BRATS

"Everybody wanted to be in the Brat Pack. Except them."

2024 1h 32m EN

😐

6.1

MID

★6.1TMDB · 60

Documentary

Synopsis

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In the 1980s, Andrew McCarthy was part of a young generation of actors who were set to take over Hollywood after a string of successful teen movies. However, when the New York magazine cover story in 1985 dubs them the Brat Pack, stars in the making suddenly find themselves losing control over the trajectory of their careers. Now, almost forty years later, McCarthy looks to reconnect with peers and co-stars so that together they can reflect on their respective legacies.

“Everybody wanted to be in the Brat Pack. Except them.”

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Where to watch · US

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Cast

Andrew McCarthy
Self
Emilio Estevez
Self
Ally Sheedy
Self
Demi Moore
Self
Rob Lowe
Self
Timothy Hutton
Self
Lea Thompson
Self
Jon Cryer
Self

Credits

Behind the camera

Director: Andrew McCarthy
Languages: English
Countries: Canada, United States of America

Want more? Switch to Cinephile mode in the header for DP, composer, budget, box office, production companies, keywords, and release history.

Did you know?

Fun facts 🍿

1 / 8

ERA

Did you know

Released 2 years ago.

MoodPlayr · trivia#01

2 / 8

WORLD

Did you know

International production across 2 countries: Canada, United States of America.

MoodPlayr · trivia#02

3 / 8

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Directed by Andrew McCarthy, shot by Evans Brown. Note their partnership — DPs and directors often return to each other across a career.

MoodPlayr · trivia#03

4 / 8

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Original score by Edo van Breemen. Worth a dedicated listen after — most great films lose half their impact without the score.

MoodPlayr · trivia#04

5 / 8

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Editor Tony Kent shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.

MoodPlayr · trivia#05

6 / 8

CAST

Did you know

Andrew McCarthy and Emilio Estevez and Ally Sheedy carry the top of the cast.

MoodPlayr · trivia#06

7 / 8

FACT

Did you know

Marketing tagline: "Everybody wanted to be in the Brat Pack. Except them.".

MoodPlayr · trivia#07

8 / 8

WILD

Did you know

IMDB entry: tt15823728 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.

MoodPlayr · trivia#08

Cinephile deep dive

The take

Andrew McCarthy directs. Evans Brown behind the camera. Edo van Breemen scores. Tony Kent cuts. Runs lean at under 100 minutes. Produced in Canada, United States of America. Dialogue in English.

Trivia

Things worth knowing

1Released 2 years ago.
2International production across 2 countries: Canada, United States of America.
3Directed by Andrew McCarthy, shot by Evans Brown. Note their partnership — DPs and directors often return to each other across a career.
4Original score by Edo van Breemen. Worth a dedicated listen after — most great films lose half their impact without the score.
5Editor Tony Kent shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.
6Andrew McCarthy and Emilio Estevez and Ally Sheedy carry the top of the cast.
7Marketing tagline: "Everybody wanted to be in the Brat Pack. Except them.".
8IMDB entry: tt15823728 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.
9Only 60 TMDB ratings — you're getting ahead of the curve on this one.

The technical file

Cinematography: Evans Brown
Original score: Edo van Breemen
Editing: Tony Kent
Sound: Taja Jinnah
Runtime: 92 min · 1h 32m
Aspect ratio (typical): 1.37:1 (Academy)
Status: Released
Original language: EN
IMDB: BRATS (2024)

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Andrew McCarthy

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Community reviews

What people are saying

TheSceneSnobs2024-07-09
★ 3/10
Andrew McCarthy’s latest documentary had the potential to be a nostalgic masterpiece, reminiscent of an era that defined a generation. However, it ultimately fell short, primarily due to McCarthy's involvement. As a fan of the films of the 'Brat Pack', I believe this documentary missed the mark in several key areas. This documentary, clocking in at ninety minutes, feels like an extended exercise in grievance rather than an insightful exploration of the "Brat Pack" phenomenon. McCarthy’s evident resentment toward the term "Brat Pack" permeates the film, transforming what could have been a celebratory reflection into a personal vendetta. Rob Lowe emerges as the standout element of this documentary. His pragmatic and almost philosophical take on the "Brat Pack" label illustrates why his career has endured far longer compared to some of his peers. Lowe’s commentary offers a stark contrast to McCarthy’s bitter tone, highlighting a significant thematic divide within the film. For instance, when Lowe discusses embracing the label and moving forward, it provides a refreshing perspective that the documentary sorely lacks overall. The documentary might have been more engaging if it had included a narrative arc where McCarthy evolves to appreciate the title. Unfortunately, this journey of self-awareness is conspicuously absent. Instead, viewers are left witnessing McCarthy struggle with a term that continues to haunt him. This lack of growth or resolution undermines the film's potential impact. Imagine if the documentary had culminated in McCarthy’s acceptance and understanding of the "Brat Pack" label, much like how documentaries such as "Won't You Be My Neighbor?" successfully showcase personal and professional transformations. The final few minutes of the documentary attempt to offer some praise towards the "Brat Pack" moniker. However, McCarthy’s apparent discomfort with this positive shift renders it ineffective. It feels like a last-ditch effort to garner sympathy or agreement after realizing that his peers have moved on. The film would have been significantly more compelling if it had focused on this reconciliatory tone throughout, rather than relegating it to the closing moments. Think of documentaries like "20 Feet from Stardom," where the ending brings a sense of closure and triumph, something McCarthy's film could have greatly benefited from. In conclusion, while there are fleeting moments of introspection and commendation, McCarthy’s documentary ultimately flounders in its bitterness. The best parts of the film are ironically the credits, leaving viewers to wonder what could have been if the entire documentary had embraced a more reflective and less antagonistic approach. For a documentary that could have celebrated the legacy of the "Brat Pack" and provided a cathartic journey for its creator, it instead serves as a reminder of how unresolved resentment can overshadow the opportunity for meaningful storytelling.
Louisa Moore - Screen Zealots2024-07-17
★ 7/10
Most Gen Xers will remember with fondness the infamous “Brat Pack,” a group of young stars who ruled the entertainment world back in the mid-1980s. Nobody was bigger than these actors, including Rob Lowe, Ally Sheedy, Demi Moore, Emilio Estevez, Molly Ringwald, and Judd Nelson. But with that superstardom and unfortunate moniker came decades of sadness, regret, and pain. One of the original members of the Pack, Andrew McCarthy, decided to make a film to deal with the group’s shared experiences after being collectively labeled by an article in New York magazine in 1985. The result is “Brats,” a deeply personal and surprisingly insightful documentary. This is a terrific film, especially if you’re interested in the subjects. McCarthy has a personal connection that gives him more intimate access to his former co-stars (many of whom he hasn’t seen nor spoken to in over 30 years). Some are more forthcoming than others (the raw honesty and heartfelt interviews resemble difficult therapy sessions, especially with an incredibly open Moore and a standoffish, obviously still-pained Estevez), and a couple of the former Brat Pack refuse to talk to him at all. But what is revealed is fascinating in a way that’s unexpected, and it’s clear almost all of them have been living with a heavy burden from the typecasting that significantly impacted their careers and personal lives. McCarthy has created a cathartic experience for all of the actors involved, but he also includes perspectives from fans and cultural critics. He’s chosen an interesting mix of subjects to interview, and most of them are eager to discuss the enduring legacy of the Brat Pack films and their place (that’s firmly cemented) in cinematic history. It’s a ton of fun to revisit the actors that defined a generation, but this documentary is so much more than just a nostalgic trip back to the 80s. What makes “Brats” so powerful is the way McCarthy’s introspective journey grows into a deep dive into the psychology and consequences of fame and the weight of labels. The film is a reflection on the power of words and their lasting impact, and is a reminder of how important it is to chose them carefully. By: Louisa Moore / SCREEN ZEALOTS