What’s it rated? R
When? 1986
Where’s it showing? The Bay Theatre of Morro Bay on June 13 at 7 p.m.
You’ve likely seen this 1986 coming-of-age drama, and if you’re like me, you’ve seen it more than a dozen times. Still, it’s a film that—back when you used to flip through channels—I would always say yes to and still do today. Between Richard Dreyfus’ narration and the troope of boys’ adventures, this film weaves an overall story of childhood friendship and how the little moments become so significant with time.
Gordie (Wil Wheaton) has lost his big brother, and his parents can’t get over the death, which leaves Gordie pretty wholly ignored. His band of misfits—Chris (River Phoenix), Teddy (Cory Feldman), and Vern (Jerry O’Connell)—set off to find a rumored dead body out in the woods. Each kid is struggling with his own problems, whether it’s being ignored by their parents or wanting their parents to ignore them, the foursome bonds over their weekend adventure, and they come to learn that life is complicated for everyone—even kids.
Based on Stephen King’s 1982 novella The Body, this is a must-see movie, and if you’ve seen it a bunch like me, why not get nostalgic and watch it on the big screen? (89 min.) Δ
This article appears in Jun 12-22, 2025.