Sixteen Candles

1984 Comedy

On the eve of her sister's wedding, suburban teenager Samantha (Molly Ringwald) suffers silently as her family forgets her birthday. Even worse, some total dork (Anthony Michael Hall) keeps propositioning her with sophomoric innuendo when she really craves romantic attention from high-school hunk Jake (Michael Schoeffling). Moving from Samantha's family home as it's invaded by outre relatives to a high-school dance where nothing seems to go her way, this bittersweet teen comedy traces the hopes and disappointments of not only Samantha, but also a host of incidental but memorable characters, from a hapless Japanese exchange student to a prom queen and a posse of barely pubescent nerds. A climactic party scene at which these various strata of young America overcome their rigid hierarchies sets the stage for resolutions both tender and torrid. more..

Director: John Hughes

Starring: Molly Ringwald,Anthony Michael Hall, Michael Schoeffling, Paul Dooley, Justin Henry

Reviews

  • Molly Ringwald is radiant here as the eternal teen looking for love.

    Marjorie Baumgarten - Austin Chronicle

    27 April 2013

  • This is a fresh and cheerful movie with a goofy sense of humor and a good ear for how teenagers talk.

    Roger Ebert - The Chicago Sun-Times

    27 April 2013

  • The premise is ordinary, but the film is distinguished by funny gags and excellent performances by Molly Ringwald and Anthony Michael Hall.

    - TV Guide

    27 April 2013

  • The movie is cheerful and light, showcasing Mr. Hughes's knack for remembering all those aspects of middle-class American adolescent behavior that anyone else might want to forget.

    Janet Maslin - The New York Times

    27 April 2013

  • Ringwald is engaging and credible. For the boys, there's a bright, funny performance by Anthony Michael Hall.

    - Variety

    27 April 2013

Awards

  • Best Casting for Feature Film

    Casting Society of America (1985)

     
  • Best Young Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical, Comedy, Adventure or Drama

    Young Artist Awards (1985)