Jake Ryan and Samantha Baker are not an item at least not in the beginning of movie. It takes the entire movie and some very odd moments to get them together. Jake does the pursuing as Sammie has opportunities but her shyness pulls her away from at least getting to know Jake. Samantha (aka Molly Ringwald) is a nice looking lady who's birthday is forgotten due to the upcoming wedding of her older sister Ginny. Jake (aka Michael Schoeffling) seems like a reasonably likable senior who wants to get to know Samanatha (the sophomore). He has grown tired of his current girlfriend (a very sexy senior) who's only interested in having sex with Jake. A strictly physical relationship gets old over time. Jake decides he wants to connect with Sam and to his credit he takes a few daring steps to contact her. The most daring is to call her home phone number. Unfortunately, Sam's grandparents have taken over Sam's bedroom and when Jake calls the grandma or grandpa pick up the receiver. In the end Jake gets a tongue lashing from grandma. To his credit Jake is determined to connect with Sam. The morning of the wedding He goes to her house and is told by the visiting exchange student (aka Gedde Watanabe) that the family has gone to church for her older sister's wedding. Jake drives to the church and meets up with Samanatha as everyone is leaving for the reception. She finally relaxes as Jake and Sam leave for his house. Sam's dad (aka Paul Dooley) sees her leave and she points out that Jake is the guy.
I like the realism of Sixteen Candles and remember my high school days especially my senior year. Many of the nicer looking 9th grade ladies got the attention of the senior guys. They liked the attention they received. All that would change over the four years of high school and the onset of puberty. Suddenly the time between a passing period would get replaced by a kiss as a lively chat took a back seat.
To its credit Director John Hughes took Sixteen Candles no further then the innocent high school romance. The final scene was Jake and Sam kissing over a candle lit birthday cake ... very nice.
I like the realism of Sixteen Candles and remember my high school days especially my senior year. Many of the nicer looking 9th grade ladies got the attention of the senior guys. They liked the attention they received. All that would change over the four years of high school and the onset of puberty. Suddenly the time between a passing period would get replaced by a kiss as a lively chat took a back seat.
To its credit Director John Hughes took Sixteen Candles no further then the innocent high school romance. The final scene was Jake and Sam kissing over a candle lit birthday cake ... very nice.