Curly Sue: A Hughes Deep Cut or Just Deeply Flawed?

Okay, so I'm working my way through John Hughes' filmography (yeah, yeah, I know, basic white guy stuff) and I just finished Curly Sue. I gotta be honest, I'm…confused. It definitely feels like a Hughes movie with the whole 'outsider looking in' thing and the somewhat cartoonish rich people contrasted with the street-smart charm of Bill and Sue. The kid is cute, whatever. But something's just off. Like, compared to Ferris Bueller or The Breakfast Club, it just feels...less genuine? Did anyone else feel like the tone was all over the place? One minute it's slapstick comedy with the whole Grey getting scammed thing, and the next it's trying to be all heartwarming with the "found family" stuff. Plus, the whole lawyer character (Grey, right?) is SO over the top. I get that's part of the humor, but it felt more grating than funny. Like, I think the restaurant scene where she has the whole meltdown is supposed to be funny, but it was just kinda cringe. So, my question is, am I missing something here? Was this supposed to be a conscious departure from Hughes' other work? Is there some deeper meaning I'm missing or is it just a weak entry in an otherwise solid filmography? I've heard some people say it's underrated, so I'm open to having my mind changed, but honestly, right now I'm thinking I'd rather just rewatch Planes, Trains and Automobiles for the tenth time. And look, I know it might sound harsh, but I'm genuinely curious what others think. Maybe my expectations were just too high going in, knowing it's a Hughes movie. Help a cinephile out here! What did I miss?