As a movie, Girls Just Want to Have Fun is simple and cheesy. As an 80s time capsule full of nostalgia, it's highly entertaining. Maybe it's because I watched this movie a lot as a kid, but I couldn't stop grinning the whole time. I loved the music, I laughed at the jokes and I wanted a friend like Lynne. This isn't a great film, but it's not supposed to be. It's just supposed to be fun.
77 Reviews
Dance dance dance
BandSAboutMovies12 April 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Girls Just Want to Have Fun is named for the Cyndi Lauper song, but it doesn't even have the original song in the movie. If that fact upsets you, perhaps this isn't the film for you.
What it does have is plenty of star power before they were famous. Sarah Jessica Parker, Helen Hunt and Shannen Doherty appear here way before anyone knew who they were. It's a fun little bit of fluff all about Parker's character getting to be on the show Dance TV.
Parker's dance partner for the show is played by Lee Montgomery, who is practically royalty around these parts. After all, he played the kid in Burnt Offerings, the rat loving Ben in the movie of the same name, the undead Bobby in the TV movie Dead of Night and he also stars in the fantastic TV movie musical The Midnight Hour.
I love how completely off the wall Helen Hunt's outfits are here. There's also an astounding scene where punk rockers and bodybuilders infiltrate a sweet sixteen party that had me laughing out loud.
This is a movie that knows how to cast people. Parker's rival's dad is played by Morgan Woodward who played the frightening Boss Godfrey in Cool Hand Luke. There's a lot of suggestion here that he's in love with his daughter in all of the wrong ways. Or maybe it's just that she treats him like a sugar daddy. Oh yeah - Parker's dad is played by Ed Lauter of Death Wish 3 and so many more films!
One of the actors in the film, Terry McGovern, has a pretty interesting career. He invented the term Wookie while filming THX-1138 with George Lucas. He was the voice of Launchpad McQuack and was also Dan Stevens, the fake announcer for the NFL2K series of games.
When it comes to the kids dancing, there are even more people who would go on to greatness. One of the dancers is Robin Antin, who was the creative force behind the Pussycat Dolls as well as a noted choreographer. Plus, other dancers are noted film programmer Bruce Goldstein and Gina Gershon.
Hank Azaria has an uncredited role here and so does Cyndi Lauper, which kind of makes me laugh that she's in the movie and her song isn't.
The final dance-off is astounding, with the evil girl doing dives off the set. I think more movies should have a final dance-off. It makes it way more interesting. Now I have to go think of how to work them into other films.
What it does have is plenty of star power before they were famous. Sarah Jessica Parker, Helen Hunt and Shannen Doherty appear here way before anyone knew who they were. It's a fun little bit of fluff all about Parker's character getting to be on the show Dance TV.
Parker's dance partner for the show is played by Lee Montgomery, who is practically royalty around these parts. After all, he played the kid in Burnt Offerings, the rat loving Ben in the movie of the same name, the undead Bobby in the TV movie Dead of Night and he also stars in the fantastic TV movie musical The Midnight Hour.
I love how completely off the wall Helen Hunt's outfits are here. There's also an astounding scene where punk rockers and bodybuilders infiltrate a sweet sixteen party that had me laughing out loud.
This is a movie that knows how to cast people. Parker's rival's dad is played by Morgan Woodward who played the frightening Boss Godfrey in Cool Hand Luke. There's a lot of suggestion here that he's in love with his daughter in all of the wrong ways. Or maybe it's just that she treats him like a sugar daddy. Oh yeah - Parker's dad is played by Ed Lauter of Death Wish 3 and so many more films!
One of the actors in the film, Terry McGovern, has a pretty interesting career. He invented the term Wookie while filming THX-1138 with George Lucas. He was the voice of Launchpad McQuack and was also Dan Stevens, the fake announcer for the NFL2K series of games.
When it comes to the kids dancing, there are even more people who would go on to greatness. One of the dancers is Robin Antin, who was the creative force behind the Pussycat Dolls as well as a noted choreographer. Plus, other dancers are noted film programmer Bruce Goldstein and Gina Gershon.
Hank Azaria has an uncredited role here and so does Cyndi Lauper, which kind of makes me laugh that she's in the movie and her song isn't.
The final dance-off is astounding, with the evil girl doing dives off the set. I think more movies should have a final dance-off. It makes it way more interesting. Now I have to go think of how to work them into other films.
Nice Popcorn Session
claudio_carvalho30 August 2004
Janey Glenn (Sarah Jessica Parker) is a teenager newcomer in Chicago, who loves the TV show Dancing in TV. In the Catholic school, she becomes friend of Lynne Stone (Helen Hunt), who also loves to dance and invites her to an audition to be part of the show. However, her tough father, who raises Janey in a military environment, does not accept her participation in the audition, and she has lots of trouble to escape for the competition. The rich Natalie Sands (Holly Gagnier) tries to use the influence and power of her wealthy father to win the competition. This silly movie is crowded of teenager starlets. It is funny to see names such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Helen Hunt, Jonathan Silverman, Shannen Doherty, in the beginning of their careers, playing very goofy and foolish roles. However, the story is nice, there are good songs from the 80´s and in the end, it is an attractive and forgettable entertainment. My vote is six.
Title (Brazil): `Dançando na TV' (`Dancing in TV')
Title (Brazil): `Dançando na TV' (`Dancing in TV')
Dancing in Heaven
angelcitygal18 June 1999
If you didn't first see this movie between the ages of 8 and 15, you probably won't experience the same joy and nostalgia as those of us lucky enough to have seen it in those golden years of our lives.
Today I found out that two girls in my office also love this movie, and it was like finding two kindred spirits. My sister and I used to watch this movie over and over again on cable. Yes, it's predictable and cheesy, but that's what's so fun about it! And was 80s pop culture (cheeseball pop music, teased hair, Velcro, loud clothes and dance TV programs--think "Solid Gold") ever so well documented on film?
Yes, you can watch Helen Hunt in her Oscar-winning performance in "As Good As it Gets"...but wouldn't you rather watch her become "Miss D-TV"?
Ah, the memories...
Today I found out that two girls in my office also love this movie, and it was like finding two kindred spirits. My sister and I used to watch this movie over and over again on cable. Yes, it's predictable and cheesy, but that's what's so fun about it! And was 80s pop culture (cheeseball pop music, teased hair, Velcro, loud clothes and dance TV programs--think "Solid Gold") ever so well documented on film?
Yes, you can watch Helen Hunt in her Oscar-winning performance in "As Good As it Gets"...but wouldn't you rather watch her become "Miss D-TV"?
Ah, the memories...
Fun 80's teen/dance flick
Wuchakk22 September 2014
A Catholic school girl (Sarah Jessica Parker) hooks up with a cool guy from public school (Lee Montgomery) to enter a TV dance competition in Chicago. Helen Hunt plays her best friend while Holly Gagnier is on hand as her spoiled nemesis. A 13 year-old Shannen Doherty appears as the guy's little sister.
"Girls Just Want to Have Fun" (1985) mixes the 80's teen/school genre with the 80's dance genre in the mold of "Footloose" (1984), just not as heavy with the anti-legalism theme. It's a fun, energetic flick like "Heavenly Bodies" (1984), but more teen-oriented.
Although those two movies are better, "Girls" is a good movie for when you're in the mood for a lighthearted fun 80's flick. Sarah was 19 years-old during shooting and never looked better; same thing with Holly Gagnier (Natalie), except she was 26 at the time. It's interesting to see Doherty when she was so young and innocent. I shouldn't fail to mention Charene Cathleen in a bit part as Patty.
On the masculine front, Montgomery is effective as the "hip" male protagonist, coming off as a mid-80's version of the The Fonz. It's a wonder his career never took off. If you like him, be sure to catch him in his final movie, 1988's "Into the Fire," aka "The Legend of Wolf Lodge," where he plays the same type of character as in "Girls," except that it's an adult-oriented tragedy.
Interestingly, the producers didn't use Cyndi Lauper's version of the title song for licensing reasons. Yet the cover version is acceptable.
Bottom line, if you're in the mood for a flick in the mold of "Heavenly Bodies," "Footloose," "Teenage Dream" (1986), "Flashdance" (1983) and "Tuff Turf" (1985) this one fills the bill.
The film runs 1 hour, 30 minutes, and was shot in Los Angeles & Culver City (the mall), with some exteriors done in Chicago.
GRADE: B.
"Girls Just Want to Have Fun" (1985) mixes the 80's teen/school genre with the 80's dance genre in the mold of "Footloose" (1984), just not as heavy with the anti-legalism theme. It's a fun, energetic flick like "Heavenly Bodies" (1984), but more teen-oriented.
Although those two movies are better, "Girls" is a good movie for when you're in the mood for a lighthearted fun 80's flick. Sarah was 19 years-old during shooting and never looked better; same thing with Holly Gagnier (Natalie), except she was 26 at the time. It's interesting to see Doherty when she was so young and innocent. I shouldn't fail to mention Charene Cathleen in a bit part as Patty.
On the masculine front, Montgomery is effective as the "hip" male protagonist, coming off as a mid-80's version of the The Fonz. It's a wonder his career never took off. If you like him, be sure to catch him in his final movie, 1988's "Into the Fire," aka "The Legend of Wolf Lodge," where he plays the same type of character as in "Girls," except that it's an adult-oriented tragedy.
Interestingly, the producers didn't use Cyndi Lauper's version of the title song for licensing reasons. Yet the cover version is acceptable.
Bottom line, if you're in the mood for a flick in the mold of "Heavenly Bodies," "Footloose," "Teenage Dream" (1986), "Flashdance" (1983) and "Tuff Turf" (1985) this one fills the bill.
The film runs 1 hour, 30 minutes, and was shot in Los Angeles & Culver City (the mall), with some exteriors done in Chicago.
GRADE: B.
80's Teen Strikes Back
Watcher-3722 August 1999
Sarah Jessica Parker, Helen Hunt and Shannen Doherty headline this movie about a schoolgirl's dream to dance on the TV show Dance TV. A goofy teen comedy that while I didn't laugh, isn't all that bad. Parker is the new girl at the private girlschool who is instantly befriended by Helen Hunt and together they set off on a series of scams designed to get Parker a chance to win a spot on Dance TV as a new regular. Doherty is the 12 year old sister of the guy that Parker ends up matched with for the final contest. It's a 80's teen comedy, an acting workshop it's not, and while there is really nothing overly wrong with the film, it's not like you have to run out and see it either.
Girls just want to have fun makes you want to dance, or be a dancer
Meredith-720 May 1999
I remember seeing this film in the cinemas when I was 10 years old. At the end of the film all the audience clapped and cheered, I had never seen that phenomenon before and have not experienced it since. The film may be slightly predictable, but it is a must see for any pre-teen or teenage girl. Before my after school dance lessons me and my friends would always watch this film to put us in a dancing mood. Just like Top Gun encouraged people to be pilots, Girls Just Want to have Fun makes you want to dance, or be a dancer. Sarah Jessica Parker and Helen Hunt are terrific in their roles, a sign of things to come perhaps? While lee Montgomery was ever so cute!. I have to say though my favorite scene(s) are the "I Can Fly" routine, the audition process and the dance off at the end. In summary this film may be lightweight but it sure is a lot of fun-even almost 15 years later.
so very cheesy
SnoopyStyle21 October 2017
Janey Glenn (Sarah Jessica Parker) is new at her Catholic girls school. She's happy to be in Chicago near her favorite show Dance TV. She's a good girl struggling under her controlling Army father. She is befriended by worldly Lynne Stone (Helen Hunt) who shares her love of Dance TV. The girls, ruthless little rich girl Natalie Sands, Jeff Malene with his comedic friend Drew (Jonathan Silverman) and little sister Maggie Malene (Shannen Doherty), and many others audition for the show.
This is so very cheesy. One can have a great grilled cheese sandwich party with this movie. It has no reality. It tries to be a light fun affair. Cyndi Lauper does have a cameo. It's a silly teen movie with a few familiar faces when they were younger. It has some fun value in the right mindset.
This is so very cheesy. One can have a great grilled cheese sandwich party with this movie. It has no reality. It tries to be a light fun affair. Cyndi Lauper does have a cameo. It's a silly teen movie with a few familiar faces when they were younger. It has some fun value in the right mindset.
The best of cheesy 80's flics!
wwfchic28 June 1999
I loved this movie - I've seen it probably a hundred times. Besides the all-star cast of Sarah Jessica Parker, Helen Hunt, Shannen Doherty and Jonathan Silverman - it's just a fun movie! The dancing is good - the music is fun! I just love it!!!
Cute, girly fun, a bit dated but, overall, quite nice
inkblot1119 December 2007
Jane (Sarah Jessica Parker) is the daughter of a stern Air Force officer. They have moved around so much that she has gone to at least a dozen different schools. However, the family has just settled in Chicago, with an intention to stay awhile. This is good news for Janie, for she dearly loves a national television show that is shot in Chicago, Dance TV and she hopes to catch a live viewing. After Janie makes her first close friend at school, Lynn (Helen Hunt), they both discover that Dance TV is looking for a new dance couple to be featured on the show and that the executives are holding a tryout very shortly. Lynn encourages Janie to audition, even though it will mean cutting a few classes and sneaking out to practice, as Jane's father must not know about it. Making it to the finals, Janie is paired with handsome Jeff (Lee Montgomery) and they begin to rehearse every night. But, will Janie's father find out? And, can they really win the darn thing when another contestant, rich and spoiled, is trying to get her father to rig the event? This is a cute movie with a big heart. Parker, in one of her first major roles, is enchanting as the strong-willed but soft-hearted Janie, who doesn't wait for boys to kiss her, she kisses them first! Hunt provides great support, as does Montgomery, Shannen Doherty (very young), and especially Jonathan Silverman as a money-scheming friend of Jeff's. Yes, the film looks a bit dated, with its 80's costumes and pedestrian camera work. But, the dance scenes are quite energetic while gal-themed movies with good values and strong-female roles are always welcome for young viewers everywhere. If you and your daughters want to share an upbeat, follow-your-heart movie, with humor and sweetness, this is a wonderful choice. All who do will just have fun, indeed.
Core 80's
iquine12 July 2017
Warning: Spoilers
(Flash Review)
Impetus for viewing: Netflix was going to remove it from streaming soon. So I checked this one off my pure 80's list to reduce ridicule for having not yet seen it. Hahaha Awash in happy, bold and garish 80's styles, this is a movie about a dance competition. Parker's character is a dynamite dancer and against her father's wishes and knowledge enters a partner dance competition with a dude who wears a leather jackets and rides a motorcycle. Cue teenage rebellion plot line as well as fake forced emotional scenes. I was surprised the music wasn't better, no big hits and with this title for the movie, didn't even use Cindy Lauper's (sp) original song version. She wouldn't allow it. Ha. The cinematography is boring and isn't used to accentuate any scenes. It was strange to see Helen Hunt as a giddy teenager since she now plays very reserved characters.
Impetus for viewing: Netflix was going to remove it from streaming soon. So I checked this one off my pure 80's list to reduce ridicule for having not yet seen it. Hahaha Awash in happy, bold and garish 80's styles, this is a movie about a dance competition. Parker's character is a dynamite dancer and against her father's wishes and knowledge enters a partner dance competition with a dude who wears a leather jackets and rides a motorcycle. Cue teenage rebellion plot line as well as fake forced emotional scenes. I was surprised the music wasn't better, no big hits and with this title for the movie, didn't even use Cindy Lauper's (sp) original song version. She wouldn't allow it. Ha. The cinematography is boring and isn't used to accentuate any scenes. It was strange to see Helen Hunt as a giddy teenager since she now plays very reserved characters.
Boys like to have fun too.
pseudo-326 October 1998
This is "hands down" one of the best cheesy teen movies to come out of the 80's. Watching Sarah Jessica Parker dance alongside Lee Montgomery just gives me flashbacks of the days when I dreamed of being a "Solid Gold" dancer! The acting is horrendous, the characters are cardboard cut-outs, and the plot is just way too predictable. I should hate this movie. BUT I LOVED IT!!! And the soundtrack is extreme cheese! LOVED IT!! And who says that only Girls Just To Have Fun??? Boys want to have fun too....
Miss the 80's!!
Marynewcomb201312 January 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Just watched this again for the first time since the 80's & can't believe I forgot how good this was!! Something else that people get confused about is the actual big hair!! This movie came out in 85 and NO big hair is in this!! The big hair didn't come until the late 80's & went into the early 90's to 95!! This movie shows how much fun the 80's were!! How great a time it was!! Nothing like this day and age!! A must watch film!!!
Not So Much Fun
daoldiges21 June 2018
Growing up in the 80's I'm not sure how I missed this film, but when I saw the cast or Parker, Hunt, and Doherty, along with the promise of a great soundtrack I was definitely curious to check it out recently. There is a fun and positive overall energy to the production that I enjoyed and appreciated. However, the script is so predictable and poorly written that nothing can really save it. The direction is also weak and despite all the good energy, much of the acting is pretty bad as well.
I still love this movie!
Carrigon3 November 1999
I just rewatched it on the comedy channel. It's such a feelgood movie. It makes you want to dance. I always wished for a sequel. I would love to see how the characters turned out years later. Sarah and Helen are great in this movie. And I think Sarah did alot of her own stunts because she was doing gymnastics at the time. The dancing is great and the music is pure 80's fun. The movie has a good storyline that moves along with just the right amount of suspense and timing. This is a fun, feelgood dance movie. I highly recommend it.
Still awesome watching it 2021
kysta16 October 2021
Could be called "No Sex in the City"
jlangbert25 August 2002
This one is the worst of what the 80's were about. Bad dancing -- and I mean really bad -- as in clutch your stomach bad, not laughable bad. And a plot that has the audience saying "Who cares?" less than ten minutes into the flick. Makes a Harlequin romance seem like Shakespeare compared to this drivel. No one could like this movie, not even Helen Hunt's mom. Save the four bucks and rent "Sex in the City" instead.
If for no other reason, watch it for a totally goofy, young Helen Hunt!
vertigo_1420 April 2004
Girls Just Want to Have Fun may be one of those horribly geeky dance themed 80s movies, but it's still a comedy that has maintained much of it's entertainment value.
Sarah Jessica Parker is back in something of her Patty Green like phase from "Square Pegs." Here, she portrays Janey Glenn, an army brat who is the new student at an all girl's Catholic school. Her best friend, and the one with the greatest style in this movie, is Lynne Stone (Helen Hunt), a semi-wild child, who doesn't mind breaking a few innocuous rules in order to have some fun.
Lynne encourages Janey to enter the tryouts for new dancers on a television show called 'Dance TV' which looks Dance Party USA. And actually, Janey makes it through the trials to compete in the finals and probably have her shot of being a "tv star." Only problem is, she was teamed up with Jeff Malene (Lee Montgomery) a cute fellow who is supposed to be her competition partner through the rest of the auditions. That'd be fine with Janey, except her father, being far too unrealistic about the situation, doesn't want Janey invovled in the comeptition in the first place and second, doesn't want her getting invovled with boys, and especially not Jeff Malone, who I suppose is supposed to be something like a street tough, but a clean version (as most of the characters in this movie are).
Janey's all set to give up, but Lynne advises her to stay in the competition and helps her keep the tryouts and Janey's burgeoning relationship with Jeff a secret. But, Natalie Sands (Holly Gagnier), a richie misfit who's jealous of Janey's quality time with Jeff, is determined to expose Janey, hoping her dad will find out and put an end to her participation in the tryouts so that Natalie will be able to dance with Jeff instead.
It sounds really corny, and for the most part it is. Even the story is trite (a better version of this story you may recall is 'Bend It Like Beckham'). But, nonetheless, this movie is good for a couple of reasons. Helen Hunt as Lynne Stone is great. Stone is really a girl with great style and she's a real fun loving goof. I think she steals the show more than the rest of the characters. The movie is good, too, if you like 80s movies, even corny ones based around even cornier dancing. The music isn't so bad, either. I have a feeling 80s teen fans should enjoy it, though I suspect, probably more girls will than boys. But what the heck, give it a shot.
Sarah Jessica Parker is back in something of her Patty Green like phase from "Square Pegs." Here, she portrays Janey Glenn, an army brat who is the new student at an all girl's Catholic school. Her best friend, and the one with the greatest style in this movie, is Lynne Stone (Helen Hunt), a semi-wild child, who doesn't mind breaking a few innocuous rules in order to have some fun.
Lynne encourages Janey to enter the tryouts for new dancers on a television show called 'Dance TV' which looks Dance Party USA. And actually, Janey makes it through the trials to compete in the finals and probably have her shot of being a "tv star." Only problem is, she was teamed up with Jeff Malene (Lee Montgomery) a cute fellow who is supposed to be her competition partner through the rest of the auditions. That'd be fine with Janey, except her father, being far too unrealistic about the situation, doesn't want Janey invovled in the comeptition in the first place and second, doesn't want her getting invovled with boys, and especially not Jeff Malone, who I suppose is supposed to be something like a street tough, but a clean version (as most of the characters in this movie are).
Janey's all set to give up, but Lynne advises her to stay in the competition and helps her keep the tryouts and Janey's burgeoning relationship with Jeff a secret. But, Natalie Sands (Holly Gagnier), a richie misfit who's jealous of Janey's quality time with Jeff, is determined to expose Janey, hoping her dad will find out and put an end to her participation in the tryouts so that Natalie will be able to dance with Jeff instead.
It sounds really corny, and for the most part it is. Even the story is trite (a better version of this story you may recall is 'Bend It Like Beckham'). But, nonetheless, this movie is good for a couple of reasons. Helen Hunt as Lynne Stone is great. Stone is really a girl with great style and she's a real fun loving goof. I think she steals the show more than the rest of the characters. The movie is good, too, if you like 80s movies, even corny ones based around even cornier dancing. The music isn't so bad, either. I have a feeling 80s teen fans should enjoy it, though I suspect, probably more girls will than boys. But what the heck, give it a shot.
Absolutely laughable, could it be worse?
PALWalrus15 March 2000
The only interest in this film was watching the 'future' talent that had to try and make this inane, brainless drivel try and work. After watching this rubbish I am surprised that any of them found future employment.
The young players did seem genuinely enthusiastic, so I assume that the need to break through to the big time was the motivation, it surely wasn't this film....
The young players did seem genuinely enthusiastic, so I assume that the need to break through to the big time was the motivation, it surely wasn't this film....
One of my favorites!!
mdmccormick19 July 2001
I have a soft spot for cheesy 80's comedies, and this is DEFINITELY near the top of my list! With awesome music, 80's-clever dialogue, and the amazing Sarah Jessica Parker, it just can't be beat. Also starring a young and oh-too-cute Shannen Doherty, this movie is what I watch when I need a quick pick-me-up. It's fabulous!
Girly and silly guilty pleasure
360018 January 2005
Perfect mindless entertainment! A relic from gen-x girls' past... if you can laugh at the spectacular awfulness of it (and stop looking for a Sex in the City prequel) then this movie is nothing but 80's super-stylized fun.
Not only are the ridiculous dancing, music and clothes entertaining on their own, but you get to see critically acclaimed actors attempt to glamorize it all, back when they were at the bottom of the industry food chain.
Place this one next to Dirty Dancing and Footloose. Highly recommended to anyone who grew up in the 80's!
Not only are the ridiculous dancing, music and clothes entertaining on their own, but you get to see critically acclaimed actors attempt to glamorize it all, back when they were at the bottom of the industry food chain.
Place this one next to Dirty Dancing and Footloose. Highly recommended to anyone who grew up in the 80's!
Girls Just Want to Have Fun
BenTramerLives789 April 2020
"Girls Just Want to Have Fun" is a film that came out a couple of years after "Footloose" and "Flashdance", two films that I think were better. Sarah Jessica Parker plays a new girl in Chicago whose only dream is to dance on a television show. Helen Hunt is the rebellious friend. This film doesn't offer very much and is fun but that's it.
The best eighties film u should see at least once
michaelamorley31 August 2004
this is one of the best films i even seen. this is a feel good film for all those who love having fun and giggles. it is one of my fave films and watch it at least 3 times a week since finally finding it on DVD after many years of not seeing it. it is packed with comedy and romance and had my sides splitting with some classic quotes. the cast is great and there is a definite chemistry between them all. if u r gonna see an eighties movie just once in ur life then make it Girls Just Want To Have Fun. Get ur girlie mates round for a gossip and stick this film on and munch on the popcorn while laughing at Helen Hunt as Lynn, Sarah Jessica Parker as Janey and drool over the really nice looking guy Lee Montgomery aka Jeff with his dorky friend Drew.
SJP in GJW to HF - A S is B (A Star is Born)
tbills212 December 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Sarah Jessica Parker in Girls Just Want to Have Fun is an instant sensation as she easily is destined to become a big time star. Same goes for Helen Hunt. Both of these cute young women jump off and leap out of the screen in this cool and hip '80s teen dance classic. Sarah Jessica Parker looks so cute and so flirty and so bright and so sweet and so perfect. She really can steal a guy's heart with one simple smile. SJP is beautiful. SJP appears in her P.J.S. as GJWHF surprises us with a good long glance at sexy young Parker in her blue and red undies. I mention this only because it's so important. SJP's so adorable, still is. Helen Hunt is dancing and living it up in GJWHF. I have a big crush on Helen, right away. Hunt makes just as an unforgettable first impression as Parker does, and she looks just as cute and all too sweet. I wanna see Helen Hunt in more teen dance flicks, is that possible? I wonder if Helen and SJP stayed good friends through the years. It's great seeing Lee Montgomery and Shannen Doherty and Jonathan Silverman as kids. Montgomery makes a handsome-haired rebel with his role and he made it big by landing it. I know a good star when I see one, and Lee Montgomery is a movie star, though I'm unsure why he never did anymore movies. Doherty makes a punky preteen little sister as a bright future lies ahead of her just like it does for Sarah Jessica and Helen. Shannen's really good. Silverman makes for a slick talking sidekick as he talks himself with this part into the Weekend at Bernie's movies. Ed Lauter does fine work for strict military dads, but his son's a total pervert. Girls Just Want to Have Fun is a very fun and very popular movie. It's a great dance flick for girls especially and a little bit underrated. It would have had an added fun dimension if it had the original 'Girls Just Want to Have Fun' song sung by Cnydi Lauper herself, but it worked out well since it made way for the other memorable '80s dance songs we get to hear, like 'Shout', 'Dancing in the Street', and 'I Can Fly', especially 'Dancing in the Street'! The big dance-off with that theme hit song is like the movie's best part. SJP and HH both show off their sizzling hot dance skills and both look really good doing it too in those moments. They can really dance and they both make it big on to dance T.V.! There aren't enough good 'inspiring to make it big by becoming a dancer' movies like this; there's Hairspray, and Girls Just Want to Have Fun. GJWHF is a must-see.
Cheaply made 80's teen comedy is good innocent fun with a young bubbly cast that carries it along
Colbridge22 November 2021
This is a surprisingly enjoyable 1980's teen comedy with plenty of music and dancing, presumabIy made to cash in on the Cyndi Lauper hit of the same name who ironically didn't allow the filmmakers to use her version of the song, so the film uses a cover version but much to the same effect.
School girls Sarah Jessica Parker and Helen Hunt audition for a TV show who are looking for dancers but their parents predictably disapprove and they have to overcome obstacles to realise their dream. It results in a cheesy dance off culminating in a predictable ending.
Made cheaply for Roger Corman's New World Pictures to get in on the mid-80's success of teen dance movies like Fame, Footloose and Flashdance, this is good innocent fun with a young bubbly cast that carries it along. The production looks cheap but it's interesting to see the two main leads starting out before they became stars and accomplished actresses.
School girls Sarah Jessica Parker and Helen Hunt audition for a TV show who are looking for dancers but their parents predictably disapprove and they have to overcome obstacles to realise their dream. It results in a cheesy dance off culminating in a predictable ending.
Made cheaply for Roger Corman's New World Pictures to get in on the mid-80's success of teen dance movies like Fame, Footloose and Flashdance, this is good innocent fun with a young bubbly cast that carries it along. The production looks cheap but it's interesting to see the two main leads starting out before they became stars and accomplished actresses.
See also
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