Sixteen Candles

Universal Pictures | Release Date: May 4, 1984

6.5	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 65 Ratings

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SpangleMay 21, 2016

As funny as all of John Hughes' other 1980s classics, Sixteen Candles is at times truly hysterical and is equally a great commentary on growing up and turning 16. That said, the film is held back by two major issues. One, it is deeply racistAs funny as all of John Hughes' other 1980s classics, Sixteen Candles is at times truly hysterical and is equally a great commentary on growing up and turning 16. That said, the film is held back by two major issues. One, it is deeply racist with numerous Asian stereotypes and making fun of its Asian character as much as possible. Additionally, it is mind numbingly sexist. Including trivialization of date rape and caricature female characters, Sixteen Candles feels more like an ode to the days when a man could have a woman whether she wanted him or not. This really odd sequence ruins the film at large and turns it into a cringeworthy and truly dated exercise that leaves one feeling disgusted by the characters in the film more so than entertained. Sixteen Candles may provide laughs, but is morally troublesome.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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EpicLadySpongeJun 21, 2016

Sadly, this, the entire movie of what you're seeing here, will never happen to you. If so, then you should be crowned lucky. Still, I should be crowned lucky that I managed to live my life the way I wanted it to be and giving Sixteen CandlesSadly, this, the entire movie of what you're seeing here, will never happen to you. If so, then you should be crowned lucky. Still, I should be crowned lucky that I managed to live my life the way I wanted it to be and giving Sixteen Candles an okay rating would be an insult to 1980's fans, but in general, it's just plain cheesy. Back in the 1980's, movies were considered cheap and that's where Sixteen Candles become literally cheap. Not the best from John Hughes. Look for a different movie.… Expand

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

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MovieReviewer80Jan 16, 2023

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Not John Hughes's funniest comedy ever. Not nearly as good as "Weird Science", "Ferris Bueller's Day Off", "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles", or "The Great Outdoors." This movie does have its moments, I will admit. It is some cutesy, funny movie about a sixteen-year-old girl, who wants to meet the boy she likes. This does make for some good content, but is too much of a rinse-and-repeat of other teen comedies, without some special plot devices other teen comedies use, like "Grease", "Ferris Bueller's Day Off", or "Back To The Future." There also are some rather harmful stereotypes, like the Asian guy that does not speak English, who is infatuated with one of the girls in this movie. Please, Asian viewers (or any viewer, for that matter), if you are offended by these stereotypes, steer clear of this movie. If you don't mind, this movie will be pretty good. Simultaneously, there is far too much drunk humor in this movie for this entire movie, like when this attractive blonde girl drinks so much, she gets wasted, and sleeps in the car for an entire day, to be really that funny. There also is the younger brother of the main character, who (pardon my language here) is one of the biggest movie **** I have ever seen. If I ever did what he did, I would be grounded for a month. On all ends, a watchable comedy, but not nearly as good as the John Hughes comedy that came out around the same time, "The Breakfast Club," or any other of John Hughes's works.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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