Stand By Me (1986) Tribute

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• published: 22 Mar 2014
• views: 9866

Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for fair use for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. I'm sure there is more than one tribute here on youtube to this wonderful film, but I had to make my own. Based on Stephen King's novella "The Body", this movie tells the story of three childhood friends, Gordie LaChance (Wil Wheaton), an aspiring writer who mourns the death of his older brother Denny (John Cusack) and feels that he will never be loved by his parents in the same way. Chris Chambers (River Phoenix) is the son of a drunk, and the younger brother of juvenile delinquent, and feels that he is labelled as a bad kid no matter what. Teddy DuChamp (Corey Feldman) comes from an abusive home - his father, mentally unstable due to service in WW2, has been institutionalized, and despite the rough treatment Teddy has received, he remains loyal to his dad. Vern Tessio (Jerry O'Connell) is a humorous yet fearful boy. When the four hear about a missing kid who was supposedly hit by train, they set out to find the body in hopes of being viewed as heroes by their hometown. On the two day trek, these friends discover more about themselves, and ultimately, share one last adventure before adolescence sends them in different directions. With sadistic bully Ace Merrill (Kiefer Sutherland) and his gang on their trail, the boys take a stand which results in a life-changing experience for them all. Told in flashback by an adult Gordie (Richard Dreyfuss, not shown in video), "Stand By Me" is a near-perfect film (with perhaps too much profanity for the year that it's set in, 1959), and Rob Reiner did a phenomenal job with his cast. All the actors are outstanding and never hit a false note. The fate of Chris Chambers hits too close to home with the knowledge that River Phoenix himself died an early and tragic death. Looking at this film makes you wonder what might have been, and the ending has a deeper meaning. Of course, the song is the tune by Ben E. King. Enjoy!