Andrew McCarthy’s newest documentary held promise—it seemed like it could be a wonderful trip down memory lane, connected to an era that shaped so many people. But ultimately, it didn't quite work out, largely because of McCarthy himself. As someone who enjoys the movies made by the "Brat Pack," I feel this documentary missed its chance in several important ways. This ninety-minute film feels more like a long complaint than a thoughtful look at what the “Brat Pack” really meant. McCarthy’s obvious dislike for the term "Brat Pack" is all over the movie, changing what could have been a positive reflection into something that seems personal and angry. Rob Lowe stands out as a bright spot in this documentary. His practical and almost thoughtful views on being labeled a “Brat Pack” member show why his career has lasted much longer than some of the others. Lowe’s comments offer a clear contrast to McCarthy's negative attitude, which points out a big difference in what the film is trying to say. For example, when Lowe talks about accepting the label and moving forward, it offers a fresh perspective that the documentary really needs. The documentary might have been more interesting if there was a story where McCarthy came to appreciate being called a “Brat Pack” member. Sadly, this kind of personal growth isn't present. Instead, viewers are left watching McCarthy struggle with a term that still seems to bother him. This lack of progress or resolution hurts the film’s potential. It would have been better if the documentary ended with McCarthy understanding and accepting the “Brat Pack” label, like in documentaries such as "Won't You Be My Neighbor?" which successfully show how people can change personally and professionally. The last few minutes try to offer some praise for the "Brat Pack" name. But McCarthy’s obvious discomfort with this more positive feeling makes it not very effective. It feels like a desperate attempt to get sympathy or agreement after realizing that his peers have moved on. The film would have been much stronger if it had focused on this tone of reconciliation throughout, instead of saving it for the end. Think about documentaries like "20 Feet from Stardom," where the ending brings a feeling of completion and success—something McCarthy's film could have really used. Overall, even though there are a few moments of looking inward and offering praise, McCarthy’s documentary mostly fails because of its negativity. The best part of the film is surprisingly the credits, leaving viewers to wonder what it could have been like if the whole documentary had taken a more thoughtful and less confrontational approach. For a documentary that should have celebrated the "Brat Pack's" legacy and offered a healing experience for its creator, it instead serves as a reminder of how not letting go of anger can ruin an opportunity to tell a meaningful story.

Source on TMDB