Title: Brats
MPA Rating: Not Rated
Director: Andrew McCarthy
Starring: Andrew McCarthy, Emilio Estevez, Ally Sheedy
Runtime: 1 hr 32 mins

What It Is: A look at the so-called “Brat Pack” of the 1980s—a group of hot, young actors and actresses who took Hollywood by storm. They were given the biggest roles in the biggest films, shaping a culture by the youth, for the youth. This chronicles their rise and gradual decline, as the label they were given was born out of jealousy—a title they would eventually grow tired of.

What We Think: The nostalgia for a time I wasn’t even alive was strong here. Witnessing McCarthy go through a sort of catharsis over the name “The Brat Pack” is really interesting. Gaining insight into what 1980’s Hollywood looked like. I had no idea it was the way it’s portrayed here. That young Hollywood was so different and didn’t really want to be all that inclusive when it comes to young actors.  I think as a documentary the film really does a great job of spinning it’s story. It is always interesting to watch docs like this as a cinephile. To see how the business was molded and shaped during different periods.

Our Grade: B+, A fantastic documentary that gives its titular group the rightful place in 1980s lore that they deserve. One thing the film does well is point back at us, the observers and consumers of pop culture. These actors were just kids at the time, as the central message emphasizes, and what we did—demonizing them for being at or near the top of their profession—was wrong. Despite all that, I find this a redeeming documentary that shows how these kids, now adults, have done everything they can to move past it and enhance their careers.