Andrew McCarthy, a former ‘Brat Pack’ actor who spent a decade honing his directorial talents in episodic television, now brings his unique perspective to features in the appropriately titled ‘Brats’ from Hulu. The term ‘Brat Pack’ was a standard reference among young movie enthusiasts in the 1980s, first coined by writer David Blum after witnessing a group of young actors being overwhelmed by admirers at the Hard Rock Cafe in Los Angeles. The core members of the Brat Pack were often recognized for their appearances in the ensemble casts of two specific films released in 1985: John Hughes’s ‘The Breakfast Club’ and Joel Schumacher’s ‘St. Elmo’s Fire ‘.
Amid the glitz and glamour of 1980s Hollywood, a cohort of young, talented actors emerged as symbolic figures of their generation. This group, famously known as the “Brat Pack,” captivated audiences with unforgettable performances in a succession of iconic films that epitomized an era. In “Brats,” director Andrew McCarthy offers an in-depth exploration of these rising stars’ lives, detailing their extraordinary ascent to fame and the challenges they faced along the way.
The documentary revolves around intimate interviews with members of the Brat Pack as they retrospect on how their swift rise to stardom shaped their lives. Esteemed actors such as Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Demi Moore, Ally Sheedy, and other notable talents like Lea Thompson and Jon Cryer converse about the pressures of fame, industry challenges, and the enduring connections established during that exhilarating period. “Brats” portrays a group of young actors who achieved instant stardom and grappled with the challenges associated with it, using a mix of archival footage, behind-the-scenes insights, and candid conversations.
The narrative explores themes of friendship and heartbreak, leaving a lasting impression on Hollywood’s landscape from that era. The absence of perspectives from Molly Ringwald and Judd Nelson is regrettable, and it would have been valuable to hear from underrepresented minority actors who were limited to television roles at that time. However, including Timothy Hutton’s perspective adds significant value, given his distinction as one of the youngest recipients of the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
As the credits roll, viewers are entranced by the captivating visuals and evocative soundtrack, which stir feelings of sentimentality and appreciation. This immersive experience prompts them to reflect on the enduring humanity and complex emotions portrayed by celebrated figures of past cinematic epochs, fostering a deep connection to storytelling and filmmaking.
Final Grade: B
“Brats” is available to stream on Hulu
Songstress Ashanti was experiencing significant success with two platinum albums at the time of the release of her inaugural holiday project, “Ashanti’s Christmas,” on November 18, 2003. Her label head, Irv Gotti, produced most of the album. This project comprises four original songs co-written by Ashanti, in addition to six cover versions of traditional Christmas standards and carols.
Vocal quartet A Few Good Man contributed two songs to the project: a cover of “Silver Bells” and the ballad “Merry Christmas My Dear,” both of which were produced by Daryl Simmons. Demail Burks, David Morris, Aaron Hilliard, and Tony Amey were the members of the group, and after introducing themselves in the festive video for “Silver Bells,” it was only fitting that they delivered a ballad on the album.
R&B legend Luther Vandross had already solidified his place in R&B when he released his first holiday album, “This Is Christmas. Arriving in stores on October 24, 1995, “This Is Christmas” validates Vandross’s ability to sing anything.