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
This past Friday marked the 40th anniversary of “The Voice,” a.k.a. Whiney Houston’s self-titled debut album hitting stores. So, in that regard, it was only right to give Nippy her flowers for this week’s Second Listen Sunday.
For this weekend’s Slow Jam Saturday, I wanted to take a trip to Motor City and show some love to soul singer Dwele. It was 2005, and I was living in the UK as part of my Air Force enlistment. Dwele had just released his second album, “Some Kinda,” enjoying some chart success with the lead single “I Think I Love U,” by Mike City.
The remainder of the album maintains a classic R&B vibe, showcasing the group’s signature sound. One of the standout tracks is “Maybe Tomorrow,” featuring the iconic Phyllis Hyman. It transforms difficult circumstances into positive outcomes—essentially making lemonade from lemons.