Some Kind of Wonderful 1987

In the midst of a San Fernando Valley public high school’s rigid social landscape, a trio of adolescents navigates the intricacies of teenage angst and unrequited love. Keith Nelson (character), a blue-collar mechanic with a creative spark, finds himself torn between his passion for art and his desire to please his father, Cliff, who is obsessed with sending him to college for business - a first in their family’s history.

Keith’s best friend, Watts, a free-spirited drummer, serves as a voice of reason amidst Keith’s infatuation with Amanda Jones (character), the most popular girl in school. Amanda’s seemingly perfect life is actually a facade, as she borrows fashionable clothes from her friends to mask her humble beginnings. Her boyfriend, Hardy Jenns, treats her like his personal property while simultaneously pursuing another romantic interest.

Watts’ skepticism regarding Keith’s crush on Amanda is fueled by their vastly different worlds. When Keith gets himself into trouble in an attempt to spend time with Amanda, who has been sent to detention, he finds himself stuck among the school’s miscreants and forms an unlikely bond with troublemaker Duncan.

The tables turn when Amanda breaks up with Hardy, and Keith musters the courage to ask her out - partly as a middle finger to his former rival. Amanda accepts, but not before Watts realizes she has romantic feelings for Keith that go beyond friendship. To test Keith’s affections, Watts pretends to have eyes for another boy, while continuing to discourage Keith from pursuing Amanda.

As Keith’s popularity surges following the announcement of his date with Amanda, her own reputation begins to suffer. Meanwhile, Hardy schemes to exact revenge on Keith by inviting him and Amanda to a party after their date, where he plans to orchestrate a beating. Through his sister Laura (character), Keith discovers the plan and decides to face Hardy at the party, determined to confront his adversary head-on.

As Keith’s relationship with Amanda deepens, his wealthy and influential friends begin to distance themselves from him, deeming him unworthy of their social circle. Undeterred, Keith sets out to prove himself by planning the ultimate romantic getaway for Amanda. With Watts as their chauffeur, he splurges on diamond earrings, a luxurious vehicle, and a reservation at an upscale restaurant. Watts offers her expertise, playfully teaching Keith how to kiss under the guise of giving him a lesson in romance. Meanwhile, Keith remains oblivious to Watts’ growing attraction towards him.

When Cliff discovers the depletion of their college fund, he is furious, but Keith successfully convinces his father to respect his autonomy and allow him to make his own decisions. On the night of the grand date, Keith picks up Amanda with Watts by their side. They head to an exclusive restaurant for dinner, where they initially bicker before Keith takes Amanda to an art museum to showcase a painting he’s created in her honor. The evening culminates with Keith presenting her with the diamond earrings and sharing a romantic kiss as Watts watches from afar.

The night reaches its climax when they attend Hardy’s lavish party, only for Keith to find himself on the receiving end of a brutal beating at the hands of Hardy’s cohorts. Just as all hope seems lost, Duncan and his school friends arrive to salvage the situation, exposing Hardy’s cowardly nature in the process. As the dust settles, Keith nonchalantly dismisses Hardy, prompting Amanda to deliver a stinging slap that leaves him reeling.

As they depart the party, Watts approaches Amanda with an apologetic demeanor before departing into the night, tears streaming down her face. It is then that Amanda has a profound realization – Keith and Watts harbor romantic feelings for each other. She prompts Keith to pursue his true love, returning the diamond earrings and urging him to give chase.

With newfound clarity, Keith bids Amanda farewell and sets off in pursuit of Watts. He finally catches up to her, and they share a tender kiss as he presents her with the earrings once more. Overjoyed, she reveals her long-held desire for them, and when she dons the jewelry, Keith’s response is nothing short of poetic – “You look good wearing my future.”