When I watch the trailer for Andrew McCarthy’s new documentary, BRATS, my pulse races as if I’m watching old home videos. Revisiting a group of young actors like Molly Ringwald, Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, and Judd Nelson, who were known in the 1980s as the “Brat Pack,” feels like a personal journey.
McCarthy’s Vision for BRATS
McCarthy’s documentary, which premiered on Hulu on June 13, dives deep into the lives of actors from iconic films such as The Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles, St. Elmo’s Fire, and Pretty in Pink. The film explores how the term “Brat Pack” took over their lives after a 1985 New York Magazine article.
Apart from McCarthy himself, the documentary features interviews with key Brat Pack members including Jon Cryer, Emilio Estevez, Ally Sheedy, and Demi Moore. On conveying his complicated relationship history in the group, Jon Cryer reminisced about working with McCarthy on Pretty in Pink:When we had done Pretty in Pink together, we did not get along because he was a d—-.
Nostalgic Moments Revisited
The nostalgia is palpable throughout BRATS. It covers major milestones; from Judd Nelson’s iconic fist-raising scene in The Breakfast Club to Rob Lowe’s saxophone performance in St. Elmo’s Fire. These scenes encapsulated the essence of adolescence in the ’80s.
The Cultural Impact of Brat Pack Films
The Brat Pack films were not just entertainment; they defined a generation. Movies like The Breakfast Club, enduring over time despite some dated elements, provide timeless music and emotion. The song that closes out The Breakfast Club, Simple Minds’ “Don’t You Forget About Me,” played while Judd Nelson’s character raises his fist triumphantly. It remains an iconic symbol for many.Cryer… said a fateful 2012 meeting … helped them make amends.
A Lasting Legacy
This documentary brings a sense of closure and reflection for many fans. As McCarthy said in his 2021 memoir: “It’s not just the work; maybe now more importantly, it is the memory of the work that’s so valuable to people.” The Brat Pack movies came out when anything seemed possible, making their marks permanently on cinema history.
Follow Us
