As with most Joel Schumacher films, this one is beautifully shot. The locations of the film stand out and never overshadow the characters as they go on about their lives. St. Elmo's fire is not comedy-driven and there isn't much of a plot. This is more of a slice of life piece about a group of young people embarking on their careers and lives. The soundtrack works well, the music was good for the time. Andie MacDowell and Andrew McCarthy are great in their respective roles even if Andie's character doesn't speak much. Emilio Estevez and Judd Nelson make honest attempts with the material they are given, and they aren't horrible, but both actors have done much better in lesser roles or maybe they needed more of a role. The other members of the cast just appear to be plodding through the script but that may be what the script called for; if this is the case they did well.
Reluctant to let go of college life, a close-knit team of seven friends--irresponsible saxophone player Billy, young Republican Alec, his girlfriend Leslie, struggling journalist Kevin, drama queen Jules, lovesick waiter Kirby, and Wendy, a social worker with a heart of gold--realise the party is over. And as the burdens of maturity close in on the young dreamers, the complexities of adulthood and the daily struggle of growing up put their sacred friendship to the test. But everyone knows life is not a bed of roses. It won't be easy, but when all is said and done, what will it take for St. Elmo's clique to find its place in the real world?
Quick Stats
6.1
TMDB Rating
615
Votes
1h 48m
Runtime
$10.0M
Budget
$37.8M
Box Office
378%
Return
Key Crew
DirectorJoel Schumacher
WriterCarl Kurlander
CinematographyStephen H. Burum
ComposerJohn Parr
EditorRichard Marks
Production DesignBruce DiValerio
Produced by
Columbia PicturesDelphi IV Productions
Where to Watch
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Critics & Reviews
1 featuredCast

Andrew McCarthy
Kevin Dolenz

Emilio Estevez
Kirby Keger

Rob Lowe
Billy Hicks

Demi Moore
Jules

Judd Nelson
Alec Newbary

Ally Sheedy
Leslie Hunter

Mare Winningham
Wendy Beamish

Martin Balsam
Mr. Beamish

Andie MacDowell
Dale Biberman

Joyce Van Patten
Mrs. Beamish

Jenny Wright
Felicia
J
Jon Cutler
Howie Krantz

Blake Clark
Wally

Matthew Laurance
Ron Dellasandro

Gina Hecht
Judith







