Stand by Me

This movie is one of the more pleasant ones I've seen. It's very neatly written, structured, and acted, though it is still very heartfelt, and feels more elegant than formulaic. River Phoenix was the standout actor in the movie for me, but there isn't anyone who feels like they drag down it at all. It's well shot, very well edited, and most importantly captures a particular part of childhood visually that even if you never experienced exactly yourself, you can feel all throughout the movie. Overall it has aged very well, and has some underlying themes that are very important, especially in the contemporary social climate. Almost painfully nostalgic, poignant, but also raises your mood in a certain way. Really delightful, I feel like I could rewatch it a hundred times and never tire of it. 88