Rating 5/10
Brats, a documentary written and directed by actor Andrew McCarthy, delves into the impact of the “Brat Pack” label on himself and other performers from iconic 1980s teen movies such as Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, and St. Elmo’s Fire.
The “Brat Pack” term was coined by journalist David Blum in a 1985 New York magazine article. It was a twist on the “Rat Pack” of entertainers led by Frank Sinatra during his Vegas era. The updated nickname applied to a select group of young actors who frequently worked together. Blum bravely makes an appearance and stands by his article, admitting it may have been a bit dismissive but expressing no regrets and even taking pride in coining an expression that has endured in popular culture.
McCarthy reconnects with his co-stars Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Ally Sheedy, and Demi Moore and interviews other notable actors from that era. Timothy Hutton, Lea Thompson, and Jon Cryer were not technically official members but were still prominent young stars at the same time. The account explores their feelings about the moniker and its influence on their careers. Notably absent are founding members Molly Ringwald, Judd Nelson, and Anthony Michael Hall, who declined to participate.
The film features candid conversations and reflections on fame, youth, and their lasting cultural significance. It’s a personal piece, almost like a home movie, with McCarthy filming his friends and former co-stars. This raw and sincere exploration of its subject captures both nostalgic and painful aspects of the actors’ experiences. However, the film focuses too heavily on the negative effects of the handle. McCarthy grumbles about the label despite the immense wealth and fame he achieved.
I always saw the term as a catchy name for hip celebrities of the era. They were wildly successful then, and the presentation wants us to feel sorry for them. In contrast, Rob Lowe and Demi Moore are more pragmatic about their experiences. The documentary is earnest, though, so it’s intriguing for Gen X viewers who were teens in the 1980s. Although that does include this reviewer, the pessimistic focus didn’t resonate with me.
Brats started streaming June 13 on Hulu.
06-14-24