Stand by Me 1986

I like the old school filmmaking techniques and texture here, especially during the train tracks scene. There is something about the photography, practical locations, and simplicity of the filmmaking that makes the journey feel like an actual childhood memory. I enjoyed most were the moments when the boys were simply allowed to be kids. I love the campfire scene where they talked about cigarettes, and the swamp scene where they became really playful. One of them said they should act their age, and the other replied that this is his age and he is only going to be young once. It really gives the film such youthful energy. The last scene made me rethink the friends I had when I was around 12 years old. I think they still have a special place in my heart, but I cannot really say they changed my life. Despite everything the film does right, I think coming of age stories just are not really my thing.