John Hughes: A Life in Film

Lately I've been a bit nostalgic, thinking back to those great movies from the 80's that today's films just don't measure up to. In my opinion, John Hughes films epitomize the 80's and take me back years.  For Valentine's Day this year, my other half bought me the book, John Hughes: A Life in Film.  I had also recently bought the John Hughes Yearbook Collection on DVD that includes The Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles, and Weird Science which are three of my favorites.  I admit, I love the Brat Pack! For some reason I always connected with Ally Sheedy's character, Allison Reynolds, in The Breakfast Club.  Yes, she was the frumpy bag lady, so what....


So I was really happy to receive the book that talks about the amazing John Hughes and his talented writing and directing abilities.  Apparently he wrote some of these films in a matter of days.  Ferris Bueller's vacation supposedly took him only 2 days to write. The book is full of great images from the movies and I've included some below.  I find it amazing that he worked on so many of my favorite films. I miss the days of these films when the music was on point, the plot was simple, full of teenage angst, and the laughter was high. Sadly, John Hughes passed away in 2009.

 

The Breakfast Club is my favorite of the Hughes films.

 My dad loved The Great Outdoors and Planes, Trains, and Automobiles.  I remember watching them with him growing up and the continuous laughter they provided.  And who can forget Long Duck Dong from Sixteen Candles, another great great film.

National Lampoons Christmas Vacation is still my favorite Christmas film and I watch it EVERY year.

A list of must see John Hughes films:

National Lampoon's Vacation
Mr. Mom
Sixteen Candles
European Vacation
Weird Science
Pretty in Pink
Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Some Kind of Wonderful
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
She's Having A Baby
The Great Outdoors
Uncle Buck
Christmas Vacation
Home Alone
Career Opportunities