Sixteen Candles, 1984

Sixteen Candles, 1984“Auto – mo – beeeel” – Gotta love the Donger. Teen flicks were as popular in the 80s as they are today, perhaps even more so. One such decade-defining film, Sixteen Candles set into motion the careers of Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall, and John and Joan Cusack. These stars would later come to dominate the teen movie scene throughout the decade. Written and directed by John Hughes, this coming of age film ranks in the top 50 Best High School Movies by Entertainment Weekly. We agree. Samantha Baker (Ringwald) is an average high school sophomore who naturally has a crush on senior Jake Ryan, one of the most popular guys on campus. When the movie opens it is the morning of Samantha Baker’s 16th birthday. Unfortunately, it is also the day before her older sister’s wedding. As a result the entire Baker family forgets it’s her birthday much to Samantha’s astonishment. Upset and annoyed that her family forgot her birthday, she goes on to school dance. That is where the laughs really start. What ensues includes a peep show in none other than the boys’ bathroom of the underwear Samantha gives to freshman geek Farmer Ted (Anthony Michael Hall) ($1 per viewing), the slightly bizarre antics of an Asian exchange student named Long Duk Dong (aka the “Donger”), and a wild high school party. “No more yankie my wankie, the Donger need food!” Samantha and her sister Ginny  Long Duk Dong - "What's happenin', hot stuff?" Despite the comical ups and downs everything turns out well for the movie’s heroine. Not only does her family finally remember her birthday, but Samantha ends up with the guy of her dreams, the very hot Jake Ryan. Farmer Ted and Samantha at the dance  Farmer Ted shows off Samantha's underwear Considered an important part of 80s popular culture, Sixteen Candles launched the beginning of the Brat Pack film movement. Today movies such as Sixteen Candles and other Brat Pack films (Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink) are synonymous with an entire era of teen entertainment. Farmer Ted and his fellow geeks party at Jake Ryan's house  Caroline gets her hair stuck in the door. Solution: Cut it. Farmer Ted (Anthony Michael Hall)  Caroline and Farmer Ted wake up in the Royals Royce

Ever wonder what happened to the very dishy actor that played Jake Ryan?

Actor, Michael Schoeffling, didn’t do much other acting. He and his family (wife and two children) live quietly in northeastern Pennsylvania, where the once teen dreamboat operates a successful business building fine hand-crafted furniture. Does that make him even more sexy or what? Jake find Samantha at the church  Jake picks up Samantha at the church Jake: "Happy Birthday Samantha. Make a wish." Samantha: "It already came true." Buy Sixteen Candles t-shirts

Author: Pia Sooney

Just a little obsessed with all things 80s, Pia still has her Swatch, her cassette tape collection, and her Converse Chucks. When not making friendship pins or listening to Depeche Mode, she runs a web design business.

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  1. Q&A with with Susannah Gora, Author of “You Couldn’t Ignore Me If You Tried: The Brat Pack, John Hughes, and Their Impact on a Generation” | Like Totally 80s - […] Ringwald’s character and Michael Schoeffling’s character leaning over to kiss at the end of Sixteen Candles. Judd Nelson at…

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