For Keeps (1988)

22% of critics liked it
(9 reviews)
64% of users liked it
(8,678 ratings)

Young, ambitious high school students Darcy Elliot (Molly Ringwald) and Stan Bobrucz (Randal Batinkoff) have a hitch thrown into their plans to attend college and pursue professional careers when they discover that Darcy is pregnant. Deciding against abortion or adoption, the couple decides to carry… More Young, ambitious high school students Darcy Elliot (Molly Ringwald) and Stan Bobrucz (Randal Batinkoff) have a hitch thrown into their plans to attend college and pursue professional careers when they discover that Darcy is pregnant. Deciding against abortion or adoption, the couple decides to carry the child to term and to try to raise it themselves; however they are unprepared for the myriad of decisions and responsibilities that they are forced to deal with. ~ Iotis Erlewine, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 38 min.
Directed By: John G. Avildsen
Genres: Drama, Comedy

In Theaters: Jan 15, 1988 Wide
On DVD: Mar 23, 2004

Critic Reviews

James Sanford, Kalamazoo Gazette
Ringwald at the start of her downward slide
David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
...about as compelling as an afterschool special.
Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com
Feature-length after-school-special nothingness.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Nicki M

After the relatively demanding "Cracks", I felt like a nice movie, something comforting from the past... and this one fit the mood well. It's surprising that I would like a "baby" movie, I guess, but this one got me quite young. I still say it has the worst… More
After the relatively demanding "Cracks", I felt like a nice movie, something comforting from the past... and this one fit the mood well. It's surprising that I would like a "baby" movie, I guess, but this one got me quite young. I still say it has the worst beginning to a movie ever, though, I was eating while I was watching this one tonight, and it nearly made me sick! Another thing I like about this, is even though it has the required happy ending, it's not sugar coated or overly sentimental. This young couple hit every obstacle going - teen pregnancy. poverty, no support from family, post natal depression and the overall strain of being a young married couple with a baby. Though it is romantic in a way, the situation sure isn't. Molly Ringwald is wonderful here. I always think she is wonderful, I have loved her since Pretty in Pink, but she really is outstanding here as Darcy. Beautiful, smart, if it wasn't for the whole pregnancy bit, what young girl would't want to be her?! Randall Batinkoff is also nice as Stan. I am surprised this movie was not more popular at the time. I guess now it is a little dated, if you did not grow up with it as I did, but for anyone who likes a good 80's teen movie, can't really go past this. I guess it's a sign of my age that finally I can really relate to Mrs Elliot in this too. I never really thought about her, past being Darcy's mum, but on rewatch, I actually found her quite moving, as I realised her fear was coming from things that happened to her. Scary.
AJ V

Ringwald plays a pregnant teen graduating from high school. The story is good, as are the actors. I really liked this movie, and if you're a fan of hers too, you'll enjoy it.
Phil H

I was surprised with this old flick, haven't actually seen it before but its really good, really sweet and touching. I thought it would be a boring sickening story as we follow two kids in love, getting pregnant, breaking up etc..but its pretty engaging and keeps you interested,… More
I was surprised with this old flick, haven't actually seen it before but its really good, really sweet and touching. I thought it would be a boring sickening story as we follow two kids in love, getting pregnant, breaking up etc..but its pretty engaging and keeps you interested, I think the 80's charm has alot to do with that :) Molly Ringwald being the teen queen of the era. Some nice lines raise afew smiles here and there and the whole look and feel is just right, you can relate to the story, that's the important thing.
Mason W

For Keeps is a good film with Molly Ringwald. What happens to a young couple when trying to get ready to graduate high school, attend college and now a new born...too much stress and a test of devotion...a cute film.
Leigh R

Cute.
Leo L

A favorite.

Read all 6 featured audience ratings

Cast

            Molly Ringwald as Darcy Elliot

            Randall Batinkoff as Stan Bobrucz

            Kenneth Mars as Mr. Bobrucz

            Miriam Flynn as Mrs. Elliot

            Conchata Ferrell as Mrs. Bobrucz

            Steven Barr as Sgt. Blaine

            Patricia Barry as Adoption Official

            Leslie Bega as Carlita

            Jaclyn Bernstein as Mary Bobrucz

            Sharon Brown as Lila

            Anne Curry as Push Nurse

            Darcy de Moss as Elaine

            Brandon Douglas as Trapper

            Larry Drake as Night Clerk

            Renee Estevez as Marnie

            J.W. Fails as High Flyer

            Sean Frye as Wee Willy

            Bonnie Hellman as Mrs. Sitwell

            Janet MacLachlan as Miss Giles

            Jack Ong as Reverend Kim

            Patricia Patts as Desdemona

            Robert Ruth as Prom Photographer

            Pauly Shore as Restro

            Brenda Vaccaro
            
            Peggy Walton-Walker as Bookkeeper

            John Zarchen as Chris

            Tino Insana as Capt. O'Connell

            Steven Eckholdt as Ronald

            Nancy Abramson as Nurse

            Hailey Ellen Agnew as Baby Thea

            Kimberly Bailey as Baby Cakes

            David de Lange as Uniformed Official

            Michelle Downey as Michaela Tuohy

            Roger Hampton as Roofer

            Pamela Harris as Beverly

            Dr. Barry Herman as Doctor

            Sandra Jansen as Nurse

            Monika Khoury as Angel

            Matthew Licht as Lou Bobrucz

            Jeff Marshall as Michaela's Boy Friend

            Shane McCabe as Amorous Porker

            Kelly McMahan as Pediatric Nurse

            Robert Nadder as Night School Teacher

            Annie Oringer as Anastasia

            Candy Peak as Nurse

            C. Darnell Rose as Erin

            Darnell Rose as Ron

            Allison Roth as Ambrosia

            Helen Siff as Landlady

            Rae Worland as Student

            Marty Zagon as Manager of Quickie Nickie's

            J. Trevor Edmond as Ace

            John DiSanti as Mr. Kolby

            Robin Moore as Beth
See full cast

For Keeps (1988)

Critic Reviews

Featured Audience Ratings

Nicki M

AJ V

Phil H

Mason W

Leigh R

Leo L

Cast