Sixteen Candles (1984) Review in 2025
Sixteen Candles is a classic coming-of-age comedy about a girl's disastrous 16th birthday, filled with hilarious moments and relatable characters.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is suitable for family viewing, but some scenes may be too mature for younger children.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is a must-watch for fans of 80s coming-of-age comedies. It's a classic that holds up well even today, and its themes and humor are still relatable to audiences of all ages.
Spoiler Alert!
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The movie follows Samantha Baker, a high school student who's embarrassed by her family's lack of attention on her 16th birthday. However, things take a turn when she meets a charming new student, Jake Ryan, and her crush becomes a central plot point.
Review Details
story9.00/10
The story is engaging and relatable, with a strong focus on Samantha's emotions and experiences. The plot is well-structured and easy to follow.
acting9.50/10
The acting is superb, with Molly Ringwald delivering a standout performance as Samantha. The supporting cast is also impressive, bringing depth and humor to their roles.
characters9.50/10
The characters are well-developed and memorable, with Samantha being a standout. The supporting characters add to the humor and charm of the movie.
direction9.00/10
John Hughes' direction is masterful, capturing the essence of high school life and the struggles of adolescence. The pacing is well-balanced and engaging.
cinematography8.00/10
The cinematography is straightforward and effective, capturing the mood and atmosphere of the scenes. However, some scenes may feel a bit dated.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The movie's relatable characters, engaging story, and masterful direction make it a standout classic. The humor and charm are still enjoyable today, and the themes are timeless.
Cons
Some scenes may feel a bit dated, and the cinematography could be improved. However, these minor flaws do not detract from the overall enjoyment of the movie.
Notable Quotes
"I'm not a baby, I'm a girl!"
"Sixteen and stupid is the worst!"
"You're a girl, and you're 16, and you're not a baby!"
