Adolescent fascination with older siblings’ friends is praised as recognizable, with a cologne anecdote illustrating it.
Outdoor lockers and a beach prom are envied, although a real beach prom and the absence of supervising adults are questioned.
The sex comedy is considered more soulful and less uncomfortable than several male-directed contemporaries; female direction is offered as a reason.
Parents absent for the whole movie are praised as a familiar 1980s plot device.
Modern cameras and constant contact would undermine the absent-parent premise; the lack of a huge house party is also surprising.
The rich heroine’s clothing purchase and move between schools support a reading of the story as personal growth beyond a privileged life and poor boyfriend.
The obnoxious older college boyfriend with a convertible is enjoyed as a recurring period archetype.
Sexual nicknames, the virginity line and eccentric insults are praised, particularly the avoidance of a common homophobic slur.
The bluntly tailored title songs are enjoyed as an era-specific soundtrack device.
Hyser reportedly had a no-nudity contract and was persuaded by the director to reconsider.
Rosanna Arquette reportedly advised that the scene would permanently draw attention to her breasts, including in old age.
Interview recollections describe surprise at freeze-frame notoriety and later regret about avoiding other nude scenes.
Clayton Rohner’s description of the breasts as a work of art is recounted with amusement.
