No film has ever captured that magical age in a boys life, between childhood and adulthood, better than Stand by Me. It is the time in their life where childhood imagination and fascination has yet to abandon them even as they are starting to view the world differently. The main characters in the movie talk about candy, cartoon characters, Annette Funicello’s breast and personal insecurities, their interests lie in both the childish and the adult world.
Upon hearing about a boy being killed, and his body yet to be discovered by the authorities, four twelve year old friends head out to see it, out of curiosity. Along the way they have a few adventures. They have to out run some guard dogs and a train. Stand by Me contains the best scene with leeches since The African Queen. It is though, their bonding through conversation that we get to know them and they each other.
One minute they are having a childish argument, "Boy, you don't know nothing! Mighty Mouse is a cartoon. Superman's a real guy. There's no way a cartoon could beat up a real guy." Teddy informs Vern, who replies, "Yeah, maybe you're right. It'd be a good fight, though." In another scene Gordie cries to Chris that, "My father hates me!"
This two day trip through the woods represents the turning point in these boy's lives. Although the process of growing out of childhood, in real life, takes a longer time. This movie represents that point in life where responsibility is just about to hit and a completely carefree youth is disappearing. The serious conversations between Chris and Gordie seem more suited to boys several years older than them. They work in the movie because this is a time capsule of these boy’s problems and growth condensed into a few days.
The greatest accomplishment of this movie, and that credit probably should go to Reiner, is the balance of humor and drama. In one scene, an angry Gordie tells Chris, "Fuck writing, I don't want to be a writer. It's stupid, it's a stupid waste of time." but later on he tells the boys a hilarious story. Teddy has an abusive Dad but defends him when Vern calls him looney, "My father stormed the beach at Normandy!" Teddy also provides much of the film's lighter moments, "Oh Billy, I wish we'd never boosted that car! Oh Billy, I think I just turned my Fruit-of-the-Looms into a fudge factory!" He says mocking Vern’s older brother.
Everyone can watch this movie and relate to these boys. We all had childhood friends that, at the time, were very important to us, but have since lost track of. "It happens sometimes. Friends come in and out of our lives like busboys in a restaurant." The narrator explains. If that line does not get you thinking, then the last line in the movie will, "I never had any friends later on like the ones I had when I was twelve. Jesus, does anyone?"
A good film will have the audience thinking about it after watching it. Stand by Me is that rare film that leaves you feeling nostalgic. You may want to call up an old friend afterwards.
