Secret Admirer

Secret Admirer, released in 1985, is a classic representation of the 80’s teen romantic comedies filled with awkwardness, innocence, and mix-ups. The film features C. Thomas Howell, Lori Loughlin, and Kelly Preston in major roles and brings forth a perfect blend of romance, comedy, and suspense in its storyline.

In the center of this entertaining, funny, and hilariously confusing narrative is high school student Michael Ryan, brilliantly played by C. Thomas Howell. Michael is an everyday guy, who like many other teenagers, is trying to figure out his feelings, particularly towards the stunningly beautiful Deborah Ann Fimple, portrayed by Kelly Preston. Now here's the twist. Deborah doesn't know about his feelings until she receives an anonymous note of love in her locker.

This is where the movie takes off, delivering a wild ride of secret desires, hidden crushes, and anonymous love letters. Lori Loughlin, playing the role of Toni, is Michael's lifelong best friend. Toni knows every little detail about Michael like the back of her hand. She is silent, supportive, and has an unspoken crush on Michael. Being ever supportive, she decides to help Michael by writing a very eloquent, anonymous love letter on his behalf and slipping it into Deborah's locker.

What follows is a chain reaction of wild presumptions, suspicions, and utter chaos. Everyone who comes into contact with this 'secret love letter' misinterprets its original intentions and recipient, leading to a comedic whirlwind of mistaken identities. Parents and friends of the main characters become entangled in the confusion, resulting in a series of witty and humorous exchanges.

C. Thomas Howell brilliantly captures the humorous and confused high school guy's persona and navigates through this chaotic labyrinth with incredible awkwardness that results in a high dose of comedy. Lori Loughlin excels in portraying a supportive friend in love, using her unique wit and unmistakable charm to create a memorable character. Kelly Preston, with her glamorous screen presence, skillfully brings her character Deborah to life as the meanwhile object of everyone's affection.

The story is set against the backdrop of suburban America, which instills a sense of nostalgia and innocence that complements the theme of the movie. With the local high school and a peaceful neighborhood as the film’s primary locales, Secret Admirer showcases an idyllic American adolescent life, complete with house parties, school dances, and gorgeous summer afternoons.

One captivating element of the movie is the ‘80s fashion, which is beautifully encapsulated through the characters' wardrobes. The film serves as a time capsule with its high-waisted jeans, oversized blazers, and big hairdos, reflecting the era's trends and aesthetics.

The movie, directed by David Greenwalt, brilliantly balances intense teenage emotions, light-hearted humor, and tense moments of confusion. Throughout the film, Greenwalt manages to maintain a consistent pace and rhythm, allowing the audience to anticipate the disastrous consequences of the misunderstandings, while simultaneously enjoying the humor and hilarity that it generates.

In terms of its soundtrack, Secret Admirer offers a collection of 80s hits that add another layer of nostalgia to the film. The tunes accompany and enhance the atmosphere of different scenes, whether they are filled with teenage angst, heartfelt moments, or comedic relief.

In essence, Secret Admirer from 1985 is a delightful teen romantic comedy that takes you on a roller coaster of laughter, excitement, and mystery. The movie showcases the innocent romantic struggles of teen life, amped up with a uniquely humorous twist that makes for an entertaining watch. If you're a fan of 80's comedies or movies about complicated yet innocent adolescent love, this film is sure to be an enjoyable trip down memory lane.