MovieChat Forums > Secret Admirer (1985) Discussion > Possibly the most under-rated '80s Genre...

Possibly the most under-rated '80s Genre' movie


I have been watching this movie for the past 20 years. I first saw it when I was 8 and now I'm 29. It never gets old. When people talk of "80s Genre" movies, the same ones are always discussed - Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink, 16 Candles, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, St. Elmo's Fire, etc. Believe it or not, not many people are too familiar with Secret Admirer. Here are some reasons why I feel it is one of the most under-rated 80s flicks. First, believable performances from C. Thomas Howell, Lori Loughlin, and Kelli Preston. Every guy could empathize with Howell's character, Michael. You strive for the hot chick and when you finally land her, you realize she isn't that great. You realize that the down-to-earth cool chick is the right one. Lori Loughlin was amazing in this movie. If you are a big fan of hers, I suggest you see another 80s hidden gem, Rad. Second, great performances by all 4 parents. They really added a great comedic touch. Fred Ward had some excellent one-liners that Arnold would have been proud of. Third, the soundtrack is pretty cool. Especially, Jan Hammer's amazing score that plays throughout the movie. Fourth, even though the ending is predictable, you gotta love it, especially if you're a big sap like me. From the time he punches Steve Powers, the excitement really builds. I love the music playing in the background while he's in pursuit. And the best part about the scene is the desperation in Michael's voice when he utters, "Toni." You really feel for the guy. I hope I didn't bore anyone. Feel free to share your thoughts on this 80s classic.

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I completely agree. I've seen it many many times over the years, but it does tend to get lost with the more popular '80s films like all the John Hughes ones. I love those too, but it's unfortunate this one gets over looked so much. It has great '80s actors, an awesome love story, the unrequited love from a best friend, and a killer soundtrack. What's best about it is the inclusion of the parents. Most of time these teen movies have idiot parents or ones who are non-existent through out the entire film. The fact that they have their own hilarious side storyline is great. It's easily one of my faves and that ending is oh so sweet.

-Di

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I know what you mean danser, and I totally agree with you Di. I still love Hughes' movies more, but Secret Admirer is a pretty good 80s movie in its own right. And you make a good point about the parents. In most 80s movies teenagers are given so much freedom to act as recklessly as they want, you have to wonder about their parental guidance. It was great to finally have parents not just present but part of what's happening as well. It also grounded the movie a bit more, because it seems less far-fetched and ridiculous when it's not only teenagers who are involved.


I only do it with superheroes.

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Wow! Great to see all of the feedback! Imagine they re-released the DVD with some cast interviews? Would be awesome!

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I bought the DVD today and re-watched the film. Wow, it really holds up well all these years later. I remember watching it on VHS in the '80s and enjoying it then, and I still think it's a well written film.

C. Thomas Howell carried the movie, and it's a shame his career didn't continue to flourish into the '90s.

Lori Loughlin and Kelly Preston are perfect cast and look absolutely beautiful.

I agree that the mix of the teens and the parents gives the film a certain charm. It is very underrated, and I agree Just One of the Guys is also under-appreciated. Perhaps because they are low-key films, with no big stars but a simple story and a great script.

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Kelly Preston was also in another of the "undderated" movies of the 80's..... MISCHIEF.

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I'm the OP. 5 years later, I'm 34 and still watching the movie. It's on Encore right now. I swear to God this movie never gets old. Will I love this movie at 50?

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We must have caught it on Encore the same day OP. I was a little kid when this movie came out, but I remember watching it on TV every now and then in throughout the 90s. The other day was the first time I'd seen it in years, and yes it is a very good 80s teen movie with fun, likable characters (even the jock boyfriend Steve has some depth and is entertaining to watch). This movie should get a lot more recognition.

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I saw this movie on Encore last night for the first time. I cannot believe I had never seen it - somehow this one slipped by me. I read your original post from 2007 and I agree with your comments. This movie and the musical score are so very beautiful, and this is one of the few 80s movies that has the perfect blend of comedy and drama/romance. It really is a sweet love story.

Another obscure 80s movie I like is The Legend of Billie Jean (1985).

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Great thread you created - I, too, think this is a *gem* of a movie. I LOVE the 80's movies (Valley Girl, 16 Candles, & Some Kind of Wonderful being a few of my faves) ... and this one really sticks out in my mind as another fave.

I've got to say it - C. Thomas Howell was a total hottie in his day. Kelly Preston was HOT ... Lori Loughlin (sp?) was just beautiful. The chemistry between C. Thomas Howell & Lori Loughlin was great.

I'm getting ready to watch it for the umpteenth time. I know I will enjoy it just as much as the first time. I still get chills at the end lol.



I'm reaching for the life within me. How can one man stop his ending. ~ Blue October

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Loved this movie- just bought it and saw it again after not seeing it for years. C. Thomas Howell, Lori Loughlin and Kelly Preston are great in it. Gosh, they've aged well too! I'm surprised C. Thomas Howell isn't more high profile. that's show biz, though.
I loved the scenes with the parents, especially the bridge club scene! Michael's friends were hysterical and largely under-used. Corey Haim was such a cute kid- it's a shame what happened to him.
Back To The Beach w/ Lori Loughlin was another underrated 80's movie- if you're a fan of hers, check that one out too! I recommend taking a drink every time you hear the word "kahuna"- if you watch it, you'll know what I mean, lol!

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Yeah, it's pretty good.

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I agree with most of your points. This has ALWAYS been my favourite 80s teen flick and one of my favourite movies, period! I think I was ten or so when I saw it the first time, and now I'm 33 and I still love it to death.

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I saw this film as a small kid & liked it then. Just rewatched it again after all these years & enjoyed it tremendously. Loved all the little unique touches this film had, including the parents' more active participation unlike other teen comedies.

Out of the list of aforementioned best teen movies you mentioned, the only thing I really liked was 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off.'

The other underrated teen flicks I enjoy are:

-Soul Man
-Some Kind of Wonderful
-Election
-Tea and Sympathy
-Date With An Angel
-That Night


Global Warming, it's a personal decision innit? - Nigel Tufnel

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Not going to write a long comment. i just want to say that I agree. This is one of my favorite 80 movies (I'm a 46 yo male) and I'd 8 star this.

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