[baheidstu]

Originally Posted by 20th Century Boy

I completely disagree.

Thanks for such a well thought out and elucidated response.

Originally Posted by llj

I've no strong attachment to either side of this argument, but John Hughes movies have flaws which have been well elucidated by many critics (and posters here) over the years. His use of well worn character stereotypes, pat messages, racial caricatures, etc,.

I do like his movies. But I don't consider him a particularly special filmmaker.

In general, my teenaged years were perfectly average. I had a few friends, some kids I didn't like...but I never really was part of the social politics in high school. I wasn't a geek or jock or slick willy or overachiever. So a lot of teen movies just don't resonate with me too much on most levels. I do like Better Off Dead though because it sees everything as completely absurd.

I don't dislike John Hughes movies, they're entertaining enough, but the subplot involving Jennifer Jason Leigh's character in Fast Times is far more honest than anything in Hughes's entire filmography of 80s teen comedies.