For Keeps?

I've seen this movie a couple of times and I love it to death! I'd have to say that I have two all time favorite movies, and this is a tie with The Year My Voice Broke. This movie, is set in (present day -which at the time was 1988)in a small town of the U.S. These two high school sweethearts get pregnant, and decide that although both sets of parents are against it, they are going to get married. It's the story of their successes and trials that they face throughout their pregnancy and once the baby is born while they are married. Molly Ringwald is wonderful in the movie, but then, I think she's one of the most talented actresses, who unfortunately was type-casted so much, really wasn't able to overcome it after the '80s. Her leading man is also very good. I found him to be a great pick for that role, and he made you believe he really was his character. This movie is sweet, sincere, and really true to what the message is trying to say. I love this movie, and hope that all of you will take the time to watch it. It's not only educational but romantic, and heartwarming. I give it a 10 out of 10.

That's my review.

I was expecting an 80s-type young couple comedy. Boy was I wrong. This is some serious stuff, like what happens after you get married to someone you think you're in love with. You don't really know what love is if you haven't known pain.

Ringwald gives a great performance, especially as she's going through post-partum depression. I didn't particularly like the camera work or the laconic script, but I did appreciate the work that went into the direction and the production. I thought the pacing was fantastic - it's not what you would expect and I was pleasantly surprised.

Darcy (Molly Ringwald) is a high school senior. She is interested in becoming a journalist and her domineering mother encourages her to pursue college. Darcy, however, is also in love with fellow senior, Stan, who has been offered a complete architectural scholarship to Cal Tech. Despite being on the pill, Darcy ends up pregnant. Whatever will the young couple do? This sweet film is a bit stretched in the realism department, but is carried well by the two young stars. Molly, especially, is so lovely and touching, one wonders why she never became a major star. The supporting cast is capable, the costumes very alluring, and the scenery of Kenosha, Wisconsin, captured perfectly. If it is your mission, ladies, to see as many romantic dramas as you can, add this one to your list, by all means.

The story is a sweet romantic comedy about teen pregnancy. Unfortunately it is a bit uneven. Funny, then drama, then complicated. The characters are well played in each part.

I remember sitting in the theater watching this. During the first half of the movie, it's quite sweet and more than a little humorous, but then, about the time of the baby's birth, the tone takes a drastic and sudden downturn. It seemed to me that someone from some parents league had cornered the director and said something like, "If you make a light-hearted comedy about pregnant teens, then teens all over America are going to think it's fun to have a baby... Why not show some of the problems young couples with children have to face?" The second part of the movie piles on so much trouble, misfortune and drama that it seems like some kind of Lifetime docudrama. So much in their young lives goes wrong that in order to have an acceptable ending, too much has to go right all at once. The ending just doesn't seem believable because it is such a sudden jump from the end of the second act.

I liked the characters, who remained believable throughout the various situations. The plot and direction could have been worked out a bit more carefully.

For Keeps (1988) Molly Ringwald, Randall Batinkoff, Kenneth Mars, Miriam Flynn, Conchata Ferrell, Sharon Brown, Renee Estevez, John Zarchen, Michelle Downy, Pauly Shore, D: John G. Avildsen.

Long-term high school couple marries thinking they can handle a life together after diligent Ringwald gets pregnant.

Truthful teen trials like sex, marriage, parenthood, and family acceptance are underscored, but the repercussions of the story are obvious and insincere. Good intentions though.

Running Time: 98 minutes and rated PG-13 for some language and sexual situations.

RATING: ** (out of ****)