JCPenney gets its 'Breakfast Club' on

Posted Thursday, July 31, 2008 at 4:59 PM Central

by John Couture

If you've been to the theater lately, and by the looks of The Dark Knight's box office numbers that's a pretty good bet, then you've probably seen the full version of the new JCPenney commercial. If not, check it out below.

That's right, JCPenney in their attempt to simultaneously appear hip and retro has recast and re-shot most of the memorable scenes from The Breakfast Club. Gone are Emilio Estevez, Molly Ringwald and Judd Nelson and in are a bunch of faceless facsimiles that sort of resemble the rag tag group of kids that would go on to form part of the Brat Pack.

I'm not quite sure how I feel about this "homage." Is this just another shallow attempt to reach out and grab my 30 something soul by the wallet strings, or is this a genuine throwback to a great nostalgia piece? Chime in and let us know what you think.

I will give JCPenney some credit though. They have gone to considerable lengths to make the commercial look authentic, down to Shermer High School and the art piece in the library. However, a close examination does reveal that whatever school they filmed this commercial at is a poor substitute for Glenbrook North in the Chicago suburbs.

Quick, someone call John Hughes!

Check out some shots from the movie below to compare to the commercial above.