When I first viewed Stand By Me at the age of 12 on VHS with my closest friend, I was captivated. The boys in the film seemed to possess a profound understanding of life, and let’s be honest: River Phoenix was undeniably charming. The narrative was filled with drama, angst, and warmth. Who could forget that unforgettable scene involving vomiting? It was a pivotal moment for a generation.
Fast forward three decades (has it really been that long?) to a recent viewing with my own son. Throughout the film, I wore a look of disbelief, constantly questioning, where were the parents of these children?
Gordie’s parents might be excused due to their overwhelming grief after the loss of Denny, leaving them unable to provide more than basic sustenance. Likewise, Chris and Teddy’s fathers were clearly unhinged. However, Vern appeared to come from a relatively stable home. At the very least, where was Mrs. Tessio when Vern dashed out the door? Couldn’t she have packed the boys some sandwiches?
Furthermore, where were the adults in the town of Castle Rock? The shopkeepers? The general populace? Aside from a few flashbacks and one irate junkyard owner, the entire town seemed to function like a scene from Lord of the Flies, with Ace Merrill acting as the self-appointed sheriff.
Let’s analyze the situation.
An Overnight Trip with Just $0.09 for Food
In today’s era of hyper-involved parenting, the idea of four 12-year-old boys venturing into the woods with less than a quarter would lead to Child Protective Services being called, not to mention a series of investigative reports. Did no one in Castle Rock notice these boys setting off? Ray Brower was missing and presumed dead, yet the parents seemingly didn’t care that their children were not safely tucked into bed. I’m disappointed in you, Mr. and Mrs. Tessio.
Mailbox Baseball
As a preteen, I found Ace’s rebellious disregard for rules somewhat thrilling. His nonchalant attitude and daring escapades, such as playing chicken with a truck, awakened a sense of adventure in me. Now, as a responsible adult who understands the financial implications of mailbox damage, I can’t help but feel sympathy for the mailman and the residents of Castle Rock who missed their deliveries. Someone should have reported those delinquents.
Bullying
Nearly every scene features boys physically assaulting one another. The town was essentially held captive by a gang of teenage troublemakers intent on terrorizing the younger kids. When Ace knocked Chris to the ground, not a single adult intervened to help. It was as if the adults were mysteriously absent, leaving Ace and his crew to enforce their own brand of vigilante justice.
Dangerous Activities
As an adult, I realized these kids seemed to have a death wish. Ace and his friends were carving tattoos into their arms with unsterilized razors, risking serious infections. Gordie and his group nearly faced a medical emergency from leeches, while Ace brandished a switchblade. The smoking and reckless behavior were alarming, and let’s not even discuss Gordie’s encounter with a gun. While I appreciate a well-deserved comeuppance for a bully in a film, the adults of Castle Rock clearly failed this generation of youth.
Reflecting on my own childhood after watching Stand By Me, I often wondered if I would have crazy stories to share as an adult. Would my best friend and I drift apart like Gordie and Chris? Would I ever be adventurous enough to embark on a secret trip without my parents knowing? And yes, I still think about dating that charming character played by Wil Wheaton.
Now, as a parent, I find myself longing for the innocence of youth—watching films through the lens of nostalgia rather than parental concern. In truth, I yearn for the friendships I had as a child.
This article was originally published on March 10, 2005.
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Summary:
In revisiting Stand By Me, one might wonder about the absence of parental figures in the boys’ lives. The film raises questions about childhood independence in a time when adult supervision seems essential. As a parent, it’s easy to reflect on the carefree friendships of youth and the lessons learned from experiences, both good and bad.