Stand By Me (Special Edition)

STAND BY ME is an amazing film that totally captures small town life, the late 1950's and more universally what it's like to be at that in between age of 12 or 13. It is incredible how much we learn about the four friends - Chris, Gordie, Teddy and Vern - in a relatively short amount of time. This can be credited to the performances of the young actors (all are excellent but River Phoenix really shines) guided by the expert direction of Rob Reiner and maybe most importantly the heartfelt source material, the novella THE BODY by Stephen King which is one of his best efforts outside of the pure horror genre.

One of the things that impressed me most about the film is the kids talk, act and think like real kids of that age still do today and probably always will. It's a shame the film is rated R because of its rough but realistic language since a lot of kids in the 12 - 16 years old age bracket could readily identify with the characters and the themes though granted this is certainly no kiddie movie for the under twelve set. But for anyone who has graduated from sixth grade or so this is a wonderful movie that shouldn't be missed.

I just sat down and watched this movie for the first time after hearing about it for as long as I can remember. And I was less than impressed.

The story follows the journey of four boys - Vern, Teddy, Chris, and Gordie (Jerry O'Connell, Corey Feldman, River Phoenix, and Wil Wheaton) as they transition from boy to man. Or at least teen. The summer before they start Jr. High, a boy their own age goes missing. When Vern hears where the boy's body is, they set out to find it so they can become heroes. While they journey, all four face fears, hopes, and disappointments whether it's the absence of parental love, a future career as a writer, or things that go bump in the night.

To be honest, I can understand why people like this movie. It has a good mix of drama and comedy. The acting is great. The film is set in a small town in the 50's, so there's the nostalgia factor.

So why didn't I like it? First and foremost, the language. That was the real biggie. It was one thing when Ace (Kiefer Sutherland), the leader of the local gang swore. It was something completely different to have these twelve year olds swearing all the time. And frankly, I have a hard time imagining kids swearing that much during the 50's. I'm probably way out in left field, but it doesn't right true. There are several gross out moments I didn't care for. Finally, the ending was depressing. I'll grant you it was realistic. But it was depressing.

I know lots of people who grew up watching this film and absolutely love it. As I said, I can see it why. And maybe if I had seen it when I was younger, I would like it now. As it is, I won't be watching it again.

Stand by Me is probably one the strongest films about friendship ever made. It really does make its older audience travel back in time to when we were young and hanging out with our buddies planning to do something extraordinary for the summer. It is all about `coming of age', never over sentimental, yet remaining thoroughly heart rendering in its depiction of youths discovering their inner adult self.

Written by Steven King, this is one of his `Shawshank Redemptions' stories that contains thrills and drama but no horror. The dialogue is superb and very memorable. The story revolves around four boys who overhear that a body of a boy who had been hit by train was seen by some riverbank. They head off on the two day trek and meet many obstacles along the way.

This is also one of director Rob Reiner's best films. It stars Wil Wheaton (Wesley of Star Trek: The Next Generation fame), River Phoenix (who infamously died of a drug overdose), Corey Feldman (of The Lost Boys), Jerry O'Connell (Sliders) and Kiefer Sutherland.

It is also more proof that Stephen King's dramas make much better films than his horrors.

This a classic movie about growing up and the friends you had. I can relate to a few of the things in this movie. I had a friend who died not to long ago and we were just like Chris and Gordie almost. Sad thing is the kids real last name was LaChance. I highly recommend this movie to anyone growing up or wanting to look back on there youth. The whole movie is perfect- from the scenery to the music. Not one bit needs to be changed. I loved the Summer of Stand By Me documentary, it was a very well done extra. I hated Richard Dreyfuss in it because he acted like it was just anther paycheck to him, while the rest of the cast said how much they loved making the movie.

It was also a rare case. Usually a King book made into a movie sucks but not this film. The book ended badly. He killed off everyone expect Gordie and then he writes it like Gordie is proud everyone but him is dead. A very sick and sad way to end a book. Im glad they did not use it in the film.

In closing, if you have not seen this movie-go out of your way to check it out and you wont be mad that you did.

"Stand By Me" is a must and own for everyone! Its a great tale of friendship. From the first time I saw this movie when I was young, until now, its always been one of my favorites! If you havent seen it by some chance, watch it, youll love it!