Page 14 - IssueNo101

14 Issue #101 June 2021 www.sportsenergynews.com

In Reel Time

The Kids Aren’t Alright

By Nikolai Adams

“The cruelest dream, reality”. . .
a lyric from The Offspring’s iconic
song that shares the same title as this
article, speaks volumes to today’s
feature. 1986’s River’s Edge, written
by Neal Jimenez and directed by Tim
Hunter, takes a bleak look at the lives
of a group of teens growing up in
northern California during the MTV
generation.
Arguably holding a twisted link to
Stand by Me, which was released the
very same year, this holds the lens
to older teens. . . focusing more on
the Kiefer Sutherland character’s
age group rather the tweens of
that feature. A dual analysis could
definitely reap some benefits.
Following wildcard leader Layne
(Crispin Glover – a very different Photo Submitted
role just one year after Back to murder to keep his friend out of life in the 80s. The values that once doubts about this whole situation. .
the Future), his right hand, Matt trouble, while the latter struggles with were have dissipated from their . it is perhaps no surprise that they
(Keanu Reeves – in his first year of the moral quandary of the situation. culture, heavy metal music and drugs both like each other. In a world where
acting in movies), and the rest of Soon, the rest of the group are let in the main form of entertainment. . . ratting on your friends is considered
the gang, including flirty Clarissa on the vexing secret. . . furthering the their parents preoccupied with their the ultimate sin, the pair must decide
(Ione Skye), chill Maggie (Roxana aberrant circle of trust. own pressing problems (it could be whether it is more important to have
Zal), superficial druggie guitarist In a world where adults have a argued that Matt and Tim’s mom an unburdened soul. . . or to fit into
Tony (Josh Richman), hard working rather chaotic impact on the youths tries, but her life doesn’t allow her to this dog eat dog, cutthroat world.
do-gooder Mike (Phillip Brock). . . they are raising (they argue, fight, succeed). Though these teens talk of And intriguingly, it is not only their
Layne and Matt have learned that one and wield shotguns). . . that is, if they escaping their futile existence in their peers that feel this way.
of their circle, Samson ‘John’ Tollet aren’t apathetic and disinterested hometown, this departure does not A character driven drama featuring
(Daniel Roebuck) has killed another in their kids’ lives, the only place bring with it the hope or promise of strong performances from its young
friend, his girlfriend Jamie (Danyi Layne feels comfortable turning to a flourishing future that, in all reality, actors, River’s Edge is a dark, thought
Deats). is his drug dealer acquaintance, Feck it should. A hazy form of apathy sits provoking teenage crime film that
low on this locale. Almost echoing
Witnessed by Matt’s (Dennis Hopper – at his feral best) – builds its tension to a breaking point.
impressionable yet bullish younger a man who lives with a blow-up doll the above mentioned Offspring With an almost unyielding sense of
brother Tim (Joshua John Miller), he (they love to slow dance) and hasn’t song, it seems like their following dark predestination, that does not
has already fallen under the spell of left his home in five long years (a collective years will consist of drop mean the narrative is predictable,
the near psychopathic calm of killer murderer not looking to be found). outs, joblessness, drugs (and alcohol), but rather, only feels like no other
John (often taking a ride with him Of course, you’re probably thinking suicide, as well as “fragile lives [and] outcome was possible once you
and helping him with some of his what all of us are – it seems like he’ll shattered dreams”. It is a very bleak finally get there. Some have even
tasks). Not remorseful or panicked, be the calming voice of reason. depiction, though, like any feature, it gone so far as to call it a horror
John then shows the body to Layne Cited at the time as the Rebel is not without some hope. movie. So, wake up and see this
and Matt. . . the former immediately Without a Cause of the day, Hunter Despite the near constant peer hidden gem of the 80s, it’s definitely
looking for a way to cover up the reveals the dark underbelly of teen pressure, Matt and Clarissa have their worth a viewing.

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