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 "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. |
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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!"
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.
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.
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?
Buy
Sixteen Candles t-shirts
