Stand By Me (1986)

A sleeper hit when released in 1986, Stand by Me is based on Stephen King's novella "The Body" (from the book Different Seasons); but it's more about the joys and pains of boyhood friendship than a morbid fascination with corpses. It's about four boys ages 12 and 13 (Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, Jerry O'Connell) who take an overnight hike through the woods near their Oregon town to find the body of a boy who's been missing for days. Their journey includes a variety of scary adventures (including a ferocious junkyard dog, a swamp full of leeches, and a treacherous leap from a train trestle), but it's also a time for personal revelations, quiet interludes, and the raucous comradeship of best friends. Set in the 1950s, the movie indulges an overabundance of anachronistic profanity and a kind of idealistic, golden-toned nostalgia (it's told in flashback as a story written by Wheaton's character as an adult, played by Richard Dreyfuss). But it's delightfully entertaining from start to finish, thanks to the rapport among its young cast members and the timeless, universal themes of friendship, family, and the building of character and self-esteem. Kiefer Sutherland makes a memorable teenage villain, and look closely for John Cusack in a flashback scene as Wheaton's now-deceased and dearly missed brother. A genuine crowd-pleaser, this heartfelt movie led director Rob Reiner to even greater success with his next film, The Princess Bride. --Jeff Shannon Amazon.com essential video

 Maybe the best film about growing up ever made
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. April 26, 2008

 Timeless
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. March 4, 2008

 One of the best ever....
"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! February 24, 2008

 Timeless and True
"Stand by Me" was filmed in 1986 but set in the 1950's with all the usual back-ground rock and roll music, like the movie American Grafitti. It is an exquisitely nostalgic and realistic story of four boys on the brink of puberty, barking on a quest to be heroes. In a way, it is a modern day Tom Sawyer adventure. Gordie, (Wil Wheaton), is the intelligent, creative one with the obviously bright future. His best buddy, Chris (River Phoenix), is the tough friend in order to hide the pain from the physical abuse he endures at home. He knows he is good inside, but deals with the hurt by the hard shell of rough talk and actions. The other two boys in the group are Vern (Jerry O'Connell), a pudgy tag-along, and Teddy (Corey Feldman), a loyal, funny but troubled kid with a death wish.

When the four boys hear about a dead body 20 miles down the railroad tracks from their small Oregon town, they secretly set out to find the body and find out who it is. They have several setbacks and through it all, Gordie, Chris, Vern, and Teddy are such perfect characters and actors that it is hard to believe they are really acting. It reveals the simple life of children who know that soon there is a future that could tear them apart. They know time changes what the truth is and it will never be the same.

The "greaser" gang of older boy teenagers also want to find the body - this adds to the competition and the pace of the movie. They want to find the body first and are surprised by Gordie's strong will and determination to have justice.

"Stand by ME" is a must see movie, no matter what your age. It hits all the important points of understanding your need for friendship in tough times. The movie is based on a novel by Stephen King and narrated by Richard Dreyfus (who plays the adult Gordon Lachance), who gives the right amount of humor to the film. February 11, 2008

 Favorite Movie
One of the best. Simple and with heart. A classic. Received in good used condition in good time. Thanks. December 9, 2007

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