Review of Stand by Me (1986) by Liz — 26 Jun 2011

3: I can't recall the last time I saw a contemporary film that approached childhood with this much sentiment and nostalgia and yet did it effectively. No one seems to be making films like this anymore, or at least I'm not seeing them.

I can't tell if it's because it was made in the 1980's - the era of my childhood - or if it really is different. Part of its nature certainly lies in the fact that it is actually set in 1959, a decade that seems to produce a feeling of nostalgia for an easier and simpler time like few others.

What's most remarkable about the picture is that nothing much happens apart from standard childhood summertime experiences. There isn't much about the film that seems that out of the ordinary, apart from the dead body being found.

Despite the fact that I never had an adventure quite like this a kid, it feels very familiar, which is exactly what the filmmakers were going for. It isn't revolutionary or thrilling, but it is very comforting and easygoing.