"Planes, Trains and Automobiles" or maybe "Curly Sue"? We talk about the family films that made John Hughes so beloved.
John Hughes became the ambassador of teen cinema. He taught audiences to perceive teenagers as they are, without vulgarity or exaggeration. But the director gained cult status not only thanks to films like "The Breakfast Club" and others, but also for family cinema. His filmography includes many other iconic works. In this article, we look at the director's "non-teenage period." There's certainly plenty to see!
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Open materialDespite the success of teen cinema, Hughes decided to step away from it and start working on projects aimed at adult and family audiences. After some time, the film "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" (1987) was released, becoming the director's first adult comedy.
"Planes, Trains and Automobiles"
A simple story about two completely different people. The plot follows Neal Page (Steve Martin) who needs to get from New York to Chicago in time for Thanksgiving. But, as luck would have it, everything goes wrong! It's impossible to catch a taxi in the city, he has to sit in economy instead of business class on the plane, and an annoying new acquaintance sticks his nose where it doesn't belong.
It turns out everything is against Neal. To get home, the hero must travel with his new acquaintance — Del Griffith (John Candy), with many transfers on various modes of transport. According to John Hughes, the situation is based on his personal experience, but there's a high chance the director said that for effect.
The film is created in the dramedy genre, showing absurd and funny situations that put the heroes in difficult positions. During the challenging journey, their inner world, full of doubts and pain they try to hide, is revealed. A funny, kind, sometimes sad story with a well-deserved "cult" status.
The film was the first directorial work not about teenagers. After that, John Hughes began telling stories aimed at an older audience.
"She's Having a Baby"
Generations change, former viewers grow up. John Hughes created a film about grown-up teenagers. It's no longer about children, but about those who have just entered adult life and faced new problems. A simple story of a person not ready to lose freedom and dive into household chores. New lawnmower models, constant questions about grandchildren. Is this what you expect from growing up?
At his own wedding, Jake (Kevin Bacon) is unsure of the right decision. Should he get married? Will he be happy in marriage? Questions plague the hero all the time, and fantasy is the only thing that can distract from routine and family problems.
For many fans, "She's Having a Baby" became one of the director's worst works. The film is atypical, with little of Hughes himself and the simplicity and naivety expected from him.
The story ends with the birth of Kristy's (Elizabeth McGovern) baby. The final scene is emotionally heavy and honest, open and without embellishment, showing Jake's true feelings. At that moment, the hero realizes he made the right decision at the wedding. Definitely the strongest moment of the film!
The work is an important experience for John Hughes; it wouldn't be surprising if the story was inspired by personal experiences.
"Curly Sue"
Hughes's last directorial work was the film "Curly Sue." Bill (James Belushi) and Susan (Alison Porter) live on the streets, engaging in small scams — nothing illegal.
One day, they set their sights on a successful woman who easily falls into their trap. It seems life is starting to improve, because out of guilt, Grey (Kelly Lynch) takes in Sue and her father. Everything becomes like a fairy tale, until new problems arise.
The film was created as a "Christmas story" where any miracles are possible. But although it doesn't make the top lists of "best New Year's films," it is definitely worth attention. A kind story with room for a little magic. "Curly Sue" can teach us not to despair and not to give up, because light can be found even in the darkest situations.
John Hughes leaves the director's chair and devotes himself entirely to screenwriting. Thanks to this, his pen produces "Home Alone," "Beethoven," and many other beloved films.
We tried to show the director from a different side. A joker and comedian, a family man and a grown-up child. All this is John Hughes, whose work doesn't end with teen films!
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