He Thinks Will Is Cute 🥹

He thinks Will is cute 🥹

Mike Likes Cute Things

Dustin, Lucas, Steve, Max, and Robin all use the word “hot” to describe people that they’re attracted to in S3.

For Dustin, Lucas, and Steve, it’s in reference to Phoebe Cates, who Dustin compares Suzie to.

Dustin: “Think Phoebe Cates, only hotter.”

Lucas: “She’s a genius and she’s hotter than Phoebe Cates? No girl is that perfect!”

Steve: “No no. No way. Hotter than Phoebe Cates? No.”

It’s implied that they all view Phoebe Cates as the pinnacle of hotness - a common opinion at the time as a result of her role in Fast Times.

Similarly, Max uses the word hot to describe Ralph Macchio. Another actor that was popular at the time as a result of his looks.

Max: “Yeah he’s the Karate Kid. […] He’s so hot right?”

Finally, Robin uses the word hot in reference to girls when she tries to convince Keith to give Steve a job at Family Video. She bribes him by talking about all the ladies he’ll bring in.

Robin: “And these ladies… These ladies are hot. They’re so very hot.”

This is all to say that most teenagers are attracted to people that they consider “hot.”

When Mike finds out about Suzie though, he doesn’t ask Dustin if she’s hot. Mike asks…

“Is she cute?”

Mike is the only one to use this word. He’s the only one who is primarily concerned with cuteness rather than hotness, and his word choice is so telling. Unlike many teenagers, Mike is drawn to cute things still.

Things like the little teddy bear with the bow tie at the mall…

…and, ya know, his best friend, who happens to be strategically placed right behind him throughout the entire shot…

… in bright red shorts…

… as if he’s Mike’s version of a certain someone.