The Brat Pack Reunites on Screen to Discuss the Legacy of the 1980s
ICARO Media Group
In a new documentary exploring the impact of the influential young actors known as the Brat Pack, several stars from the 1980s have come together to revisit their experiences in Hollywood. Led by actor Andrew McCarthy, who also directed the film, the documentary features interviews and clips from former Brat Pack members, including Demi Moore, Rob Lowe, Emilio Estevez, Ally Sheedy, and Jon Cryer.
The term "Brat Pack" was coined by New York reporter David Blum in 1985 to describe the rising group of young actors who were taking over Hollywood. The nickname, a playful reference to the Rat Pack of the 50s and 60s, comprising Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr., quickly became synonymous with the group of up-and-coming talents.
McCarthy, who played opposite Molly Ringwald in the iconic teen rom-com "Pretty in Pink," acknowledges that the Brat Pack label had a profound impact on his life. However, Estevez added that the term hindered the actors from working together again, likening their connection to "kryptonite."
Despite the challenges associated with the label, Moore and Lowe appear to have shrugged it off. Moore sees it as a positive experience, believing that everything happens for the actors, not to them. Meanwhile, Lowe enthusiastically reminisces about the era when "we could have filled Shea Stadium."
The documentary also delves into personal anecdotes from the actors' lives and careers. McCarthy reveals that he had a crush on Sheedy when they were young, and he and Lowe fondly remember being taken to Sammy Davis Jr.'s house by Liza Minnelli. McCarthy even shares the amusing story behind his less-than-flattering wig in the final scene of "Pretty in Pink," which was necessitated by a last-minute change to the film's ending.
McCarthy expressed surprise at the level of participation and enthusiasm from his former Brat Pack colleagues, as he had initially expected challenges in getting everyone involved. Nonetheless, the documentary proves to be much more than just a contemplation of labels, offering insights into the lasting impact of the Brat Pack and the shared experiences of its members during a pivotal time in their careers.
The documentary's release provides fans with a unique opportunity to reminisce about the iconic films and cultural influence of the 1980s Brat Pack. As McCarthy aptly summarizes, the ongoing relationship between the actors, whether they choose to embrace or distance themselves from the Brat Pack moniker, ultimately contributes to the rich tapestry of their collective legacy.
The documentary is set to premiere on an undisclosed date, offering audiences a nostalgic journey through the unforgettable era of the Brat Pack.