I still recall the first time I experienced “Stand By Me” at age 12, viewing it on VHS with my closest friend. Those boys seemed to have a profound understanding of life, and let’s be honest: River Phoenix was undeniably charming. The film was filled with drama, angst, and warmth. And who could forget the infamous barf scene? It was destined to be a classic for future generations.
Fast forward three decades (has it really been that long?) to a few weeks ago when I revisited the film with my own son. Throughout the movie, I wore a constant expression of disbelief: where on earth were the parents of these kids?
I can excuse Gordie’s parents; their grief over the loss of Denny likely rendered them incapable of parenting beyond providing basic meals. And yes, Chris and Teddy’s fathers were clearly unhinged. But Vern appeared to come from a fairly stable household. At the very least, where was Mrs. Tessio when Vern dashed out the door? Couldn’t she have packed them some sandwiches for their journey?
Moreover, the absence of adults in Castle Rock is perplexing. The shopkeepers and townsfolk seemed entirely oblivious. Aside from a few flashbacks and an irate junkyard owner, the entire town operated as if it were living out “Lord of the Flies,” with Ace Merrill acting as the de facto authority figure.
Let’s analyze the situation. Four 12-year-old boys set out on a two-day adventure in the woods with a mere nine cents for food. In today’s world of overprotective parenting, such a scenario would provoke a call to Child Protective Services and likely inspire a Dateline series. Did no one in Castle Rock notice these boys—backpacks in tow and a determined spirit? With Ray Brower missing and presumed dead, it’s astounding that the parents weren’t concerned about their children’s safety. I’m disappointed in you, Mr. and Mrs. Tessio.
Then there’s the infamous mailbox baseball. As a preteen, I was captivated by Ace’s rebellious attitude and physical prowess. But as an adult, I recognize that vandalism has consequences—especially when considering the cost of repairing a mailbox! Watching that scene now, I can’t help but feel sympathy for Castle Rock’s mailman, who likely faced a backlog of undelivered parcels.
Bullying is rampant in “Stand By Me.” Every other scene features some testosterone-fueled kid assaulting another. The town is practically under siege by a group of teenage delinquents intent on terrorizing the younger boys. When Ace tackles Chris, not a single adult intervenes. It’s as if the adults are hidden away while Ace and his gang dispense their own version of justice.
The film also reveals that these kids seem to have a reckless disregard for their safety. From Ace and his friends using unsterilized razors for tattoos to Gordie’s harrowing encounter with leeches, the dangers are alarming. Ace casually brandishes a switchblade, and I can only hope he doesn’t suffer long-term health issues from his smoking habit. And don’t even get me started on the gun situation; while I appreciate a good comeuppance for a bully, adults in Castle Rock utterly failed these kids. We won’t even touch on Chopper.
As I reminisced about my own childhood while watching “Stand By Me,” I pondered if I’d ever have a memorable story to share when I grew up. Would my best friend and I drift apart like Gordie and Chris? Would I ever muster the courage to embark on a secret adventure hidden from my parents? More than anything, I daydreamed about dating Will Wheaton.
Now, with my own collection of crazy college stories and a few secrets from my parents, I cherish the friendships I’ve maintained since elementary school. I miss viewing movies with the same sense of nostalgia that only a wistful teen can possess, rather than the critical eye of a parent. And, yes, I still wish I could date Wil Wheaton.
But mostly, I find myself contemplating if anyone really has friends like those we had at 12.
In conclusion, the absence of parents and adult supervision in “Stand By Me” raises questions about childhood, safety, and the responsibilities of adults in shaping the lives of the youth.
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