The Worst John Hughes Film: Weird Science
- Jasmin Rowcliffe
- Apr 24
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 29
One theme in the film, Weird Science, is outcasts. The outcasts Wyatt and Gary seek popularity and attention from the ladies, specifically Hilly and Deb. However, they have boyfriends of their own. Wyatt and Gary come up with a plan to make their ideal women by using a doll and Wyatt’s computer to make this come true.
Magic is another theme in this film. Magic was the main theme that revolved around the movie. Wyatt and Gary created a woman through Wyatt’s computer, whom they named Lisa. Lisa has magical powers which she uses to get what the boys want or what she sees best for the boys.
Standing up for yourself is a theme inside this film. Lisa wants the boys to become individuals who are brave and can stand up for themselves. Consequently, Lisa lures an evil bike gang into Wyatt’s house, and this leads Wyatt and Gary to stand up for not only themselves, but for everyone in the party.
Gary and Wyatt are socially unpopular and considered to be two nerdy boys. However, this takes a turn when the boys create a beautiful intelligent woman named Lisa. The boys move up the social ladder because Lisa brings them out of their comfort to become a part of the “cool kids.” While their love interests break up with their awful boyfriends and seek love from them and Lisa forces Chet to be nice to the boys by setting him straight. Along their journey, this is filled with tons of slapstick comedy. This ranges from inappropriate jokes to mutant bikers crashing the party with tons of violence and threats. Wyatt and Gary develop confidence and save the party and people.
I have two favorite scenes from Weird Science. The first scene that had me laughing uncontrollably was the scene with Wyatt's grandparents meeting Lisa. Lisa flat out tells the grandparents she was created and tells them off and proceeds to freeze the grandparents. My other favorite scene is the scene where Lisa makes Wyatt's brother an ugly toad looking creature. These scenes are very unrealistic but adds to the magic and comedy of the film.
Weird Science impacted culture in various ways. First of all, the fashion in the film influenced the “80’s look.” For instance, big puffy hair and oversized clothing like blazers and sweaters were notable fashion trends. The music featured iconic 80s music like, “Oh, Pretty Women” and “Tesla Girls.” Weird Science had the best iconic soundtrack out of most of Hughes films. The teenage angst in the film shows how awkward teenagers can be and how they handle romantic relationships and strive for social acceptance.
Weird Science was given a rating of sixty percent by critics on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics believe the film isn’t as good as Hughes’ other films, but critics give it credit for some of the ridiculous moments that get laughs. I agree with critics, John Hughes other films hold higher standards and the overall expectations for this film were not met. One person on IMDb said it was the worst John Hughes movie, and I fully agree with that! However, Hughes still managed to add comedy into the film which makes it a tad easier to watch.
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