Let’s take a moment to revisit the classic film ‘Stand By Me’, shall we? I distinctly recall the first time I watched it at 12 years old, huddled in front of a VHS player with my best friend. Those boys seemed to have it all figured out, and let’s be honest, who could resist the charm of a young River Phoenix? The film was a blend of drama and nostalgia, complete with memorable scenes like the infamous barf scene that captivated a generation. Fast forward three decades—does it really feel like that long?!—and I found myself screening it again, this time alongside my own son. As I watched, I couldn’t help but wear a perpetual “What on earth?!” expression. Seriously, where were the parents of those boys?
Now, I’ll admit that Gordy’s family gets a pass; their grief over losing Denny must have made it impossible to focus on anything beyond basic survival needs. Chris and Teddy’s fathers were clearly not role models. But what about Vern? He seemed to come from a relatively normal household. At the very least, where was Mrs. Tessio when Vern dashed out the door? Couldn’t she have whipped up a few sandwiches for these adventurous kids?
Beyond the boys, where were the adults in Castle Rock? The shopkeepers? The townsfolk? It felt like the entire community was operating under a “Lord of the Flies” mentality, with Ace Merrill running the show like he was the sheriff. Let’s delve into the evidence, shall we?
A Two-Day Adventure With Pocket Change for Food
In today’s world of helicopter parenting and overprotective guardians, four 12-year-old boys venturing into the wilderness with less than a quarter would raise eyebrows and maybe even trigger a CPS investigation. Ray Brower is missing, presumed dead, and yet no one seems concerned that their kids are nowhere to be found. Come on, Mr. and Mrs. Tessio, where’s your vigilance?
Mailbox Baseball Gone Wrong
As a kid, I remember being somewhat amused by Ace’s rebellious antics, especially when he played chicken with that truck. But now, as an adult, I wince at the thought of the cost of a mailbox at Home Depot. Poor Castle Rock’s mailman! Someone really should have called the cops on those troublemakers.
Bullying in Plain Sight
Nearly every other scene showcases some testosterone-fueled boy bullying another. The town seems to be under siege by a band of teenage delinquents, and when Ace body slams Chris, where are the adults to intervene? It feels as though the grown-ups are locked away somewhere while Ace and his gang enact their twisted version of justice.
Dangerous Pastimes
Watching ‘Stand By Me’ as an adult opened my eyes to just how reckless these kids were. Carving tattoos with unsterilized razors? Swimming in leech-infested waters? Ace brandishing a switchblade while chain-smoking? And don’t even get me started on the gun situation. Sure, it’s thrilling to see a bully get what’s coming to him, but come on, Castle Rock adults—your negligence has left a lasting impact on this generation. And let’s not even mention that dog, Chopper.
As a preteen, I often daydreamed about having my own wild adventures to recount later. I wondered if my childhood friendships would endure like Gordy and Chris’s. Would I ever muster the courage to embark on secret escapades without parental consent? Now, with my own memories of youthful mischief and a best friend from elementary school still in my life, I find myself longing for the simplicity of viewing life through the eyes of a carefree kid rather than a parent responsible for establishing boundaries.
In the end, it makes me ponder—do we ever really have those friendships again?
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Summary
Reflecting on ‘Stand By Me’ reveals the glaring absence of parental figures in the boys’ journey. From reckless adventures to bullying, the film raises questions about adult responsibility in a community. As a viewer, the nostalgia of youthful friendships clashes with the realities of adulthood, leaving us to wonder about the nature of our connections.
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