"Brat Pack gathering rehashed to voice discontent over the unfair moniker"
The word "Brat Pack" was first used in a New York magazine article titled "Hollywood's Brat Pack" which featured actors from popular '80s movies like "The Breakfast Club", "St. Elmo's Fire", and "Pretty in Pink". The term was meant to mimic the earlier "Rat Pack" nickname given to celebrities like Frank Sinatra and his friends.
These actors, including Anthony Michael Hall, Emilio Estevez, Judd Nelson, and others, didn't appreciate being labeled as the "Brat Pack". They felt it was a dismissive and insulting term, especially when it was thrown around by news and entertainment programs. Actors were often asked about it during interviews with hosts like Phil Donahue, Charlie Rose, and Merv Griffin.
In his 60s now, McCarthy has written a memoir called "Brat: An '80s Story" where he talks about his experiences during that time. He has also made an ABC News documentary for Hulu about the "Brat Pack" itself. The documentary is mainly shot with McCarthy explaining his experiences and his attempts to set up interviews with his peers.
Some key players from the "Brat Pack", such as Molly Ringwald and Judd Nelson, refuse to participate. However, other actors like Emilio Estevez, Demi Moore, Lea Thompson, Ally Sheedy, and Jon Cryer remember their time as the "Brat Pack" with less animosity. Rob Lowe also expresses some doubts about even being considered a member of the "Brat Pack".
Some of the most intriguing discussions in the documentary come from other people, like authors Malcolm Gladwell and Bret Easton Ellis. They offer insights on how director John Hughes handled racial issues in his films and the impact of music in movies during the '80s.
The actors reflect on how they were part of a youth culture that was unified at the time, but that has since broken up due to fragmentation caused by streaming services and a variety of choices available today. Gladwell points out that nowadays, there's no common denominator in youth culture.
For McCarthy and his peers, being part of the "Brat Pack" meant fitting a certain niche in pop culture that was needed at that moment. "Brats" serves a similar purpose by revisiting the "Brat Pack" era and exploring the impact it had on the entertainment industry.
"Brats" is just one of many confessional or nostalgic documentaries that have come out in recent years. Others include Soleil Moon Frye's "Kid 90" and Alex Winter's "Showbiz Kids".
"Brats" premieres on Hulu on June 13.
June 13 is when "Brats" becomes available for streaming on Hulu.
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Despite their initial disapproval, some "Brat Pack" actors, like Emilio Estevez and Demi Moore, view their time as part of the group with less animosity. In discussions about the "Brat Pack" in various documentaries and interviews, authors Malcolm Gladwell and Bret Easton Ellis provide insights into the impact of music in '80s films and John Hughes' handling of racial issues.
