The Breakfast Club – Budget of $1 million – 1 hour and 37 minutes

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On Saturday, March 24, 1984, five students walk into the Shermer High School Library to serve a 9-hour detention. Clare, a rich, pretty, popular “princess”, wishes her father could do something to get her out of this situation. But much to his chagrin, he can’t and she has to go. Brian, a shy, funny “brain”, is upset he disappointed his parents by getting detention. They make him promise that this is the first and last time he will do this. Andrew, a strong “athlete”, is reminded by his father that detention could ruin is wrestling career.  So he must shape up and do it soon. Allison, a quiet, monochromatic “basket case”, barely speaks to the others in the room, but she makes noises and creates art. John, a smart-mouth “criminal” defiantly walk into the library. Once seated, Assistant Principal Richard Vernon gives them an assignment. They must write a 1,000-word essay describing who are they. He leaves them with the door open. After a long silence and absolute boredom, John decides to have some fun. First, he starts to irritate the other students. Then he rigged the door so it could not stay open. After adding 2 more months of detention for John, Vernon warns him to keep in line or he would be separated from the group. The students keep their distance. But after an entire day together they learn more about each others’ personal lives, public personas, and personal struggles than they could imagine. No matter how they are labeled, they will remain The Breakfast Club.

“…And these children that you spit on as they try to change their worlds are immune to your consultations. They’re quite aware of what they’re going through…”

– David bowie

This opening quote, displayed at that beginning of the film, gives the viewer a glimpse of the film’s poignancy. John Hugh creates 7 multi-dimensional characters with strong, funny, and heart-breaking stories. He is able to do this in 1.5 hours when some writers can’t do it in 2.5 hours (and fewer characters). Even in 21 century, a kid can watch this movie and related to one of the character’s stories, parents, and personal struggle. The only difference between The Breakfast Club and The Millenials is technology. In an era of remakes, this movie should be left alone. Technology and politics would be added to the film and ruin the movie’s narrative that has made it endure the test of time. Sit with your kids and watch.

I give it 4 out of 5 stars

Don’t mess with the bull young man, you’ll get the horns – Richard Vernon

Keep eating your hand, you won’t be hungry for lunch – John

Whip it out and you’re dead before the 1st drop hits the floor – Andrew

I’m not that pristine – Clare

Yeah, that’s very interesting. Now, why don’t you tell me why you’re really in here – Allison

Do you approve of this – Brian

I wouldn’t count on it – Carl

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