The best teen drama of the1980s, and probably in the history of cinema, is turning 40 years old this year, and Universal Pictures has decided to celebrate its birthday with a theatrical re-release. John Hughes' seminal teen classicThe Breakfast Clubis returning to theaters and modern audiences will get the chance to watchone of the most important movies of its kind.
According toThe Hollywood Reporter,The Breakfast Clubwill be showing in theaters on September 7 and again on September 10 for a two-night screening event. Some theater chains have already started selling the tickets, and others, such asAMC Theatres, have yet to begin sales.
Jim Orr, Universal Pictures' president of domestic theatrical distribution, joined the announcement and expressed his excitement about the screening of the classic film for modern audiences:
“The Breakfast Clubis one of the great films about identity, alienation, and connection. The film’s honesty, humor, and humanity continue to connect with audiences of all ages. We’re honored to bring it back to theaters so that a new generation can experience its power on the big screen.”
Upon release,The Breakfast Clubwas very successful in theaters, grossing over $51 million at the box office from a $1 million production budget. It also catapulted its young cast further to stardom, andcemented their status in the Brat Pack. Today,The Breakfast Clubsits at 87% on Rotten Tomatoes, and holds a Certified Fresh label on the critics' score. The audience score sits higher at 92%. Per the synopsis on the review aggregator site:
Five high school students from different walks of life endure a Saturday detention under a power-hungry principal. The disparate group includes rebel John, princess Claire, outcast Allison, brainy Brian and Andrew, the jock. Each has a chance to tell his or her story, making the others see them a little differently – and when the day ends, they question whether school will ever be the same.
Why Is ‘The Breakfast Club’ Such an Important Movie?
When it comes to teen-oriented movies that dare to take a leap towards adult themes, it really doesn’t get better thanThe Breakfast Club. A classic of its era, John Hughes; teen drama talked directly to young audiences and delivered an unfiltered message of hope amidst the drama that’s common in adolescence. Some of the questions and answers present in the film still feel relevant today. There are only a few thingsas universal and timeless as teenage angst, andThe Breakfast Clubsuperbly observes it as something necessary to address.
Five students representing different high school stereotypes, whose problems varied in terms of relevance and impact, allowed audiences in 1985 to go back to high school and relive what makes teenage years as chaotic as they are. It was an earnest film, shot with personality by a storyteller who knew what to say and how to say it. Sure, it does feature sequences that are not as grounded as the rest of the movie, but most viewers would not change a thing about it. It is, arguably, the best teen film of its era.
The Breakfast Club
