Stand by Me

Rating:
Summary: Great for Fathers and Sons-Update Special Edition DVD!
Review: My son, who is 13, has decidedly different tastes than I do when it comes to entertainment. For example, he likes Final Fantasy 7 on the Playstation while I prefer the strategy of Civilization or Links LS. But we both agree that Stand By Me is one of the best coming of age films ever made. And the new special edition DVD greatly enhances the enjoymenmt of the film.

The story, set in 1959, involves four boys who set out on a journey to find the body of a boy killed in a train accident. The late River Phoenix plays Chris Chambers, the street wise leader of the group. Will Wheaton is Gordie La Chance from whose perspective the story is told. Cory Feldman plays Teddy an abused son of a World War II vet and Jerry O'Connell provides comic relief as the goofy but loveable Vern. The performances by these young men are truly outstanding. My only complaint is too many four-letter words especially the "F" word. I'm no prude, but I think it would have been more believable to have saved this type of language for only the most intense scenes.

This is a wonderful film for fathers and sons to watch together. My son seemed to really relate to the characters despite the very different era involved. Having grown up in the late sixties and early seventies I was able to find a lot of common ground with these four boys. Another thing that amazed me is my son loved the soundtrack of late fifties hits. Watching this film with your kids also provides a great opportunity to discuss the tragic death of River Phoenix and ease into the waters on the dangers of drugs.

The video quality of this DVD is very good with little noticeable grain or digital artifacts. The widescreen version only adds to the enjoyment of the great exterior scenes. I am very happy to report that the new special edition of this disc adds several new features including an excellent documentary called "Walking the Tracks: The Summer of Stand By Me". Featured are Stephen King, Rob Reiner, Will Wheaton, Jerry O'Connell and Kiefer Southerland. True fans of the movie will not want to be without this new special edition.

In spite of the profanity, I highly recommend this film especially on DVD. Rob Reiner has made a movie which will be remembered as a classic of its genre and is sure to be loved by all ages.

Rating:
Summary: My favorite movie ever
Review: Have you ever seen a movie that truly touched your life? If not I greatly recommend that you see Stand By Me. I love this movie because it is touching, sad, funny, and altogether just a great movie. I also like this movie because I can whatch it with all my gal pals(can you say River Phoenix?) and also, It is a great date movie(I would whatch it with any guy). I think this movie is good for all ages. The whitty remarks and message is interesting to younge teens, yet I think grown-ups can relate to it. All these reasons are why I recommend this movie, claim it as my favorite movie, and give this movie 5 stars. xoxo-emmy

Rating:
Summary: Stand By Me
Review: This movie is most probably one of the best films I have ever seen. The acting in it is great it has a very strong cast, when something happens to them you can feel their pain because it is acted so good. The scenery is brilliant- vast streches of mountains covered in trees takes my breath away. This movie hasn't lost any of it's magic even though I have watched it 100's of times. This movie is great and I would recommend it to anyone with a sense of humour.

Rating:
Summary: good movie
Review: really great movie but i wonder why it got three stars.it should of got 2 or 2 and a half or something.the plot wasnt that good.and i was hoping for a happy ending but at the end i was dissapointed.but it had good music and it was kinda funny,too.overrated,though.

Rating:
Summary: Very Good Movie!
Review: I few saw this movie a few years ago, and I thought nothing of it then. Just recently, after I really realized what the world lost after River Phoenix passed away, I decided to watch the movie again, since I had not seen in a few years. I remember how the incredible acting had touched me, especially since I hope to grow up and work in that area. The beautifully portrayed story was brilliantly done, and althought it's not even close to the novella, 'The Body' by Stephen King, it is just like it in many ways.

Rating:
Summary: One of my favorites
Review: This movie gets better each time u watch it. It is a rare gem! The story of four young boys going a trip of their lifetime is so unforgettable. All of the boys realize something important in their life through the adventure. This is a great film about coming of age and friendship; it has great music, cinematography, and, most important, acting. River Phoenix is radiant in this picture; never has a young boy actor give such a memorable and moving performance. I have watched this film many times, and my eyes got wet every time the credit rolls and "Stand by Me" plays. Three cheers for this great film!

Rating:
Summary: pretty good but it could have been better
Review: this is a good movie for adults and kids.the one reason i liked it was because it has Corey Feldman who plays teddy so the movie rocked.it could have been better.but why was it called stand by me? and it didnt have that much music in it,either.but still good

Rating:
Summary: Five days ago...
Review: Five days ago, I discovered the best movie ever. Sure, I had heard people talk about it now and then, but I never really thought the idea sounded all that amazing. Then when I was going through my mother's video collection, I found this old movie with a not-so-informative cover. I turned it over to read the back, and from that moment on, I was hooked. I immediately fell in love with Chris Chambers (amazingly portrayed by River Phoenix) and Gordie LaChance (Wil Wheaton). The acting was beautiful and realistic. They *were* four friends in a little town heading off for what was, at their age, the adventure of a lifetime. To lie to their parents and head off on a two day hike to find the body of a missing child? A child their own age who had disappeared three days earlier? Who could resist? Especially the kid who everyone looked down on, who no one expected to succeed. It was his chance to prove them wrong. He *could* be a hero. As they travel to Ray Brower's (the missing child) body, they learn more about life and each other. They bond over horrific experiences (leeches, the bridge) and friendly talks (the campfire). And when the trip is over, their small town is just a little smaller, and their lives are just a little more dull, but it was worth it. So my advice is to buy this movie. It is amazing.

Rating:
Summary: MY FAVORITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME
Review: I KNOW EVERY LINE. NO, I'M NOT A NERD...I'VE JUST SEEN THIS MOVIE MORE TIMES THAN I CAN COUNT. THE ACTING IS AMAZING, AND THE STORY IS SO TOUCHING. BUT IT'S NEVER GOOEY. IT'S ALWAYS RAW AND REAL. GREAT MUSIC, BEAUTIFUL SCENERY, FABULOUS ACTING, FAULTLESS DIRECTION, AND ALL AROUND A HIGHLY ENJOYABLE FILM. THIS IS ONE MOVIE YOU CAN WATCH OVER AND OVER, AND IT'S GREAT TO WATCH WITH A GROUP OF YOUR BEST FRIENDS. I RECOMMEND THIS FILM VERY HIGHLY!

Rating:
Summary: Coming of Age Modern Classic
Review: I really like Stephen King's books, so after reading his "Different Seasons" I rented this (bought it later) and also another outstanding movie from the "Seasons" collection, Shawshank Redemption (also bought later). This movie was way better than the book. Comedy, action, nostaglia, cool soundtrack, and some talented acting. Rob Reiner's best piece of work and River Pheonix's memorable performace make this a gem.