Stand by Me
Director: Rob Reiner
Year Released: 1986
Rating: 2.0
Four young boys go in search of a dead body in this adaptation of Stephen King's novella - along the way, they argue, engage in kiddie-banter and have their resolve tested in the most contrived ways. It's easy to see the amazing talent in the post-Jimmie Dean River Phoenix, who succumbed to his own demons at an early age (but still hasn't acquired the mythic status Dean has); Kiefer Sutherland is another bright spot as a greasy thug. Reiner's attempts at 'heart' are forced (Wil Wheaton's flashbacks, the scene at the junkyard with its surly owner, etc) and what could have been a sweet conclusion isn't all that effective.
