This blog, is the first in what I hope is to be a year long look at films from 1986.  Why 1986? Both movies from that year, and I, are celebrating forty tears of life, and celluloid glory.  The entries, like others I blog about, will be based on what I am able to see on the silver screen. This will be independent of my occasional retro rewind  blog entry.

STORYLINE:  A writer recounts a childhood journey with his friends to find the body of a missing boy. (IMDb)

    Stories of youth, in coming of age films, are tales as old as trine.  There are true classics, like American Graffiti (1973) and Dead Poets Society (1989).  Then there’s the twenty first century spin, on the genre, with films like Mean Girls (2004) and Boyhood (2014).  1986’s Stand By Me is a staple of coming of age cinema.

    Does it surprise you to learn that the film is based of the work of Stephen King?  When I think of Stephen King I think scary cinema, not coming of age features.  

    What makes a coming of age film work, is its ability to go above and beyond to relate to those watching.  Why I am able to connect to Stand by Me is in the four main characters.  Each character, has its own unique personality.  They all connect with one another, and ay different points in the film, each finds a voice, and a heroes moment.  

    I loved watching a variety of different scenes, on the bug screen.  In particular, were moments where the train chased the leads across the bridge, and then the camp fire scene.  Ome was a moment of suspense, and the other a moment of friendship.

   Stand By Me is a classic 80’s coming of age movie!

   Until next time, I will see you at the movies!