John Hughes

Starred review from April 1, 2015

Filmmaker John Hughes (1950-2009) captured the zeitgeist of suburban America in the 1980s and 1990s with his iconic teen-angst comedies and madcap cinematic romps. In this retrospective, film critic and blogger (honeycuttshollywood.com) Honeycutt reviews Hughes's legacy of creating memorable characters such as the title character in Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986), writing humorous and zany stories such as those of the "Vacation" and "Home Alone" movies, and spotting talented actors including Molly Ringwald, star of Sixteen Candles (1984) and Pretty in Pink (1986). While it is evident that the author is a fan, the book is not merely a nostalgic look back at an impressive filmography. Honeycutt takes a critical look at the filmmaker and his films. Even though Hughes's sensitivity and perfectionism led him to create believable "underdog" or "outsider" characters and endearing stories, these same traits also made it increasingly difficult for him to work with the actors, directors, and producers as his career progressed, eventually resulting in his retirement from filmmaking. VERDICT Reminiscent of a high school yearbook in format and filled with behind-the-scenes photos and movie posters, the book is perfect for film students, fans of Hughes's movies, and "I love the Eighties" devotees.--Donna Marie Smith, Palm Beach Cty. Lib. Syst., FL

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