Great movie, too much analysis

Rating: 10/10 (7 March 2002)

Spoilers included!
First of all, I read over sixty reviews on IMDB, and most of them were good, and usually those that did offer criticism also provided back up for why.
I noticed some people commented that it doesn't fit into comedy well, and it seems awkward when you try to push it into drama. Well, why does it need a genre? Isn't the whole movie about breaking down cliques, titles and stereotypes? The dialogue was awkward at times, and some said that took something away from the film (like the quality, for example) but if you were in the library that day when you were in school, would you have been comfortable and relaxed with people like Bender, who're armed to the teeth and come across hostile? Or Claire who would likely look down on you? Andrew with his inane attempts to stand up to Bender and speak to Brian even though he was laughing at him too? What if Alison was there, and she sat in silence and stared you down every time you tried to communicate with her?

The film deals with a lot of teen problems, without making them seem unworthy or childish. That would have meant something to most teens when they saw it, since High School sure isn't like the "Porky's" series. The dancing, getting high, etc. remove realism from it, but think about it for a minute - the kids probably won't speak to each other again after that day. Getting high brings the four others into Bender's world, dancing (however ridiculous it may seem that the principal DIDN'T notice) represents Stubby's party, and hanging out with the popular kids. Claire and Alison bond through make-up, and Brian is just pulled along for the ride. The Breakfast Club probably didn't define a generation, and the tag line for it is as cheesy as David Bowie's tights were in Labyrinth, but it's like watching an episode of "I dream of Jeannie" - you wonder how anyone could have gotten away with making it, then feel glad that they did.
I doubt the Breakfast Club is an accurate portrayal of all the problems teenagers face, but it scratches the surface of self-absorbed kids (like me! Ha!) who worry over stupid things because they don't know the real world yet. Like training worries. I really loved this movie, probably because I overlooked the flaws and just took it for what it is... whatever that may be.