Weird Science (1985)

John Hughes wrote and directed this 80's gem, starring Kelly LeBrock as "Lisa," a dreamgirl created by nerdy, unpopular and sexually frustrated teens Wyatt, played by Ilan Mitchell-Smith, and Gary, played by Anthony Michael Hall.

While Wyatt's parents are out of town, the boys, fed up with being the butt of every joke and spending their weekends alone/together, create Lisa, a girl designed to be hot, smart, funny, charming, etc., etc. The ideal woman. Lisa, we find, will do whatever it takes to get her boys to gain some self-confidence and social standing. So, madness ensues as she puts them through their paces, willingly or not, by making them face their fears and insecurities, all in the name of self-betterment. And, in typical John Hughes fashion, nothing is ever too painful for our heroes, so we can all share some laughs at Wyatt and Gary's expense.

This movie is iconic for a reason: take a very simple concept (like making the ideal partner), put it in the hands of idiots, and watch what happens. Couple that with the fact that John Hughes can do the teen-high-school-real-character-hilarity-angst SO well, and you have a classic film on your hands. And come on, who hasn't wanted to just Frankenstein together the ideal partner? Anyways, the movie's not supposed to be plausible; just a fun ride, which Mr. Hughes can deliver quite nicely. Basically, this film is all about being the geek, taking a no-real-risk chance, and getting everything you've ever dreamed of. WHO DOESN'T WANT THAT?! So, a movie many can sink their teeth into.

Much like my qualms with Just One Of The Guys, the pacing of this film is horrible! Is this an 80's thing? The more films I re-watch, I'll uncover the facts behind this theory. But, come on...those holes between lines in a joke are large enough to drive a U-Haul through. Almost painful at times.

You know, I really enjoyed watching Bill Paxton, as Wyatt's older brother, Chet. He was my favorite actor in the film. He just had so much fun being an ass, and somehow found the grounding necessary for the reality of the film. Unfortunately no one else did. I think they just told Kelly LeBrock to be Kelly LeBrock and that was that. Anthony Michael Hall and Ilan Mitchell-Smith didn't seem to get into their surroundings, either. Maybe it was the fact that this was a bit of a departure from John Hughes' typical world where his teen characters romp, and such a heightened reality. There didn't seem to be a real grounding for the film.

Well, a very fun ride that I will take again at some point in my life. Even if it is just for the eye candy.