I was 14 in 1984 and this film didn't really grab me back then; however, as an adult now I decided to revisit it and thoroughly enjoyed it.
First off - it's not a comedy. There some humorous moments that work and some that definitely don't work.
Where the film really hits the mark is when we begin to see the background from which these 5 kids come.
Initially we are presented with them as being poles apart in terms of their academic achievements, physical abilities or artistic talents but as the movie progresses each character reveals a bit more about their relationship with their parents - and how they themselves are affected by either their parents expectations of them or their parents maltreatment of them.
The film really comes together when they begin to realise that they all share this common theme.
Looking at it through a 21st century lens, and given the characters are schoolchildren- some of the script can be uncomfortable to listen to and watch, and would certainly not even be considered if it were made now, but If you understand that it was 1984- and we thought quite differently then, you will definitely come away with a very positive experience from having watched this.
Looking at it through a 21st century lens, and given the characters are schoolchildren- some of the script can be uncomfortable to listen to and watch, and would certainly not even be considered if it were made now, but If you understand that it was 1984- and we thought quite differently then, you will definitely come away with a very positive experience from having watched this.