“Stand By Me” is the classic coming-of-age story in which four friends set out on an adventure but later discover that the journey is more valuable than the destination. The story is stereotypical 1950’s and the film is stereotypical 1980’s, but that is what makes it a classic. The acting of the four lead boys is average for their age range but the story still comes through. I expected more from Corey Feldman, but I certainly did not expect to see 20-year-old Kiefer Sutherland! I appreciate the progression that the boys experience. Legends (like Chopper) are revealed to be tall tales and the boys discover that you are not always rewarded for doing the right thing. The film is full of important messages but the content may be too rough for the younger kids who might benefit. The whole pie-eating sequence feels very out of place and eats up too much of this film’s short 90-minute runtime. I understand that part of Gordie’s character is his love of writing and storytelling, but I can think of better ways to spend my time than watching people vomit on each other. “Stand By Me” has its high and low points, but it will remind every man of his formative teenage years and the lessons that guided his path in life.
[Pictured: If this doesn't scream "Coming-of-Age-Story," what does?]
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