Fresh
Stand by Me is a small, quiet film that walks tall and resonates long after.
Carrie Rickey, Philadelphia Inquirer
Stand by Me
"If I could only have one food to eat for the rest of my life?" "That's easy. Pez. Cherry flavor Pez. No question about it."
1986 · 1h 29m · R
Crime, Drama
Directed by
Rob Reiner
Overview
After learning that a boy their age has been accidentally killed near their rural homes, four boys decide to go see the body. Gordie, Vern, Chris, and Teddy encounter a mean junk man and a marsh full of leeches, but they also learn more about one another and their very different home lives. Just a lark at first, the boys' adventure evolves into a defining event in their lives.
Director and cast
- Rob Reiner Director
- Wil Wheaton as Gordie Lachance
- River Phoenix as Chris Chambers
- Corey Feldman as Teddy Duchamp
- Jerry O'Connell as Vern Tessio
- Kiefer Sutherland as Ace Merrill
- Casey Siemaszko as Billy Tessio
- Richard Dreyfuss as Gordon Lachance (Adult)
- Gary Riley as Charlie Hogan
- Bradley Gregg as Eyeball Chambers
- Jason Oliver as Vince Desjardins
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
92%
Tomatometer
Fresh
Its perspective is that of a knowing adult, which is to say that though the film is frequently affectionate and funny, it contains a drop too much condescension to be entirely successful.
Jay Boyar, Orlando Sentinel
Fresh
It stands, sweet and strong, ribald, outrageous and funny, like its heroes themselves -- a bit gamy around the edges, perhaps, but pure and fine clear through. It's one of those treasures absolutely not to be missed.
Sheila Benson, Los Angeles Times
Rotten
Stand by Me is a film of honorable ambitions severely compromised by a creeping show-biz phoniness.
Dave Kehr, Chicago Tribune
Rotten
Reiner seems lost in his own cinematic wilderness -- button-down careful, almost afraid to move
Pat Graham, Chicago Reader
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