Have watched and would watch over and over again.
Stand By Me (
Rob Reiner, 1986 ) - Not only is this my favorite book turned film, but, also my favorite all time film in general. Rob Reiner did an incredible job of getting astounding performances out of all of his cast. If you watch the bonus material on the DVD you will see that he really goes to extreme lengths to drag out the potential that he knew he had found in the four young actors.
What else is perfect about this movie? The camera work, the narration by Richard Dreyfuss, the clever use of period music, the attention to detail (like the old Hills Bros. coffee can the kids pitch rocks into at the junkyard), the pace and rhythm. The juxtaposing of the main storyline with detours like Vern's penny hunt and the sad but hilarious tale of Lard Ass Hogan is brilliant, and makes this a hard film to get tired of no matter how much you see it.
One excellent scene in particular, the real gem in this crown, is where Chris (River Phoenix) tells Geordie (Wil Wheaton) about his milk-money experience. It was the strongest point of the film, by far the most emotional and River Phoenix acted well beyond his years, more believable than most adult actors.
To give this film as high praise at it deserves is near impossible.
The Lost Boys ( Joel Schumacher, 1987 ) - The sets were excellent, the effects were horrifically believable, and the characters were well developed enough as to give the audience a good dose of concern for the principal participants. The addition of Laddie on the milk carton shows the level of detail and care given to this attempt, and the soundtrack just adds so much as the songs are fitting and right with each scene.
Full of great one liners and comedic performances (Barnard Hughes is great as the eccentric taxidermist/grandfather). The Lost Boys is a film showcased by the small touches: we still have the usual vampire yarn, but the youthful overtones create a different effect. Schumacher creates a film that is not only a fun take on vampires but a creative take on teenagers and their neverending trek to belong.
Ghost World ( Terry Zwigoff, 2001 ) - The comedy in Ghost World is not the gut-busting type, but rather the quiet situational type that's amusing. At the same time, as we laugh at the nerds, geek, freaks, dorks and dweebs that inhabit Ghost World, the film works to humanize them in our eyes and raise a sympathy for them. Suddenly their eccentricities seem less strange and more interesting. And like Enid, we find ourselves drawn to them.
This film is excellent for its creative portrayal of disenfranchisement, discontent, and the humor that saves us from despair.
The Outsiders (
Francis Ford Coppola, 1983 ) - Francis Ford Coppola and Kathleen Rowell did a good job bringing S.E. Hinton's highly acclaimed story to the motion picture format. It's got a good, solid story, beautiful photography, convincing acting by the leading actors and a nice score.
My Own Private Idaho (
Gus Van Sant, 1991 ) - Brilliantly acted and directed, with fine use of colour, recurring motifs and bold credits, Idaho possesses a rare, dream-like quality. The camera shots of long horizon-spanning roads and skylines, fast-motion clouds, surreal and symbolic shots of houses and rushing rivers provide the film with a strange almost other-worldly charm. The music too is well chosen, and complements the magical dialogue perfectly.
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