Some Kind of Wonderful

Some Kind of Wonderful

Year: 1987

Runtime: 95 min

Language: English

Director: Howard Deutch

DramaRomance

Keith, a high school student struggling with his place, finds himself caught between his loyal best friend Watts and the captivating Amanda Jones. As he navigates the complexities of first love, he experiences the bittersweet moments of adolescence, learning about friendship, longing, and the challenges of finding where he truly belongs. The film portrays the tender and often awkward realities of teenage life and the pursuit of connection.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Some Kind of Wonderful (1987)

Trace every key event in Some Kind of Wonderful (1987) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Introduction to Keith's Dilemma

In San Fernando Valley, we meet Keith Nelson, a talented mechanic with a passion for art. As he navigates the pressures from his father to pursue business school, he faces an internal struggle about his future and identity.

San Fernando Valley High School
2

Watts, the Supportive Friend

Keith's closest ally, Watts, provides a counterpoint to his romantic aspirations. A spirited drummer, she often offers him her insights on love and the reality of their social environment, especially concerning the queen bee, Amanda.

3

Introduction of Amanda Jones

Amanda Jones, the school's admired queen, appears to live the perfect life. However, beneath her glamorous facade lies a story of struggle, as she grapples with her modest background and a controlling boyfriend, Hardy Jenns.

4

Keith’s Infatuation with Amanda

Keith's attention becomes fixated on Amanda, despite Watts’ concerns about their starkly different backgrounds. This infatuation leads him to take risks and get involved in situations that challenge his character.

Detention Room
5

Duncan, the Trouble Maker

During detention, Keith encounters Duncan, the notorious rebel. Their unexpected camaraderie forms when Keith attempts to win Amanda's affection, showcasing how love can forge unlikely friendships.

Detention Room
6

Amanda Ends Things with Hardy

After a tumultuous relationship, Amanda makes the brave decision to break up with Hardy. This pivotal moment empowers Keith to finally ask her out, a gesture that also opens the door to Watts’ hidden feelings.

7

Watts' Hidden Feelings

As Keith's popularity soars with his date confirmation, Watts wrestles with her growing feelings for him. She feigns interest in another boy to gauge Keith's sincerity regarding Amanda, creating tension in their friendship.

8

Keith's Social Fallout

Keith's choice to date Amanda causes a rift with his wealthy friends, who label him unworthy of their elite social circle. Despite this fallout, he is determined to prove his worth and pursue a genuine connection with Amanda.

9

The Big Date Preparation

Keith plans an extravagant and romantic outing for Amanda, showcasing his commitment. With Watts as their driver and advisor, he presents her with lavish gifts and thoughtful gestures, including diamond earrings.

10

A Memorable Evening

On their big date, Keith and Amanda enjoy an upscale dinner followed by a visit to an art museum. It culminates in a heartfelt moment where Keith presents a painting he created for her, making the night unforgettable.

Fine Dining Restaurant and Art Museum
11

Confrontation at Hardy's Party

Keith's joyful evening takes a dark turn at Hardy's party where he is brutally attacked by Hardy's gang. Thanks to Duncan and his friends, they intervene, exposing Hardy's true cowardice, leading to a confrontation.

Hardy's Party
12

Amanda Takes a Stand

Witnessing the chaos, Amanda chooses to stand up for herself and Keith by slapping Hardy, signifying her break from his tyranny. This bold move signifies her growth and independence from her toxic relationship.

Hardy's Party
13

Realizations and Farewell

As emotions run high, Amanda confronts her feelings about Keith and Watts. Understanding their mutual attraction, she encourages Keith to pursue Watts, fostering a moment of self-awareness and growth.

14

The Reunion with Watts

With newfound clarity, Keith rushes to find Watts after saying goodbye to Amanda. In a passionate moment of connection, they share a heartfelt kiss, demonstrating their undeniable bond.

15

Watts Wears Keith's Future

As Keith gifts Watts the diamond earrings once again, it symbolizes their love and future together. Her joy radiates as she adorns herself with the earrings, and Keith's poignant words reinforce their bond.

Last Updated: November 21, 2024 at 09:36

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Awkward, Hopeful High School Love Triangles like Some Kind of Wonderful

Stories where friendship and first love intertwine in tender, awkward adolescence.If you enjoyed the romantic tension and heartfelt choices in Some Kind of Wonderful, explore other movies like it. This section features similar romance stories with teenage love triangles, loyal friendships, and hopeful, uplifting endings that capture the tender chaos of first love.

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The narrative pattern involves a protagonist, often an outsider or artist, struggling against social hierarchies and parental expectations. Through a series of bittersweet experiences—parties, confrontations, intimate conversations—they learn powerful lessons about friendship, courage, and love, culminating in a personal victory that solidifies their identity.

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These films are grouped by their distinctive era-specific atmosphere, their medium-intensity emotional weight, and their balanced focus on both romantic longing and the deeper quest for self-acceptance. They share a hopeful, steady, and straightforward approach to storytelling that feels quintessentially of their time.

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Some Kind of Wonderful Summary

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Some Kind of Wonderful Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Some Kind of Wonderful

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Some Kind of Wonderful. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Some Kind of Wonderful

Some Kind of Wonderful Spoiler-Free Summary

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Some Kind of Wonderful Spoiler-Free Summary

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