Stand by Me (dir. Rob Reiner)
Runtime: 89 minutes
Adapted from a Stephen King novella, Rob Reiner’s Stand by Me perfectly combines an exciting childhood adventure with the experience (and fright) of growing up. Gordie (Wil Wheaton), Chris (River Phoenix), Teddy (Corey Feldman), and Vern (Jerry O’Connell) are best friends growing up in a small town with small dreams. But adventure calls when they learn the location of the local boy’s body who went missing several days earlier. So, they pack up their bags and head off into the woods.
Together, the young friends run into a whole cavalcade of dilemmas, ranging from fending off a pack of bullies and dodging a speeding train, to the infamous, creepy crawly leech scene that scarred anyone watching. But there are also pleasant moments of downtime, especially around the campfire, where the boys enjoy listening to Gordie’s delicately constructed and detailed stories. Chris is convinced that Gordie will be a great writer someday, and really pushes him to go after his dreams, something he doesn’t think he can do himself.
But what the boys learn as they’re going on this adventure is that it’ll probably be their last one. They’re growing up, and soon enough, their lives will be going their own ways. Running at a quick 89 minutes, Stand by Me is an indisputably touching film that will be remembered for years to come.
Quote to remember: “I never had any friends later on like the ones I had when I was twelve. Jesus, does anyone?” – The Writer
Published: Jan 29, 2017 01:00 pm