Michael’s younger brother Jeff (the late Corey Haim, in his second movie appearance) grabs the note while swiping money out of Michael’s bedroom. After reading it, Jeff stashes it in their dad George’s (Cliff DeYoung) accounting textbook, used at a night class he’s been taking. Unfortunately, before dad comes into the room, their mother Connie (E. T. alum Dee Wallace Stone) discovers the note and immediately suspects the worst! She’s afraid to confront her husband, who finds the note that night at class. George thinks it’s from instructor Elizabeth (Leigh Taylor-Young) who just happens to be Debbie’s mom!
At the advice of his female buddy Toni (Lori Loughlin), Michael writes a reply to the note for Deborah. Michael writes two letters and asks Toni to deliver them to Deborah because they are good friends. But his letters are so poorly written that Toni rewrites them (without telling Michael) before giving it to Deborah.
If things weren’t upside down enough, Deborah’s dad Lou (Fred Ward) also discovers one of the letters Michael wrote to Deborah and thinks that Elizabeth is cheating on him. The four adults’ pair off in opposite couples, each thinking the other is in love with them. Deborah, impressed by the letters she believes are written by Michael, begins dating him. Shenanigans ensure for all the couples. Michael soon learns the two aren’t compatible and the two eventually break up. In the end, everything is resolved, and Michael learns who his secret admirer is.
Co-written and directed by David Greenwalt, who would later do mostly television work for teen series such as “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Angel”, Secret Admirer is an energetic film that despite some of the most contrived situations you’ll ever see, keeps things moving effectively with moments of humor and wit.
The are some pitfalls. Although Greenwalt doesn’t confirm the identity of the “secret admirer” until the end, its hardly a mystery from the start. And let’s face it, Lori Loughlin is far too attractive to be the geeky girl none of the boy’s notice. Still, there are some funny moments, some in-jokes for teen comedy buffs. If you’re a fan of 1980’s comedy/romances, Secret Admirer is worth a look.
Available on Blu-ray courtesy of Kino Lorber, this release is sourced from an exclusive new 2K master that was struck from an interpositive. The result is a significant improvement over the 2016 Blu-ray release from Olive Films.
Presented in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio, this 1080p transfer provides a far livelier viewing experience throughout. Colors are vivid, brighter neon’s really pop. Blacks are deep and inky. Saturation is deep and skin tones appear natural. A light level of grain gives the proceedings a filmic look. There are a few noticeable scratches but nothing that interferes with the overall viewing experience.
The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix handles the limited sonic needs very well. Dialogue exchanges are clean, clear and concise throughout. Tunes on the soundtrack offer a nice pop feel. There are no crackles, pops or other audio issues.
English SDH subtitles are available.
The following extras are included:
- Audio Commentary: This exclusive new audio commentary was recorded by David Greenwalt, cowriter Jim Kouf and associate producer Lynn Kouf, and is moderated by critic and filmmaker Daniel Kremer.
- TV Spots: A couple of brief vintage TV spots for Secret Admirer (1 min.)
- Trailer – a vintage trailer for Secret Admirer. (2 min)
