For Keeps? (1988) User Reviews

Not your average 80s movie

[stills-6 · 6/10 · 7 October 1999]

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.

Okay but uneven

[californiameltons · 7/10 · 14 December 2007]

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.

Molly Ringwald looks pretty and acts with pizazz

[inkblot11 · 6/10 · 22 March 2005]

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.

One of my all time favorite movies...

[Pookyiscute · 10 February 2004]

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.

Surprisingly good

[watcherofthemovingpicturebox · 7/10 · 20 March 2019]

I saw how the overall rating wasn't that great and the subject matter of teen pregnancy, and thought this would probably be a terrible movie, and decided to watch it any way. I was surprised how great it turned out. This is dramatic, but it is the kind I like, where what happens is believable. I thought the main characters did a great job acting. In the description it calls this a comedy, I feel this is not an apt description. If you are looking for a romantic comedy, this isn't it.

Doesn't work as a comedy.

[TOMASBBloodhound · 5/10 · 30 June 2008]

For Keeps is a film that makes plenty of good points regarding teen pregnancy. Trouble is, none of them are very funny. The film is a misguided vehicle for Molly Ringwald whose career plummeted afterwords. Ringwald plays a high school senior named Darcy who is impregnated by her high school boyfriend Stan. Both kids seemed to have bright futures ahead of them until they decide to keep their baby, and end up having to abandon their respective dreams. The film was marketed as a comedy, and that is just irresponsible. The only laughs in the film come from Stan's father and his incredibly chauvinistic comments he makes about things like stretch marks and the need for handles on mattresses. Honestly, this guy could make a caveman seem civilized.

Credit must be given to the writers and director John G. Avildsen, however. They don't really pull any punches when they detail just how difficult it can be for two teenagers to get married and try to raise a child. Many issues are discussed thoughtfully, including abortion, lack of money, lack of facilities at colleges for student-parents, and the loss of innocence. Darcy originally plans to abort the child, but cannot go through with it. The film wisely avoids dumping on the practice of abortion, and just simply makes it Darcy's choice. She does not want to get one. Simple as that. The two try to rent a filthy apartment but end up having to move back in with Darcy's mother. Stan does not adjust well to the thought of staying home with his wife and new daughter, and he begins to go out and drink quite often. Darcy's mother is portrayed as a jaded single mom who wants Stan out of her daughter's life. As you can see, the film chronicles one hardship after another for these two from the minute Darcy decides to have the baby. Much of it is very poignant. Just not very funny.

You get the sense that Advildsen just gives up trying to make the audience laugh after about the first half hour. He could obviously sense that there just weren't many laughs to be had in this script. Still, he tries to go for the picture perfect type of ending his more successful films (Rocky, The Karate Kid) were known for. Writer Tim Kazurinsky, who is at times brilliant, cannot come up with any true comedic wisdom here. Contrast this film with the wonderful ...About Last Night and you can clearly see the difference. That film was a terrific blend of comedy and drama. For Keeps is pretty much all drama with a few chuckles. It must be said that Ringwald is exceptional as Darcy. Too bad this film kind of killed things for her. Randall Batinkoff has been solid in other films, but not here. Once the baby is born, he becomes a crying, whining, jerk who is impossible to sympathize with. Overall, the film is a misfire. It never should have been marketed as a comedy. 5 of 10 stars.

The Hound.

Sex and the Teen Age Psyche...

[NutzieFagin · 7/10 · 12 April 2016]

"For Keeps" is not a totally bad movie show boating the challenges facing two oooey gooey teens in the arms of passion and in love & just trying to raise a family in modern times.

But there are some awkward and sappy moments. First, I can't describe it here, but to those who have taken sex-ed classes in school....The opening credits scene just leaves me with uncomfortable image...But we see two small town teens that you know will end up with a unplanned pregnancy because they are making out like rabbits.

Which is what happens....along with some sappy dialogue and those awful cliché moments, Darcy and Stan live the bitter with the sweet. Trying to fight the world, but you know it will turn out o.k because these crazy kids are just too much in love.

Despite the corny situations and scenes, it does show a perspective on teen pregnancies. In my opinion, I think life is a lot more tougher in the cold cruel world, but what the heck! it's only a movie

Underrated 80's Movies?????

[bbonacci-1 · 5/10 · 12 March 2010]

I thought this movie was OK, but if you read a previous user review about underrated 80s movies, you may be thinking the same thing I am. Ferris Bueller, The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink, and Sixteen Candles???? Underrated???? Did this person live under a rock? These movies were HUGE!!!! Who underrated them? I just watched the Oscars(2010) and they did a tribute to John Hughes (the director of those four movies)and all of those movies were highlighted with many clips. Those movies defined a generation. The only other movie mentioned that was not a Hughes movie was Better Off Dead, which was also great, but the thing that the previous reviewer seemed to miss out on was that Hughes was a Genius and "For Keeps" was NOT a Hughes movie and has no place being mentioned with them.

I loved this movie! It is worth seeing...A LOT!

[james000_99 · 10/10 · 17 June 2000]

If you are looking at this comment then I am sure you know what the movie is about. So I won't bore you with a long description of the movie...I will just tell you why I loved it so much. First of all you have Randall Batinkoff starring as Stan...and he is a hottie. Secondly you have a really great love story going on in the middle of what could be a big disaster. This movie will make you laugh and make you cry! I highly recommend you see this movie...You won't be sorry.

knocked up teen melodrama

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 3 July 2018]

High school student Darcy Elliott (Molly Ringwald) from the small town of Kenosha, Wisconsin is set to start studying journalism at the University of Wisconsin while her boyfriend Stan Bobrucz is going to Caltech. They intend on doing the long distance dating. Their plans take a turn when they get pregnant.

It's two years after Pretty in Pink where Molly Ringwald solidified herself as the queen of the teen comedies and John Hughes' muse. It's also two years before Betsy's Wedding. It's her knocked-up teen phase. She's great. She has the full capacity of her charms. Her male lead Randall Batinkoff is at a lower level. He doesn't have quite the acting power. Director John G. Avildsen is going for the grittier teen melodrama with humor. The subject matter clashes with the public's preconceived notions about Ringwald. My biggest problem comes from the parents. No matter how much they disagree, I can't take them abandoning the young couple at such a crucial time. I understand the planned progression for the characters but their actions really bug me. I kept thinking that they could do better and the couple have enough resources to achieve some of their previous plans. It's kinda funny that the mean girl kept calling Darcy stupid. The first time is mean-spirited but the second one is true. With some support, these kids would have smoother sailing and much of the difficulties are self-inflicted.

A movie that goes from decent to bad

[tex-42 · 2/10 · 30 May 2000]

Moving on to more adult themes, 80's teen star Molly Ringwald does a movie about how teen pregnancy can change your life. The mood of this movie starts off light but then turns much more serious after Ringwald and her boyfriend decide to keep their baby and get married. Of course their lives fall apart and things just get much worse before they get better. Not a typical Ringwald movie, it often is very depressing and makes you want to simply turn it off as Darcy's (Ringwald) life goes from great to awful. Topics such as abortion, adoption, and post partum depression are discussed which you can all see makes for a fun movie. Avoid this one if you can.

Excellent depiction of what a young couple goes through when having a baby.

[jffssrc · 10/10 · 5 February 2001]

This movie is an excellent depiction of what a young couple goes through when having a baby. I was surprised at how accurate they were, from the reaction of the parents down to the fighting between the couple. I was also surprised at the realism of how they all came around, both of the couples parents realizing that they wanted to be involved in the child's life, and the couple coming around realizing they were fighting for the wrong reasons. This movie took a page right out of my life. To all the teens who read this review, this is what having a baby is really like. Remember life isn't always as easy as it looks in the movies. I give this movie a 10/10....only because it wont let me rate it any higher...it really deserves a 20/10 because it is so good.

The Moviest Movie

[probablyasloth · 4/10 · 3 August 2018]

It sure was a movie. Acting was eh. Had one or two heartfelt moments. Pauly shore's second performance. It was fine.

A guy, a girl, and a baby

[Jared X · 14 March 2000]

This movie is for keeps! Not only is it insightful and informative about abortion and STDs, but it reminded me of how many movies from the 1980's suffered from Molly Ringwald's absence. Case in point: St. Elmo's Fire. Another example: Little Darlings. She might not have added that mystical Jean Seberg / Bea Arthur element, but she's a fresh reminder that Hollywood's sometimes takes a chance on otherwise ordinary people that have a spark in their soul. Bravo, Molly!

I have to watch Sixteen Candles another dozen times to cleanse my palette!

[tpellerito · 2/10 · 15 March 2006]

I'm struggling with the keyboard to give this a rating of two. Among the only refreshing things this movie did for me was give me 80s nostalgia overload, see an unknown Pauly Shore in a bit part, and watch Molly Ringwald in a non-Hughes role. I couldn't take "Katherine" (Eddie's wife in National Lampoon's Vacations) as a French speaking, partially refined, concerned mother. Nor could I handle Ringwald screeching in the shower in reference to the "boaconstricter" on her boyfriend, claiming she'd not seen it previous to being knocked up. This disappointment was similar to seeing Some Kind of Wonderful, and finding one of the only redeeming qualities was the soundtrack and the last two minutes of the film. Very much unlike the usual teenage angst I expected. Brace yourself for contrived performances by the parental figures and very unattractive populars that attempt to thwart the romance at hand.

1988: the year Tri-Star went all in on animated conception sequences

[el7 · 4/10 · 23 December 2019]

Hard to believe, but true: For Keeps is not the only Tri-Star movie released in 1988 to begin with an animated conception sequence. Compared to the one in Look Who's Talking, the one in For Keeps is more realistic but nowhere near as entertaining. This movie seems like it wanted to be a hard-hitting look at teen pregnancy and then someone wanted to make sure it had a moral message by the end, and then someone else wanted to make sure it had an end that supported the nuclear family (this was released near the end of the Reagan Era when that was pushed into any entertainment aimed at a family audience). So you get this mishmash where two teens with big dreams and good prospects wind up pregnant, their families blow their gaskets, they decide to shack up, then they decide to get married, then they decide to break up, then they have a big Hollywood kiss in the rain at the end. This movie fluctuates between dewy romance scenes, angsty gritty scenes, slapstick comedy scenes, and some dumb girl who keeps showing up trying to make the audience believe that Stan is too good for Molly Ringwald (she fails). This movie never quite settles on a tone, and the result is a hot mess, but it's kind of a watchable hot mess. At least baby Theodosia is adorable?

An underrated and genuine film

[rivertam26 · 8/10 · 23 February 2020]

Truly one of the best underrated films of the 80s. Molly Ringwald stars in the lead as an honor student who gets pregnant and decides to keep the baby with her boyfriend despite their disapproving parents. The material has been covered before but because of the strong performances all around and the engaging screenplay it's elevated. It's fun and tear jerking and just feels so genuine.

There's no conviction in the set-up, and nothing very amusing about the follow-through...

[moonspinner55 · 5/10 · 9 January 2009]

A high school ace with everything going for her goofs up and gets pregnant; her mother is devastated, and her boyfriend's parents object, but the teens get married and hope for the best. Molly Ringwald's appealing personality manages to shine through the plastic coating and convictionless screenplay by Denise DeClue and Tim Kazurinsky, good writers who have no idea what tone to set--nor how to wrap things up. The adults are shrill caricatures played cartoonishly over-the-top, while newcomer Randall Batinkoff is just average. Ringwald's career became rudderless after out-growing the John Hughes/teen-angst comedies which made her a star, so why in "For Keeps?" is she back in high school? It's a defeatist move, and while Ringwald never embarrasses herself, she's obviously too smart a cookie to lend any kind of credibility to this hackneyed scenario. ** from ****

Exciting...

[RosanaBotafogo · 9/10 · 13 October 2020]

So cute, Molly Ringwald has a lovely beauty, and her characters always stripped and delicate, delicious to watch ... And the soundtrack rocking the dreams of the 80's, what a taste of wonderful nostalgia ... A heavy, emotional drama, with a cute label ... I cried so much ... But this translation for the title, nobody deserves it, the original corresponds to the reality portrayed in the film ...

Two Teenagers And A Baby

[Chrysanthepop · 18 February 2009]

'For Keeps¿' brings back a lot of memories of the eccentric 80s. The story might be a little too familiar to some these days but I have always found stories about a young, relatively inexperienced, couple trying to make it in the real world amusing and interesting (provided that it's well told). 'For Keeps¿' is quite a decent and likable film and it brings that nostalgic 80's feel. I found the ending to be a little rushed but otherwise its exploration of a teenage couple trying to make it on their own was interestingly executed. Randall Batinkoff and Molly Ringwald are superb and a fit cast. Both actors have great chemistry. Their expression of Stan and Darcy's naivety, devotion towards and love for one another and struggle to make it, is well depicted on screen. The supporting cast is good too. Director Avildsen adds humour in the most unexpected scenes, preventing the film from going over the top with melodrama and instead bringing a smile to the viewer. The movie has received a lot of undue criticism but I believe 'For Keeps¿' is among the underrated films of the 80s.

A good movie that teaches about the downsides of teenage pregnancy...

[shadowmario-46470 · 9/10 · 23 May 2023]

I was 15 years old and a sophomore in high school at the time I had seen this film. I was taking a child development class in high school at that time, and one day, our teacher didn't feel like teaching - so she popped in this movie into the VCR, and we watched this movie...

The premise of the movie is that Darcy Elliot and her boyfriend Stan Bobrucz are seniors in high school and plan to go to college after graduating. Darcy plans to go to Paris, France with her mother before attending her college as a graduation present.

However, Darcy gets pregnant, and their parents urge them to go through an abortion or give up the baby for adoption - neither of which happens. At Christmas, however, both Darcy and Stan plan to keep the baby. They marry, rent a rather seedy apartment, and then they go to the prom, which their prom time is interrupted when Darcy goes into labor and gives birth to a girl named Thea.

Now I won't give away the rest of the movie, but the movie shows the downsides of teen pregnancy. For instance, Stan and Darcy get into a lot of fights, Stan takes a second job, and the bills pile up so much that their electricity and their phone are shut off. That's the consequence of not paying your bills if you don't got the money. This results in Stan and Darcy having to move in with Darcy's mother Donna.

Like I said, this movie is a great teaching aid against teen pregnancy, and it was the final movie role where Molly Ringwald played a teenage character (as Darcy Elliot). Molly Ringwald tackled a lot of teenage girl roles in a lot of films throughout the 1980s (The Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles, Pretty In Pink), but Molly was good when her character was having postpartum depression after having Thea.

Lots of other stars were in the film, such as the late Conchata Ferrell (of Two and a Half Men fame) as Mrs. Bobrucz, Kenneth Mars (voice of King Triton in The Little Mermaid) as Mr. Bobrucz, and Pauly Shore (in his first ever movie) as Retro, one of Stan's friends.

Overall, if you're a teacher in a school and teaching a child development class, this is a good movie to show to your class to show the cons of teen pregnancy.

Better that the Show Secret Life of the American Teenager

[Kristinartist79 · 10/10 · 14 April 2009]

Spoilers Secret Life of American Teenager to me is kind of like a modern day "For Keeps," but for Keeps is much better. It does not patronize teens or make it seem like they are constantly thinking of sex, it shows the consequence of teen pregnancy. This movie seems like it intends to entertain teens while teaching them a lesson. Also, it teaches a lesson without seeming that way; it is a lot less preachy than secret life. Unline Amy, Ringwald (who ironically is Amy's Mom is secret life) marries the man who gets her pregnant and does not want any help from her mom, neither of them look for their parents for help. They both get jobs and work hard to make it on their own. It shows how hard it is for both of them not to be able to pursuit their dreams, but how they love their baby more than anything.

Three different movies

[badgirl9 · 12 July 2000]

When I sat down to watch this movie, I expected a version of "She's having a baby" But, instead the film started off like a typical "parents-just-don't-understand" flick. Darcy and Stan are madly in love, she gets pregnant, parents tell her to get abortion, Darcy and Stan run off and elope. It was so wonderful watching them deal with the responsibility of marriage and children. FILM 2: After the baby is born, Darcy encounters severe post pardum depression and Stan falls madly in love. The families turn sweat. Even here, the film excels on teenage pregnancy. FILM 3: they are dead broke and can't afford anything causing a teenage "About last night.." They fight, they breakup, they fight, etc. in a cycle. I recommend this if you have time to kill.

High School Kids Have Baby, Get Married, Break Up, Make Up

[danew13 · 8/10 · 23 May 2011]

I can't understand how this excellent teen romance received such a low rating...the story may be a bit dated, but considering the teen pregnancy rate in the US, it is still very topical. But more than this, the acting all around in excellent...Molly Ringwald's best effort. A high school student get pregnant, her boyfriend marries her, they struggle to get through school and into college, with obstacles such as an obstructive mother-in law to hurdle. Eventually the trials just about get the best of them, but love triumphs in the end.

There's a lot of honest emotion in this film, very realistic as is the 1960s setting.

Underrated 80's Movie

[lilcutie18613 · 9/10 · 29 July 2005]

This is one of those underrated 80's teen movies. You have Ferris Bueler, Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink, 16 Candles, Better Off Dead, etc. And somewhere in there is For Keeps? Or at least I thought it was that good to be somewhere up there. I thought this should have gotten more credit. It shows what a young couple would have to go through raising a baby. You really feel for the characters and truly hope they'll end up working out all of their problems. Molly Ringwald and John Zarcan do an exceptional job in their roles. The parents were really funny and entertaining. All in all this is a great film with both laughs and tears. I found myself smiling without even knowing it!