John Hughs at his best

Rating: 10/10 (12 August 2005)

The storyline of this movie is simple. Five teens spend the day in detention. For various infractions of the rules. As they all get settled in they are told they will be writing an essay explaining who they are. After laying down the rules (no talking, no moving, no sleeping) the teacher leaves them to their assignment. Thus begins a day of debate, revelations, rivalry, confessions, breaking of the rules, tears, alliances, arguments, self-discovery and ultimately the forging of lifelong friendships. Every teenage clique is represented. Athletes by wrestler Andrew Clark (Emilio Estevez). Pressured by his father to be number one. Brainy geek Brian Johnson (Michael Anthony Hall). Pressured by his parents to get top grades. Mall princess Claire Standish (Molly Ringwald). Caught in a tug-of-war between her parents. Outsider John Bender (Judd Nelson). Physically and mentally abused by his parents. And loner Allison Reynolds (Ally Sheedy). Ultimately ignored by her parents. This movie makes detention seem cool. In reality, I don't see anyone being able to get away with these antics (smoking pot, roaming the halls, playing loud music) but it does make a case for seeing beyond labels and preconceived notions.