Sixteen Candles: Is it even that good?

Okay, film fanatics, Priya here! I've been thinking a lot about 'Sixteen Candles' lately, especially since I stumbled across it on some "Best 80s Teen Movies" list (again!). I know, I know, it's a classic... but is it, like, really that great or is it just nostalgia goggles? Hear me out. Samantha's situation is relatable, sure. That feeling of being completely invisible on a major milestone? Ugh, been there. And Molly Ringwald is, as always, so good at conveying that angsty teen vibe. But the movie as a whole... I'm just not convinced it holds up like some others from that era. Specifically, the whole Jake Ryan storyline kind of squicks me out now. He's, like, a senior who's already got a girlfriend, and Samantha's what, a sophomore? And the way he objectifies her… eesh. Then there's Long Duk Dong. I understand that 80s comedies often pushed boundaries, but wow, his character is just... painful to watch now. It's not even that the actor is bad; it's just the caricature itself. I cringe every time he's on screen. I'd honestly be curious to hear how Asian audiences feel about the film's portrayal. Maybe my perspective is skewed, coming from a place where global cinema allows me to see so many different narratives and perspectives, but 'Sixteen Candles', while visually iconic (that cake scene!), feels pretty problematic in several ways. It's still fun to put on in the background while I'm working but I definitely dont like it as much as I used to! So, am I being too harsh? Are you guys still totally in love with this movie? Let's discuss! Maybe I'm missing something, or maybe we just need to acknowledge that some 'classics' haven't aged gracefully.