This week we’re taking a look at a classic: The Lost Boys. Quintessential 80s (it came out in 1987) this movie is both of its time, and completely timeless. Back when vampires might be attractive, but you still wouldn’t want to date them (and only Kiefer Sutherland could pull off a mullet).
Spoilers Ahead
The Lost Boys starts with single mom Lucy (Dianne Wiest) and her sons, Michael and Sam (Jason Patric and Corey Haim) moving back to her hometown, Santa Carla (really Santa Cruz, which at one time was known as “The Murder Capital of the World,” inspiring the graffiti we see as the family drives into town).
It doesn’t take long for chaos to ensue, and the brothers discover there’s more to Santa Carla than hippies, bikers, and rampant unemployment. Older brother Michael gets mixed up with the wrong (undead) crowd, and younger brother Sam enlists the help of a couple of wacky locals (the Frog brothers, Edgar and Allan, played by Corey Feldman and Jamison Newlander) who have dedicated themselves to eradicating the vampire menace. It all comes down to living long enough to kill the head vampire in order to save Michael and his fellow half-vampires, Star (Jamie Gertz) and Laddie (Chance Michael Corbitt).
The awesome cast is rounded out by main vampires David, Marko, Dwayne, and Paul (played by Kiefer Sutherland, Alex Winter, Billy Wirth, and Brooke McCarter); Grandpa (Barnard Hughes); and Lucy’s new boss/love interest, Max (Edward Herrmann). Oh, and Cody as Nanook, Sam’s dog (and the dog doesn’t die!)
The chemistry between the characters, particularly between Sam and the Frog brothers is so good. This was the start of the Two Coreys, which was a whole cultural phenomenon in and of itself. Grandpa is one of my favourite characters–and he gets the best line of the movie (the one at the end). And who could forget this guy:
This is Timmy Cappello, professional saxophonist. The 80s were all about the sax. No one is really sure why, but this guy undoubtedly had something to do with it.
The movie’s also got some fine cinematography and sets, and a great soundtrack. The opening shot of the camera swooping over the ocean and into the carnival, where we catch our first glimpse of David, is perfect, not least because of the music chosen (the chanting boys choir that’s used throughout– love it). We’re also treated to Echo and the Bunnymen’s version of “People Are Strange” (originally by the Doors). It should be noted that The Lost Boys broke ground by being the first movie to feature teenage vampires (or at least, vampires that look like teenagers).
But what’s the point of all that unless the vampires are worth watching?
Luckily, they’re fantastic. First of all, I like that Schumacher et al didn’t give everything away too soon. You don’t see a full-out vampire (fangs, bumpy profiles, red-rimmed yellow eyes) until 1:01:30 into the movie. They’re also the perfect mix of human and monster (for me, anyway). Restrained David is just as good as brutal David (the beach scene, where he bites into the bald head of a victim and the blood shoots out–what’s not to love?) Kiefer makes the character his own, and I can’t imagine anyone else in the role.
The makeup is also really good, especially considering the year this was made. There’s something to be said for practical effects and subtlety. Side note: I don’t know if the actors practiced talking with the fangs in, or if the fangs were particularly well made or what, but I was happy that there was no lisping among the vampires, which even the Buffy vamps have been known to do.
The vampire mythology is a mix of traditional and innovative. Full vampires can hover/fly and have the ability to hypnotize, but they have to avoid sunlight, fire, stakes, and holy water. They sleep hanging upside down, like bats, using their clawed feet to hang on, and they don’t have reflections. Half vampires have drunk a vampire’s blood, but haven’t killed anyone yet; once they do, they become full vampires. Killing the head vampire reverts all half vampires to human, and kills all the full vampires.
The title is a reference to the Lost Boys in Peter Pan, young boys who never grow up and never die.
The Blu-Ray comes with some excellent bonus content, including “A World of Vampires,” an interactive map with a bit on vampire legends from around the world. It’s fascinating to see the similarities in vampire legends/mythology among diverse cultures, sometimes spanning the globe. There’s also an interesting bit on the evolution of the Slavic vamp into our modern image of vampires. This is why streaming isn’t always the best option.
While the movie does look dated now, you can think of it as a period piece (then again, I hear mullets are making a comeback). You’ll probably never see The Lost Boys on any “Top Movies of All Time” lists, which is a shame because there’s a lot to love about it. Still, it’ll always be one of the best vampire films; one that any fan should watch. And then watch again a few more times.
Have you seen The Lost Boys? What did you think of it? Share in the comments…
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Cheers,
Aspasía S. Bissas
Aspasía S. Bissas 