Movie Review: Mannequin (1987)

★★★★★

Goofy, heartfelt, and full of 80s charm, a cult classic that still knows how to have fun.

Linda T.

Oklahoma

When people think of 80s romantic comedies, they usually picture John Hughes' suburbs, big prom scenes, and awkward teen crushes. Mannequin (1987) takes a completely different route, it’s part fantasy, part workplace comedy, part love story, and unapologetically bizarre in the best possible way.

As a reviewer for BoxReview.com, I can tell you this movie is one of those “you either get it or you don’t” films. It’s not subtle. It’s not realistic. But if you lean into the premise of a man falling in love with a mannequin that comes to life, it’s surprisingly sweet, surprisingly funny, and surprisingly smart in ways most reviews skip over.

The Premise: Art, Magic, and Retail

Jonathan Switcher (Andrew McCarthy) is a struggling artist bouncing between odd jobs. After saving a department store window from a design disaster, he’s hired to create elaborate displays for the struggling Prince & Company store. That’s when he meets Emmy (Kim Cattrall), a mannequin who just happens to be inhabited by the spirit of an ancient Egyptian woman.

Emmy only comes to life when Jonathan’s around, which makes for a lot of “How is he dancing with a mannequin in the store window?” moments that the movie fully commits to.

Andrew McCarthy’s Earnest Lead Performance

McCarthy plays Jonathan with just the right amount of wide-eyed sincerity. In lesser hands, the role could’ve come off as creepy or overly goofy, but McCarthy sells Jonathan as a genuinely kind dreamer. His chemistry with Kim Cattrall is essential here; you believe these two could fall for each other, even if one of them technically spends most of the movie in plastic form.

Kim Cattrall’s Emmy: More Than a Pretty Face

Cattrall brings Emmy to life (literally) with warmth, humor, and a playful sense of mischief. What’s often overlooked in reviews is that Emmy isn’t just a romantic object; she’s a fully realized character with her own desires and agency. She wants to live, experience the world, and help Jonathan believe in himself. In a way, she’s as much his mentor as his love interest.

The True Scene-Stealer: Hollywood Montrose

If Mannequin has a secret weapon, it’s Meshach Taylor as Hollywood Montrose, the flamboyant, endlessly supportive window dresser. Hollywood is pure joy in every scene, stealing focus with over-the-top outfits, rapid-fire delivery, and infectious positivity.

It’s worth noting how unusual his character was for 1987, a proudly out, unapologetic gay character who’s played as confident, successful, and respected by the people who matter in the story. He’s not a punchline; he’s a hero.

The Store as a Character

Prince & Company isn’t just a backdrop; it’s the beating heart of the movie. The store’s transformation from dull and dying to vibrant and stylish mirrors Jonathan’s own personal growth. Every window display is a mini art piece, dripping with 80s excess: neon lights, bold colors, and the kind of fashion choices that could only exist in that decade.

The Villains: Cartoonish but Fun

James Spader as the slimy store executive, Richards, and G.W. Bailey as the bumbling security guard Captain Felix Maxwell are pure live-action cartoons. They don’t add much nuance, but they keep the movie’s energy high with broad comedic antics. Spader, in particular, is almost unrecognizable here, leaning into his role with relish.

The Soundtrack That Won’t Quit

You can’t talk about Mannequin without talking about “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” by Starship. The song didn’t just win over audiences; it became one of the defining power ballads of the '80s, perfectly capturing the film’s over-the-top optimism.

The rest of the soundtrack is equally committed to the era: upbeat, synth-heavy, and designed to make you feel like you’re in a music video. Which, honestly, fits Mannequin’s style perfectly.

Underappreciated Themes

Beneath the fantasy romance, Mannequin is quietly about the importance of creativity in a world that often undervalues it. Jonathan’s artistic talent is dismissed by nearly everyone at the start, but it’s ultimately the thing that saves the store, earns him respect, and helps him find love.

There’s also a subtle commentary on finding joy in your work. When Jonathan and Hollywood start creating their window displays, it’s pure passion and collaboration, a reminder that work doesn’t have to be soul-crushing if you’re doing something you love.

Why Mannequin Still Works Today

Sure, the special effects are simple, the logic is non-existent, and the plot could be written on the back of a department store receipt, but that’s not the point. Mannequin is pure, unapologetic wish-fulfillment. It’s about believing in yourself, embracing the ridiculous, and letting your imagination run wild.

It also has a sincerity that’s rare in modern romantic comedies. There’s no cynical wink to the audience, no embarrassment about its premise. It believes in its own fairy tale, and that makes it oddly timeless.

Final Thoughts

Mannequin isn’t for everyone. If you need your romances grounded in reality or your comedies razor-sharp, you might roll your eyes. But if you’re willing to embrace a little 80s magic, it’s a warm, funny, and visually delightful ride.

It’s also a great reminder that sometimes the best movies aren’t the ones that make the most sense; they’re the ones that make you smile without apology.