REVIEW: “Brats” (2024)

As a child of the ’80s and a lifelong movie enthusiast, I hold a special place in my heart for the Brat Pack. These young actors and actresses, who came to prominence during my formative years, graced our screens with their charisma and talent in some of the most beloved coming-of-age movies of that era.


During the 1980s, the Brat Pack was a well-known collective term for a group of young actors and actresses, all in their twenties, who frequently collaborated on hit coming-of-age films throughout that era. The moniker was inspired by the Rat Pack, an earlier Hollywood elite clique whose members included Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr., and had various incarnations during the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s.

In 1985, David Blum gave the name “Brat Pack” to a prominent group of young actors which included Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Demi Moore, Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall, Judd Nelson, Andrew McCarthy, and Ally Sheedy, in an article for New York magazine. However, the actors disliked this label and felt deceived by Blum, who they had previously allowed into their close-knit circle. Despite their displeasure, Blum remains unapologetic about his actions and sees those affected by his story as mere bystanders in the public eye.

REVIEW: “Brats” (2024)

Title “Brats”: This film is a documentary helmed by Brat Pack actor Andrew McCarthy. It delves into the past and present lives of the young Hollywood stars labeled by Blum’s article. McCarthy shares his unique perspective as an insider, while also interviewing other former members such as Estevez, Lowe, Sheedy, and Moore. Regrettably, Ringwald, Nelson, and Hall chose not to take part in this production.

The movie chronicles McCarthy’s journey to reunite with former Brat Pack members and associates, aiming to understand their unique take on the term after four decades. Some of these individuals have been out of touch for over three decades, having transitioned from filmmaking to shunning each other. Others provide valuable external viewpoints. For some, being part of the Brat Pack was seen as demeaning and limiting. However, others appreciated the fame it brought them.

REVIEW: “Brats” (2024)

Observing the filmmaking process, it’s evident that this experience served as a healing journey for McCarthy. He had a chance to confront and understand the deep-rooted emotional baggage connected to the Brat Pack phenomenon for him – a contrast between now and the 1980s. While intriguing, this aspect seems more introspective and meaningful to him than relatable to us as viewers.

As a cinema enthusiast, I was thoroughly captivated by this documentary’s compelling 92-minute journey. The film offers intriguing conversations that provide valuable insights and unveil hidden truths. Moreover, it includes an abundance of archival material such as old interviews, movie clips, and behind-the-scenes footage. This collection of nostalgic content is particularly evocative for those who came of age during the Brat Pack era. For me, this film hits close to home. I remember my early infatuation with actors like Demi Moore, and I spent countless hours rewatching classics such as “The Breakfast Club” and “Sixteen Candles” on VHS. This documentary is a must-watch for anyone who shares these experiences and memories. Currently, you can stream it on Hulu.

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2024-07-16 15:54