‘Pretty in Pink’ is this issues Valentines offering and although it is a story of teenage romance, it bypasses the dreamlike, Disney fabrications of modern Hollywood and instead bestows a little bit of golden eighties romance along with one interesting pink dress.
Andie is the leading lady in this film and she is your average outcast; less than popular, looking after her heartbroken dad she works in a record store to help keep herself above water as the family’s finances are struggling.
Helping to keep her spirits up are best friends Iona and Ducky. But Ducky wants to be more than her good time guy as he is totally and madly in love with her and has been since they were kids. But Ducky can’t compare to popular and rich Blaine, who despite Andie’s social status, signals his interest and starts to make a move. Like any girl Andie can hardly believe her luck when he asks her out and to Ducky’s disappointment she’d thrilled.
This is all until Blaine takes her to a party and his friends are less than pleased with his new choice of girl and don’t take warmly to Andie, wounding her pride. Hastily Blaine whisks Andie away to one her favourite places. A live music bar but there Blaine is the one with the frosty reception as Ducky doesn’t take kindly to his presence. Despite all the hardship Andie and Blaine want to make the best of it and so Blaine asks Andie to prom. But Blaine hasn’t got the courage and with the goading of his friend Steff he breaks the date with Andie.
Initially inconsolable, our Andie isn’t discouraged and with her hand crafted, bubble gum pink prom dress she sets out alone to prom head held high. There she meets Ducky and to repair the damage done from the other night.
Seeing Andie pretty in pink causes Blaine to realise how stupid he was so he rushes to apologise but it’s too late. It is then up to Ducky to put his friend first and selflessly he tells Andie to go after Blaine. The car park is the setting to Andie and Blaine’s reunion and they make up passionately settling everything perfectly in place once more.
Cute and quirky this film is the perfect alternative to sickly love stories and also has that nostalgic feel and awesome soundtrack that all eighties films seem to have. All in all it’s a winner for this Valentines.
By Katherine Cudmore
