Can't Buy Me Love (1987)

Director:

Steve Rash

Writer:

Michael Swerdlick (writer)

Release Date:

14 August 1987 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

Tagline:

Ronald is making an investment in his senior year. He's hiring the prettiest cheerleader in school to be his girlfriend.

Plot:

Ronald Miller is tired of being a nerd, and makes a deal with one of the most popular girls in school to help him break into the "cool" clic...

Plot Keywords:

Money | Popularity | Poker Game | Cheerleader | Nerd

Awards:

1 win & 3 nominations

US TV Schedule:

Fri. Dec. 11	6:00 PM	OXYGEN
Sat. Dec. 12	1:00 AM	OXYGEN

Cast

Patrick Dempsey	...	Ronald Miller
Amanda Peterson	...	Cindy Mancini
Courtney Gains	...	Kenneth Wurman
Tina Caspary	...	Barbara
Seth Green	...	Chuckie Miller
Sharon Farrell	...	Mrs. Mancini
Darcy DeMoss	...	Patty
Dennis Dugan	...	David Miller
Cloyce Morrow	...	Judy Miller
Devin DeVasquez	...	Iris
Cort McCown	...	Quint
Eric Bruskotter	...	Big John
Gerardo Mejía	...	Ricky
Ami Dolenz	...	Fran
Max Perlich	...	Lester

Also Known As:

Boy Rents Girl

Runtime:

94 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Iceland:L | UK:PG (cut version) | Australia:M | Finland:S | Sweden:Btl | UK:15 | USA:PG-13 | West Germany:12

Filming Locations:

Hill Farm, Tucson, Arizona, USA

Company:

Apollo Pictures

Trivia:

On Halloween night the guys drive past a movie theater playing The Buddy Holly Story (1978), also by directed by Steve Rash.

Goofs:

Continuity: The direction of shadows cast by the girls at cheerleader practice changes radically.

Quotes:

Kenneth Wurman: Look, It's the African ant eater ritual!

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "The Simpsons: Monty Can't Buy Me Love (#10.21)" (1999)

Soundtrack:

FRENCH KISSING

Good flyweight entertainment

I've seen bundles of these teen comedies, and "Can't Buy Me Love" does contain every cliche in the book. But it was made in 1987. This was a little past the dawning of the high school movie, and the characters of the nerd, jock, cheerleader, etc. were just recently created. I don't know. Maybe this movie was even a huge cliche back in the eighties. But I'm still gonna give it the benefit of the doubt.

I catch this movie on TBS quite a lot of times, and I can't help but enjoy it. There are certain cliched scenes that just force me to roll my eyes and sigh, yet I can't change the channel. Well, there are two key elements that make this flyweight teen comedy work: Patrick Dempsey and Amanda Peterson. They both give charming performances, and have a wonderful chemistry. Even though you know exactly what will happen between them, it's still a delight to see them on screen. Dempsey hasn't had a big role in years, and you can technically classify him as a has-been, but he is a good, charismatic actor. And it would've been nice if his career actually took off. As for Peterson, I don't remember her from any other movies, so I have no knowledge of her career. All I know is she's good-looking and I liked her in this movie.

The story is as predictable as you can get, with paperthin characters, but as I said it's good flyweight entertainment. Strictly a guilty pleasure. If I were in the mood for a good--and by that I mean good in quality--high school movie I'd watch "Ghost World" or one of the "American Pie" movies. But if I just want to kick back and watch a cheesy high school movie that will put a smile on my face and contains no intellectual value, I'll watch "Can't Buy Me Love."

Of course, the movie has a "message" at the end about being yourself, and not caring what others think of you, but the message is delivered with the finesse of an after-school special and is strictly pasted on. When you have characters that are so stereotypical and implausible, it's hard to fit in a believable message. But what would a high school movie be without a schmaltzy third act?

That's why I recommend this movie, just as a guilty pleasure. It's far from great, yet undeniably appealing. But please do not bother to analyze this movie. You'll be wasting your time.

My score: 7 (out of 10)