it and feel bad for those who have to fork out tons to get it now. Shame on you Image Entertainment and Universal!! =0(
48 "I can't believe it, They...forgot my birthday!"
HALLELUJAH!!! It is about time Universal re- released this DVD!!! I almost paid the outrageous prices wanted as this is my favorite movie of all time!!!!!! Hopefully it gets restored to its original state as when Universal re-released the video in '96, they changed all of the music...which royally [stunk]!!! For instance, the scene when they are leaving for the church, they play David Bowie's "Young Americans" in the new release, it is silent!!! YUCK!!! Please Universal, I hope you don't let me down!!!!!
49 Sixteen Candles-A Comic Gem!
As a teenager myself, I am especially attracted to this movie because of it's extreme likenesses to the world of teenagers today. Besides the fact that back in the 80's their shoes had seen better days, and the hair was a bit large, everything else was just perfect! Although, don't all of us teenage girls wish that someday, our one and only wish would come true.....the reality is: that what happened to Sam on Sixteen Candles will probably not happen to us. Even though we may have a crush on the cutest guy in school.....there is almost no hope that he will ever like us back. It's always girls like Carolyn that get the guy. But this movie, with it's rare look into what a normal teenage girl's life is like, is just a fabulous film to be enjoyed over and over again! It is very funny, and the characters are all so suited for their individual roles. Anthony Michael Hall is amazing! He just lights up the screen, and Molly Ringwald is excellent, just like she is in all her other 80's movies. The ending is superb, and I just love how even though her whole life seems to be going down the drain, everything comes together in that one moment! SHE HAS JAKE! :P
Enjoy!
P.S. don't forget long duck dong! he was hilarious :)
50 5 stars if tape quality was better!
I love this movie and if it was soley on the movie this would get 5+ stars, but after watching this only three times my tape is crappy and the sound sucks. It's not my VCR either because all other tapes are fine. I hope that the DVD version comes back as I'd like to have a better quality version of this great 80's film that can make me laughe when I need it.
51 All I want is a good crisp clean copy of this movie
This movie has just been re-released on video in Australia, but I didn't buy it because I am waiting for a DVD release which is half decent . Thanks to the many reviews here, I will be staying clear of the current DVD version (which has a poor print and no extras). For now, I will make do with my very old copy of this video (which I got in 1986, a year after it came out). 16 Candles is a fantastic movie that contains classic lines and a good cast to boot. Molly Rigworm was a big star in the 80's and almost a regular in John Hughes films. The film wouldn't have worked without her, or the excellent Michael Anthony Hall. The brother, played by Justin Henry is also highly entertaining to watch. This is a fantastic film, so why havent the film company given it the respect it deserves- I want a good DVD version now!!! I am unaware of the change in soundtracks as I think the original copy I got in 1986 in Australia had already been altered. Spandau Ballet's "True" is played during the dance hall scene in my version - is this the correct soundtrack I have, or the altered version?
52 How well do you remember your sixteenth birthday?
Ah, the joys of turning sixteen: Your first car (coupled with getting your driver's license), your first serious crush, homecoming, etc.. Although the above-mentioned perks make turning this all-important age worthwhile, just imagine your probable surprise when your entire family suddenly forgets your sixteenth birthday. One's 16th birthday may seem like a dream come true for the majority of teenagers out there, but for Samantha (Molly Ringwald), reaching this pivotal age in her life has become a total nightmare. That, along with a Chinese foreign exchange student living in her family's house doesn't make things any easier for our red-headed damsel in distress. The real kicker is when an annoying teenaged geek (Anthony Michael Hall) enters Samantha's trying life. This fellow simply known as "The Geek" just doesn't know when to quit, as he tries attempt after hard-luck attempt to get Samantha to notice him. In his rather fragile attempts to gain Sam's attention, our desparate "geek" does everything in his power to get her to attend the school dance, but "The Geek"'s plans fall on deaf ears. Sam has her sights set on the most popular guy in school, who, in turn, has other "babes" at his beckoned call as well. Although "Sixteen Candles" is a teenage coming of age film both written and directed by teen film impresario John Hughes, one would expect this to be both a comedy and a drama, but "SC" contains more of the latter than of the former. It still retains a grand heap of delightful Hughesian charm, nevertheless. Hughes would take that style of charm to the next level with his "The Breakfast Club", which truly made superstars out of both Ringwald and Hall (including the rest of the "Brat Pack" cast not mentioned). But, before both these above-noted actors joined this exclusive "Club", they really paid their dues with "Sixteen Candles", where both Molly Ringwald and Anthony Michael Hall cut their teeth quite sharply before moving on to future work, including a stop at an exclusive "Club", as mentioned previously. "Sixteen Candles" is definitely one for the ultimate John Hughes viewing experience, and all a wonderful thrill to see and hear (including other Hughes flicks such as "The Breakfast Club", "Ferris Bueller's Day Off", "Planes, Trains and Automobiles", and more) for yourself! Live this experience today!
53 Re-release Sixteen Candles
John Hughes movies were a staple of the 80's. I believe that he deserves some respect. I rented Sixteen Candles a few years ago, and fell in love with it all over again. I had my chance to buy a copy of the DVD, but I passed on it, and its a mistake I have regretted ever since. Now if you want a copy of this classic teen angst film you have to pay an upwards of $50.00. I think this is ridiculous, and I told Universal this when I wrote requesting them to re-release this title again. However their answer was this "We have no plans to release this title in the future". Any of you out there that really want to see this title with a stereo soundtrack and extras (and believe me there are some) then write to Universal and complain please. This movie captures the teen years with such brilliant, unlike the teen movies of today, this movie has heart.
54 Unbelieveably, the VHS version is better!
Boy, did Universal Home Video drop the ball on this one..."Sixteen Candles" may not be the most disappointing DVD release ever (that would be, hands down, National Lampoon's Vacation) but it's close! The only thing that saves it is the widescreen format. What's up with the mono soundtrack? It sounds like it's coming from a 1950 am radio! Even the VHS version was mastered in stereo. And c'mon, there must have been some deleted scenes or extra footage they could've thrown into the mix!
Of course, this excellent '80s teen comedy stands up very well on its own, but it's still insulting that it gets such shoddy treatment. Even Universal's similarly no-frills "Weird Science" DVD was at least mastered in surround sound.
Unless you're a complete nut for the film, I recommend you wait for the inevitable special edition to come out. In the meantime, turn on your TV...it's on cable constantly!
55 -
I LOVE this movie. This movie couldn't have come out at a better time. I was right in the middle of my teen years and probably saw it everytime it ran on cable in the summer of 85. There were so many things I could relate to in this movie. I have to say however that I was VERY disappointed in the VHS release because most of the music had been changed. I understand it had to do with licensing and money but come on, the music is also what made this movie great. How do you go in and change a movie once the whole world has seen it? Its kind a rip off and makes you feel John Hughes didnt care much about preserving his movies original form and integrity. I think that was just wrong. I was really hoping the DVD version would have had all the original music now come to find it doesnt. I wont be buying this one. Why even bother to release it at all.
56 Molly Ringwald at her best
This is the movie that put Molly Ringwald on the map,...the plot isnt the most original thing in the world,..a girl's family forgets birthday, deals with pretty meaningless issues as she tries to find where she belongs in her family and in her social circles. The great appeal of this movie (and the reason I gave it 5 stars) is Molly Ringwald at her absolute best, I can't forget Anthony Michael Hall who also turns in an absolutely hilarious performance but Molly Ringwald has us rooting for her all the way. One of the most likeable lead characters and films made in the past 20 years. it doesnt deal with any serious matters but quite honestly we dont want it to....Whoever owns the rights to this film needs to put out a DVD version ASAP.
57 This Movie Put John Hughes On The Map
Wow! The cast of this movie is incredible! So many of these actors went on to become big stars.... Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall, John Cusack, Jami Gertz, Joan Cusack, etc. Even Molly Ringwald's sister is in it. Most importantly, this was the directorial debut of John Hughes. Hughes put out box office hits left and right in the 80's using his amazing teen comedy formula. After this film, Hughes went on to direct The Breakfast Club, Weird Science, and of course, Ferris Bueller's Day Off. Seeing all these stars when they were so young is a real treat. The story is very humorous, it really makes you look back on those high school days with laughter. One thing Hughes always did well was write movies that teenagers could relate to, even though his teenage years were long since past. Clearly Hughes had a good grasp on teenage issues, and his movies show this. It's too bad he stopped making these types of movies, because all we get now are gross-out over-the-top teen comedies. Check out Hughes' other films as mentioned above, because they are just as good.
58 This movie rocks
I love this movie and couldn't wait to get it on DVD. For a synopsis, see any other review. All I can say is that I have watched it probably 30 times and still crack up everytime.
My only complaint is with Universal. The DVD has no extras so I was very disappointed. The quality of the picture is good but I was hoping for some deleted scenes at least.
59 You say it's your birthday....
I can't imagine EVERYONE in my family forgetting my birthday. Well, that's what happens to Samantha Baker (Molly Ringwald) in "Sixteen Candles." She is disturbed by the fact that she got no well-wishes, so she bemoans her life and longs for the affection of untouchable popular senior Jake Ryan (the yummy Michael Schoeffling). She tries to carry on and make the most of her day, but she is thwarted by a geek (Anthony Michael Hall), her snobby sister's wedding, and wild foriegn exchange student Long Duck Dong (Gedde Watanabe).
There is plenty of deep dialogue about love and relationships in this first directing stint by John Hughes, 80's genius. But there are also some madcap moments and scenes of a raging teenage party. It was just nice to see a funny love story where the invisible girl gets her prince charming in the end. Just goes to show you that popular girls don't have all the fun.
I would like to make a public plea to MCA/Universal. I would love to see some DVDs of these great John Hughes movies with at least some commentary and documentaries on them. That's what DVDs are for: to give us that little extra that VHS can't offer. Please bring out some quality DVDs of these films in the near future. We're waiting.....
60 video magic
Now We've all seen the most over used style of movies of the girl meets boy, girl feels she can't have boy, boy realizes what he's missing from current relationship, looks at girl, boy tries to get girl, and they fall in love.
not only does this movie portray it but it makes the watcher want to rent every movie from another 80's classic starring molly ringwald pretty in pink to the 90's teen sceen she's all that. but in this classic not only does it make you feel the charters actions/ feelings but gives gr8 laughs along the way. i think everyone can remember the time back in high school when our crush would walk by and we would feel hot flashes, but i don't think most would have the feeling of family members forgetting the one of few birthdays that actually mean something in a human beings life.. the 16th birthday.. all in all i would recomend sixteen candless as a tip top choice for any one
61 Classic 80's Teen movie on a very poor DVD
If you want to own this movie on DVD then you'll have to be prepared to pay an arm and a leg. It's only out on region 1, and has long since been deleted, so commands a very high price for no apparant reason other than the film itself - its certainly not for the extras - there aren't any.
The film stars 80's starlet Molly Ringwald (Breakfast Club) and Anthony John Hall (Weird Science, Breakfast Club) and also reunites them with director John Hughes, also from "The Breakfast Club". Comparisions between the two cannot be helped. Personally I prefered "The Breakfast Club" but there must be many who disagree - both are good, assuming that you like that sort of thing. High School coming-of-age movies are after all pretty much of a muchness, as the recent spoof movie "Not Another Teen Movie" so aptly illustrates.
Where both Hughes movies fall down on DVD is with the lack of extra features. "Sixteen Candles" is at least in widescreen, but that's all - there's no remastered 5.1 audio mix, no subtitles, no trailer, no cast biographies, no featurettes, no commentaries, no nothing. And if the other reviewers are to be believed then the music on the DVD isn't even the original soundtrack, supposedly due to rights issues. I say this because I'd never seen the film before I brought the DVD so don't know any different. If true, it'll certainly be interesting to see the proper soundtrack if and when it ever comes to DVD again. 2004 will mark the 20th anniversary of the film, so prehaps the time is right to ask Universal to consider a re-release with decent extras.
62 "classic"
I was in high school in the mid to late 80's, so you can imagine the memories that a movie like this can bring back to anyone who was in high school at that time. Who can forget such memorable lines as classic, the donger, or sofa city sweetheart. This movie is a pleasure to watch and is typical John Hughes, I hope everyone else enjoys it too!
63 A childhood fave!
I must have seen this movie a million times,and knew all the lines by heart!Who could ever forget "married?,yes married" and "lake big lake"!This price is unreal!I would never pay more than $25 for ANY dvd!GUESS WHAT: I saw this on dvd at [another store] about eight months ago for ten dollars!I could kick myself for not getting it then!I am sure it will be around for less!
64 Great Movie But Ridiculous Price
"16 Candles" is a classic 80's teen movie. In the days before teen movies became formulaic gross-out clones of one another, this film invented more quotable lines than can be listed in a single review. The disappointing thing about this DVD, aside from the inexplicably high price, is the fact that it offers no extras whatsoever, unless you count widescreen. I would pay more for this DVD than many films out there simply because I consider it a classic, but without even a couple of interviews thrown in (how hard would it be to get The Donger to sit down for fifteen minutes?), I wouldn't front the cash for this one.
65 A funny yet poignant look at teenaged life
For many of us who came of age in the glorious 1980s, especially geeky folks like myself, Molly Ringwald is an important part of our experience and memories. Pretty but not glamorous, Molly served as a beacon of sorts for me. Sixteen Candles is the first of a string of films in which Molly Ringwald dramatized the teen angst so many of us felt This is basically the story of Samantha (Molly), who must deal with the fact that her family forgets her 16th birthday while she is also suffering from the bad effects of a crush on a boy who seemingly doesn't know she exists. I love to rewatch Molly's movies every so often in order to capture some of those feelings of lovelorn giddiness that seemed to disappear in my 20s. This movie is very funny and does succeed in conveying the feelings of a confused teenager, yet it seems overblown in some places. For example, the whole Asian foreign exchange student character is far from needed, the degree to which teenaged partygoers wreck the host's home is extreme, the dental headpiece worn by a young Joan Cusack serves no purpose, and the farcical wedding of Samanth'a sister is pretty silly. I should say that Anthony Michael Hall as "the geek" is superb and almost steals the whole show, but for me this movie is all about Molly.
Where this movie excels is in its portrayal of teenaged emotions and teenager-parent relations. The very notion that your parents might forget your sweet sixteenth birthday is downright traumatic. The scene between Samantha and her father late that night struck me as classic. Even though the father gets his daughter to open up to him, he does not understand what she is talking about when it should be obvious to anyone; his clichˇ responses to the real problem are typically useless parental words of support. Segments of the movie such as this are very real and connect on a personal level with the viewer. I would like to have seen more of this type of interaction, but the farcical elements of the movie dominate the screen and, in my opinion, make it less successful than it should have been. As for the music, the rescoring of the motion picture does have a negative impact on the viewing experience; there are still some cool 80s songs that bring back memories, but the new music pasted into the film is often too loud, inappropriate, and just plain wrong, especially for those of us who have watched this movie a number of times and plan to watch it again and again as we get older. All in all, though, this is a fun movie and a great way to rekindle your memories of young adulthood. I'm not sure that the present generation of young men and women will connect as strongly to this movie or to Molly Ringwald as I did, but I am sure they can at least get some great entertainment value out of it.
66 sweet teen love
Sixteen Candles is a classic 80's teen movie. Molly Ringwald plays the gawky 16 teen year old who is upset that her parents forgot her birthday. The one thing she really wants is to get noticed by Jake, her hunky crush. Molly shines in this role. 16 candles is one of the best John Hughes movies ever. If you hadn't seen this movie then you don't know what you are missing!!
67 Love the movie but where is the original music?
This is one of my favorite movies, but no one should pay [the high cost] new for this out of print movie. The music is not original to the movie because the studio lost the music rights. That's why it is out of print. So, my advice is this: wait till its comes out in its original form. And to those selling it for [the high cost], get a grip.
68 sixteen candles
This is one of the greatest movies ever! It is so funny!
69 80's extreme
This movie does a great job of portraying the problems of a high school girl, without being dramatic, horrible, or scary. This movie is fun, and hilarious. We've all had a crush on someone that we thought we couldn't obtain, so this movie is something that we all can relate to. I loved it.
70 Sixteen Candles
With this film, we really got to know director John Hughes. He made films with a narrow audience focus. And, oh did he hit his target. This film also brought Molly Ringwald to stardom. With all the elements in place, John Hughes created films for the younger and mid teen. That's also who the stars were.
SIXTEEN CANDLES focuses on a young girl who feels invisible. The boy she is infatuated with doesn't know she exists, even her family forgot her 16th birthday. The only attention she seems to get is the unwanted offerings of the geek, wonderfully played by child actor Anthony Michael Hall. (Watch for John Cusack as one of his henchmen.) But, with a little change of luck and a visiting Asian named Long Duck Dong, life starts to look up.
Okay, it's not high drama but it did open the door for other films of the Hughes genre. Soon to come were THE BREAKFAST CLUB, FERRIS BUELERS DAY OFF and knockoffs like PRETTY IN PINK, ST ELMO'S FIRE and MORGAN STEWART'S COMING HOME.
71 A Great Teen Movie, but Wait for the Next DVD Release
The movie itself rates 5 stars, and stands today as John Hughes singular sensation, the film that made Molly Ringwald a household name and affectionately portrays a family in crises, though a happy one at that. The DVD, sad to say, is less than stellar and warrants only a 3 max, which is why a newer version is sorely needed for all of us who cherish this fine ensemble winner of a movie.
Stuck in the maze of adolescence, Samantha (Ringwald) is celebrating her 16th birthday at the same exact time her loopy sister gets married. Her family is up in arms with last minute to do lists and unscheduled cat-fights, in-fights, and bizarre in-laws (including dueling grandmothers, racist/sexist grandfathers, and drop dead hysterical adopted Asians - Gedde Wattanabe in a wonderful comedic performance!) To top everything off, Samantha is in love with Jake (a hottie of epic proportions) but adamantly persued by a nerd to end all nerds (Anthony Michael Hall who was never - ever - better!). Between the grandparents' landing at the family's house, the silliness surrounding a disaster-prone party at Jakes house, and the shennanigans between two breaskfast-making grandmothers - and one long ashed cigarette poised to ruin the eggs - Samantha faces her special day alone, heartbroken, and embarrassed by all the dim-witedness that surrounds her.
Sam is easily Hughes' best heroine, and Ringwald pulls her off like a charm. She's sincere yet sarcastic, in the manner that only a teenager can really deliver. ANd the cast is delectable, with the previously named Wattanabe stealing every scene he's in. Best of all though has to be the wedding scene, with a skunk-drunk bride with menstral cramps swallows muscle relaxers and literally walks, trips, slobbers and slides down the aisle. It's pure inspired comedy thatnever ceases to please.
72 DVD's Music is not the same...
During the 80s, many of us had seen this movie about a hundred times. Either on cable or renting it. So we KNOW the music, we know which songs come when.
Unfortunately this DVD does not have the same music..some of it has even been removed entirely (like the scene where everyone is getting into their cars to get to the wedding).
Until a special edition comes out with all the original music, I'd definitely skip this one!
73 some music rescored! -(original music not in this copy)
ripoff-- score helped make the movie-- the original soundtrack not on copy i purchased and the rescored music stupid-- initial school scene- going to the church in cars, one ex., and beware it makes a difference--and audio bad and some addit. dialogue added,i think- !buy a used copy! with the original soundtrack-- i got ripped off, very disappointed! -- says on box rescored! it should be noted when reviewing movie at site!
74 WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT FLOPPY DISCS?
One of the best teen movies of all time.It gets better with every viewing.A great cast,especially Paul Dooley as Sams father.This movie has some really good 80's tunes and great dialogue.No collection would be complete without this gem from the big 80's.
75 Wonderfully Funny and Charming 80's Teen Flick.
Sixteen Candles is a very very funny movie. It's one of the "Brat Pack" movies from the 80's...and this one focuses on a character played by Molly Ringwald, who is extremly winning her her role. The movie is basically about a girl who has a crush on a guy, who's girlfriend is a blonde bombshell. The movie is just extremly funny and intelligent...it's not like "Meatballs", which was a 1980's teen flick, but just used really bad crude humor that I coulnd't find funny, and nobody that I know to this day can watch that one. Anyway...Anthony Michael Hall is also awesome in his role as "Ted The Geek". Look for Joan Cusack during the movie as the kid with the dental work...she's very very funny, although she only has 3 words to say.
76 Very Enjoyable
I really enjoyed this movie. At first I was reluctant to watch it, generally disliking teen movies, but then I remembered it was an 80's film. For some reason, though 'Sixteen Candels' is pretty crude, it doesn't seem to be as blatant or unrealistic as the modern day teen-flicks.
The story is about a girl, Samantha (not Sam), who has her "sweet" sixteen. Unfortunately, not even her visiting Grandparents remember it, her crush seems to be completely unaware of her, and all she can console herself with is some freeky freshmen who thinks he is God's gift to women. (Frighteningly, I know a few guys just like that kid.)
The acting and everything is fine, but I didn't really think too much about it. I just watched the movie.
77 Buy..... Only to See MOLLY RINGWALD
They really did a substandard job of transferring this terrific movie to DVD. I couldn't believe this was done by professionals. The picure is oversaturated with color & the sound is awful. The only reason to buy it is to see the delightful teenage MOLLY RINGWALD. I say buy the VHS version at Best Buy...it's about the same quality.
I used to own the LaserDisc version & it was by far superior. Sorry I disposed of most of my LaserDiscs. I sure hope someone reissues a serious DVD of "Sixteen Candles". I'd buy it.
78 Sixteen Candles
Sixteen Candles is a really really good movie! It is set in the 80s so of course it is one of the original teen movies before they became stupid and predictible. Everyone that i know who has seen it has loved it and bought it themselves! It is really good and it a must have!!
79 *sigh* *grin*
oh i love this movie, its sooooo sweet... but i love all of John Hughes' 80's teen flick movies... they are THE best *grin*
80 Three stars for nostalgia value
I can remember getting a kick out of this movie back when I was a teenager, but a recent viewing showed that it hasn't held up over the years. Molly Ringwald's performance as the birthday girl who feels completely unappreciated is the best thing about this film. Otherwise, it is an occasionally amusing barrage of stereotypes.
81 Sweet Sixteen
Hi!) I love this movie a whole lot, and I'll soon be recieving sixteen candles myself. The movie is revolving around a girl named molly, who seems to not have the world revolving around her, even though its her sixteenth birthday. Her parents even forgot her birthday, and she has a crush on a popular senior who is of coarse, is taken by the popular senior girl. You go ahead and see how the movie ends...;)
82 Teens and Romance or better Love and War
SC reflects the tortures that we as teenagers endured and survived (or believe we did !). Hughes projects all of the
inadequacies of the teenager onto several different characters.
These characters can be flat or round, but all revolve around Molly Ringwald which takes on a very complex character and adds
tremendous added value. The setting is in the 80's the most plastic decade in history where the term wanna-be was coined. On the other hand the power of the true emotions that the script, casting and Hughes deliver, raises the picture to a higher plane. This is not a picture about a US teen in the 80s, its a picture about all teens throught modern times.
The story begins with a chaotic day of a 16 year old girls birthday. There is chaos in the home, there is chaos at school, there is chaos all around the wedding planning and most importantly, there is chaos in the heart and mind of Molly's character. The lack of order that exists in the small teen universe, the insecurity that clouts the teen mind, the hormone secretions that overpower the built-in self preservation instinct are driving the cast of characters into a climactic
end when everybody character faces has to face its nemesis. The cult figure Long Duc Dong, freshly arrived in the Land Of Plenty (what a stereotype) meets the Girl Of Plenty. Jake the Jock faces the Jock lifestyle that begins to take over in his life. Jakes nemesis is his total opposite. A sensitive girl with true feelings and pure emotions.
This is a movie that all parents should watch with their teen sons and daughters.
83 Do children in large families get ignored?
With Molly Ringwald's first major film role proving such a success, it's plain to see why John Hughes used her so extensively in the next few years. Anthony Hall plays a more interesting variation of the caricature geek who so often populate these teenage movies. It's clear why Hughes asked him back to play a similar role in he Breakfast Club the following year. There are quite a few similarities with the family in Home Alone, with the large family having more than two children, and so ignoring the star of the film. There's some enjoyable moments - the geek getting the girl in a Rolls Royce Convertible (which is as vulgar as it sounds), and Ringwald's character's realisation of which guy she _really_ loves. A top pop soundtrack complements the action perfectly.
84 Long Duck Dong
Sixteen Candles is another classic 80's teen/high school film. It's one of the rare ones that is actually great and memorable. The film starts teen queen Molly Ringwald as Sam, your normal, every day kid. Her family has forgotten her sixteenth birthday amid all the uproar of her older sister's upcoming wedding. That's not all. An annoying geek(hilariously played by Anthony Michael Hall)is hound-dogging her, she has a huge crush on a popular jock, her grandparents have invaded her home, and, worst of all, a foreign kid named Long Duck Dong(Gedde Watannabe)is staying in her room. It's a comedy of chaos as a young teenager tries to grow up. As expected, happiness shines through for all in the end. Sixteen Candles is a sweet,hilarious look at the life of an ordinary teen. Molly Ringwald is so real and believeable in this that she could be somebody you know, or, just maybe, could be you. The always reliable Paul Dooley plays her father. Watch out for John Cusack, Joan Cusack, and Jami Gertz in small roles. Sixteen Candles is a candle you'll never want to blow out.
85 Still pretty good after 17 years
As a child of the eighties (literally; I was born in 1985), I decided it was my duty to rent this movie for my own sweet 16 this month. I have to say that it is one of the most satisfying films I have seen in a really long time. I loved it! It was sweet without making you gag and really funny (although I wasn't totally sure what the deal with Long Duk Dong was). I loved Molly Ringwald and Anthony Michael Hall; plus, I don't think anybody gives Michael Shoeffling (the hunk Jake Ryan ) and Haviland Morris (his prom-queen girlfriend) enough credit. She was hilarious and he made his character more than just a pretty face; he was sweet and sensitive too! I highly recommend this movie if you want a good story (and if you want to experience the decade of greed in its full glory).
86 Still pretty good after 17 years
As a child of the eighties (literally; I was born in 1985), I decided it was my duty to rent this movie for my own sweet 16 this month. I have to say that it is one of the most satisfying films I have seen in a really long time. I loved it! It was sweet without making you gag and really funny (although I wasn't totally sure what the deal with Long Duk Dong was). I loved Molly Ringwald and Anthony Michael Hall; plus, I don't think anybody gives Michael Shoeffling (the hunk Jake Ryan ) and Haviland Morris (his prom-queen girlfriend) enough credit. She was hilarious and he made his character more than just a pretty face; he was sweet and sensitive too! I highly recommend this movie if you want a good story (and if you want to experience the decade of greed in its full glory).
87 How can you go wrong?
Everyone had a crush on somebody in high school. Unfortunetly, we were not as lucky as Samantha (Molly Ringwald) to get the man of our dreams. I want to know why my high school didn't have hot guys like Jake Ryan (Michael Schoffling sp!?!?). The cast was terrific. How can you go wrong with Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall, Joan and John Cusack, the lady from Poltergeist. I would suggest this movie to anyone. It's definetly your typical 80s movie and that's what makes it great.
"Oh Sexy Girlfriend"!
88 Hello! Hot stuff!
In my opinion this movie is probably one of the best movies of the 80's. Long Duck Dong partly stole the show & The Geek was well played. I say people who didn't like it don't know comedy. But for those of you who do and haven't seen it rent it and enjoy.
89 Fun movie that reminds me of my own highschool days...
Sixteen Candles is always fun to watch, just because it reminds me of so much of my own days as a student. The movies has its flaws, technically spoken, but it makes me laugh everytime I see it. John Cusack plays the dork, for a change. Some characters are a little too stereotyped, granted, but it's still a good laugh.
90 subtle smarts
I'm not ashamed to say that Sixteen Candles is my ultime favorite movie. I am still in love with Jake Ryan, I still cringe thinking about Molly Ringwald getting felt-up by her grandmother, and I'll never forget Joan Cusak trying to dance with that brace, but this movie does, however, offer a lot more than juvenile entertainment. Hughes embraces various facets to teenage life that most movies timidly touch or humorously exploit. The blend of humor and reality in this movie contribute to it's genuine quality and sincerity. If you haven't seen it, rent it, and if you've already seen it, buy it on dvd...
91 Best Movie Ever
This movie is a must see. You have to see it. If you like movies from the eighties see it.
92 Great Laughs
If you want to have a great time...you absolutely need to see this movie. It is every 16 year old girls dream, for grown ups is a way a remembering that amazing time in high school, for young audiences is a good alert of what can happen.
93 An 80's classic...hehe
Though this movie came out the year I was born (1984 or so) I can remember enjoying it on television in 1989 when I five (for a little girl, I had a good memory!) Anyways, I'm a huge Molly Ringwald fan and I thought this was one of her best films, alongside Pretty in Pink. Her performance as the regular and real girl, Sam, really seemed real. In a sense, you could feel her pains of her family forgetting her 16th Birthday (too bad my family didn't forget, they gave me a really fancy and beautiful party with the big pouffy dress and the whole she-bang!) and her longing for the love of hottie Michael Schoeffling's preppie jock character Jake Ryan. Never forget the wonderful comedic ability of Anthony Michael Hall's Farmer Ted. Once you watch this wonderful movie, you'll be glad you had. Get a copy!!!
94 Don't get this DVD version!!!!
This is one of my top 10 favorite movies of all time; to the point where I knew their lines. One BIG problem is that for whatever reason they decided to mess with the music. My favorite scene in the whole movie, mainly because of the music was DESTROYED because they changed the music. WHAT WERE THEY THINKING!!! Now I have to go back to watching the video. I hope that the reason that this is out of print is because so many people complained about the HORRIFIC change!
95 HEY, HEY NICE MANNERS, BABE
If you grew up in the 1980s you have to have seen this movie and probably loved it. The soundtrack alone is worthwhile. Molly Ringwald plays Samantha Baker. Her older sister is getting married, and the wedding has kept her family so preoccupied that they completely forget her 16th birthday. Her family is a collection of crazies, including the visiting grandparents who take over her room (and she cannot even share her annoying brother's bedroom because the extra bed is occupied by one set of grandparents' foreign exchange student, Long Duck Dong). Sam also nearly dies of embarrassment more than once, as she fills out a questionnaire in school on which she writes that she would like to have sex with the most popular guy in school, Jake Ryan. She tries to pass the note to her best friend, but because the friend is sleeping in class, Jake Ryan himself gets a hold of the note. Also Sam is constantly being harassed by the king of dorks, Farmer Ted (Anthony Michael Hall). No need to go on and on about the silly plot. You should just watch it for fun... for nostalgia's sake... because you like to fantasize about the not so popular getting together with the popular. For whatever reason you watch, it is a fun movie.
96 This movie makes a lovely light!
Sixteen Candles is one of the best movies I've ever seen. I love this movie. This movie is the shhh! If you haven't seen it, you must, because you are doing yourself a disservice if you don't see it. I think The Breakfast Club is better than this movie, but I still think that 16 Candles is still on top. Hey! I'm 16! It's the perfect age, and this is the perfect movie.
I gave this movie 3 stars because the DVD ....... The picture quality ...... and the sound was horrible, but I loved the movie.
97 New Wave Laughter & Love At Its Best!
"Sixteen Candles" is one of the all-time classics for New Wave Gen X'ers. You can watch it again and again, and you'll always bust up. This has to be one of the most quotable movies ever... virtually every line is a classic, and you and your friends will find yourself playing these lines off each other long after you've watched the movie for the umpteenth time. ("Unbelievable! You make someone a bridesmaid and they **** all over you!") And the unforgettable romantic ending, with Samantha and Jake on the dining table celebrating Samantha's ultimate birthday wish ("It already came true") while the Thompson Twins' "If You Were Here" fills the soundtrack is pure bliss.
98 Great 80's Teen Flick
Sixteen Candles takes place basically over the course of one day when a family forgets the sweet sixteenth birthday of a girl amid the preparations for the oldest daughter's wedding. The sixteen year old is played by the 80's teen queen Molly Ringwald. It was the movie that helped her gain that title and is the best of her career. She plays the role of Samantha Baker with ease and charm. We feel all her range of emotions from the hurt of being forgotten to the longing she feels for a boy, Jake Ryan, who she has a major crush on but doesn't think he knows that she's alive. Little does Samantha know that Jake wants to meet her and the movie goes through a series of near misses between the two. Anthony Michael Hall plays "The Geek" who is constantly hitting on Samantha. He acts like he is a man of the world, but really is full of hot air. Mr. Hall is extremely funny and the scene where he gives Jake advice on women and eventually drives the prom queen home in Jake's father's Roll Royce are priceless. Both sets of Samantha's grandparents are funny, one set are the worriers and the other the carefree sort. Gedde Wannabe is funny as an exchange student who comes with one of the grandparents. He does take the Asian stereotypes to the max but he comes across with a nice degree of charm. John and Joan Cusack show up in bit parts and the movie has a great soundtrack. The Thompson Twins' "Wish You Were Here" perfectly frames the ending scene where Jake and Samantha finally hook up. Sixteen Candles was the directorial debut of John Hughes and set the stage for the Brat Pack movies that would be the dominant teen movies of the 80's. Unlike his other movies like The Breakfast Club, Pretty In Pink or Some Kind Of Wonderful, Sixteen Candles isn't full of teen angst, self-examination and skepticism that the others are. It is a charming look at the life of a teenager that seems to be the most real.
99 Excellent movie,but corrections to Luis Hernandez' review!
Please do not follow Mr. Hernandez' information provided regarding the stars of the movie. Jake Ryan was NOT portrayed by Paul Dooley; Paul Dooley played Samatha's father, and he's gone on to many more movie parts. Jake was played by Michael Schoefling (sp?). Michael also had a part in "Mermaids," the Cher movie with Winona Ryder. Also, please note - Betty Thomas of "Hill Street Blues" fame was NOT Samatha's mother. Mr. Hernandez, please check your facts more carefully next time.
100 Those Were The Days
Considered to be one of the teen classics of the 1980's, "Sixteen Candles" marked John Hughes directorial debut in the genre of teenage films. Starring teen queen Molly Ringwald, "Sixteen Candles" chronicles a special day in the life of Samantha, a teenage girl residing in Shermer, Illinois. Due to all the hoopla that has overtaken her household because of her sister's impending marriage, everyone has forgotten about Samantha's 16th birthday.
At school, Samantha is given a secret exam by a friend that delves into her deepest thoughts, especially when the topic is boys. When the test accidentally falls into the hands of her prince charming, Jake Ryan (played wonderfully by Paul Dooley) Samantha's life will forever change. Pestered by the school geek (Anthony Michael Hall) Samantha discovers that all good things come to those who wait.
While Dooley went into obscurity, many of the film's stars went on to become well-known actors and directors. Keep an eye out for a young John Cusack ("Being John Malkovich") as one of Anthony Michael Hall's friends, Betty Thomas (director of the "Brady Bunch" movies and former "Hill Street Blues" star) as Samantha's mother, and Justin Henry (the young Oscar-nominee of "Kramer vs. Kramer" fame) as Samantha's obnoxious little brother. Ringwald's really life-sister, Beth, plays her younger sister in the film.
I loved the film, however when Universal Home Video chose Image Entertainment to transfer some of their most popular films onto DVD, a lot of the special features found on average DVD's were not included. With the exception of chapter selections, there are no trailers, actor bios, animated menus, language selections, or anything else to make this DVD version extraordinary. However this films was one of the best films of the 1980's due to its' charms and great young cast. I seriously miss Molly Ringwald, and only wished that the adorable Paul Dooley could have become a bigger-name star. The ending where Dooley shows up at the church where the wedding takes place and surprises Samantha is so wonderful that I have to watch it over and over again.
"Sixteen Candles" is a true classic in the genre of teenage films. John Hughes (along with Amy Heckerling) is among the best in Hollywood that could capture the spirit, woes, and everyday life of an average teen.
