Stand By Me

Based on a short story by Stephen King, Stand By Me follows four adolescent friends (Wil Wheaton’s Gordie, River Phoenix’s Chris, Corey Feldman’s Teddy, and Jerry O’Connell’s Vern) as they embark on a journey to find a dead body – with the movie subsequently (and primarily) detailing their various adventures along the way. It’s an exceedingly simple premise that is, for the most part, utilized to positive effect by Rob Reiner, as the filmmaker does a superb job of establishing both the movie’s small town atmosphere and the friendship between the boys – with, in terms of the latter, the personable, thoroughly engaging work from the four stars perpetuating the film’s consistently affable vibe. There’s little doubt, however, that Reiner’s decidedly deliberate sensibilities, coupled with the episodic bent of Raynold Gideon and Bruce A. Evans’ script, ensures that the movie’s first half isn’t quite as electrifying as one might’ve hoped, as it’s clear that certain sequences ultimately fare a whole lot better than others – with the boys’ efforts at safely crossing a railroad bridge certainly standing as a highlight within the film’s opening hour. The palpable chemistry among the four kids, especially the rock-solid friendship between Wheaton and Phoenix’s respective characters, plays an instrumental role in keeping things interesting even through the narrative’s rockier sections, and it’s worth noting that the movie does boast an increasingly engrossing feel as it moves into its tense and surprisingly touching third act – which effectively cements Stand By Me‘s place as a timeless coming-of-age drama.

*** out of ****

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