Stand By Me [1987] - DVD (Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, Jerry O'Connell, Kiefer Sutherland - Dir: Rob Reiner)

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

Customer Reviews of Stand By Me [1987]

Magic Lemur
Somewhere in Madagascar
4th December 2008

Good Things Come to Those Who Wait...
This film was recommended to me 5 years ago and I had fully intended watching it, but never got round to it. However, having seen the video for 'Stand by Me' on the Vault, I was drawn to the movie for the entirely shallow reason that the song was good & it had clips of the film attached!

Of course the problem, at this point, is that films which you expect to be good frequently disappoint. You need only think of 'Matrix Reloaded' or 'Star Wars I' to know that feeling...

Fortunately, this film DID live up to the long wait! It had all the wondrous writing of Stephen King, a non-cheesy, uplifting plot and sensational characters who were really engaging. It is plain, and easy to see why River Phoenix has the cult status he does, and also why this film is upheld as a seminal coming-of-age film.

Of course, there are weaknesses, as the 2 star reviewer states. The weakness I'd highlight is Stephen King's incredibly annoying habit of putting himself in a story. Gordie would have been a far better character, if it weren't for his untouchable nature. This also means that he has the only part that has a happy ending (not to plot spoil), which is a little indulgent.

However I would rate this film still, even with this minor weakness. And I would salute it for the fact that it avoids the cliche of many films of having a eponymous title song, which is then shamelessly used throughout (e.g. in 'Officer & a Gentleman'). This film saves 'Stand by Me' (the song) for the titles at the end, and so quadruples its power (and makes you remember it for days after!)

So, if you have this film at #3894 on your wishlist and are wondering whether it is worth seeing, then learn my lesson - it is & should be seen as a priority over all other films. Watch it, and find satisfaction at the end of longing...

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UK
9th October 2008

One of my Top 5 Greatest Ever Movies
This is an all time classic, one of THE greatest movies that will ever be made. It sits third on my Top 5 list, falling only behind Casino and Goodfellas.

There are lot's of reviews for this movie already, so I will keep mine brief.

Buy this film, watch it and fall in love with it like everyone else. It is quite simply a masterpiece that will pull every one of your emotions out of you. This movie shows River Phoenix at his greatest, and untouchable piece of acting that goes far beyond the limits of his script.

If ever a movie deserved 5 stars, this is it.

aimz
Scotland
14th September 2008

Best Movie By Far
This is one of,if not the best movie i have ever seen. I can`t fault it. I have a fan of this movie since I was a child.Its definitely worth getting.An absolute classic. For River Pheonix fans its by far his best role!!!

debz
Scotland
8th September 2008

Stand By Me
I think the best way to watch this film is not to read any reviews. It's too easy to get preconceived ideas. Just look at the star ratings and buy yourself a great film. You'll be glad you did. Superb.

Suzanne Mckay
North East England.
5th August 2008

Lollipop!
Ahh this film takes me back to my childhood.
It is a classic film and to this day is still a big hit with alot of people.
A must have for your DVD collection