Lost Boys

Everyone loves a good vampire film. Immortal beings, powerful in mind and body, wise like the very ancient, yet eternally suspended in the vigor and invincibility of youth. Horrifically terrifying yet somehow seductive. Creatures of our darkest dreams and most vivid fantasies. The lure of the dark side at its most enticing. How far are you willing to go?
 
When teenage Michael and his younger brother Sam find themselves relocated in their grandfather’s distinctly un-cool ranch with their recently divorced mother, the night life of Santa Clara pulls the two youngsters into some not too typical teenage difficulties. Enticed by a mysterious woman, Michael inadvertently joins a teenage clan of vampires ruled by the platinum haired, gothicly bedecked David played by the dashing Kiefer Sutherland.

Meanwhile as Michael unwittingly undergoes the transformation from happy-go-lucky teen to brooding bloodsucker, his younger brother Sam stumbles upon the ghastly truth. Consulting his worldly wise friends, the Frog brothers, who operate a comic book store by night and a vampire staking business by day, a formula to save his brother and rid Santa Clara of the creatures of the night is set into motion.

Sexy, vibrant, with that alluring taste of the forbidden, the atmosphere throughout the film remains strongly attuned to the desires of the young and the offer of immortality devoid of rules and the judgmental rays of revealing sunlight. Lured by the siren song of the dark side, the viewers are pulled into the seedy underbelly of Santa Clara night life and the moral freedom of the immortal. Amplifying haunting rock medleys, a star crossed romance, and some surrealistic effects, the film maintains a wild, untamable atmosphere that effectively combines classic vampire lore with modern (or 80s modern at least) appeal.

Complimenting the 80s “cool” factor that keeps the film unique and oddly appealing, director Joel Schumacher employs special effects with vampire mind games creating both visual and psychological horror. Employing subtle, yet effective tricks including wild motorcycle rides along towering cliffs, a scene of black clad vampires silently slipping into a chasm of twirling mists, and a magnificent aerial battle, the special effects bring the vampires’ supernatural powers to life. As the film progresses the effects shift from psychological surrealism to an all out battle employing some of the best effects of the times including several gory deaths and vampire battles.

Complimenting the stunning filming techniques, Michael (Jason Patric) and David (Kiefer Sutherland) carry a bizarre storyline and make it truly come alive. Kiefer Sutherland as the leader of the pack mixes an almost punk style with vampirical prowess adding a total new layer of coolness factor. Emitting a chilling aura of dangerousness and smirking threats, Sutherland shines as the consummate villain in one of his beginning roles. Likewise Patric imbues his character Michael with a sympathetic beleaguered attitude, underpinning it with strength of character and a true hero’s mentality.

As Sutherland and Patric engage in the eternal battle between good and evil, viewers will find themselves torn between the charismatic vampire who’s very villainy is darkly appealing and the selfless character who fights for the safety of home and family and the essence of all that is good.

Sam (Corey Haim), as the younger brother, adds a nice dose of humor into the film bouncing between the childishly endearing and the conniving of an adult under stress. Procuring the Frog brothers, a gruff group of young boys with considerable knowledge of vampire warfare, to return his brother to normal while keeping the unsettling news from his tender hearted, utterly oblivious mother (Diana West), Corey maintains firm control over his character’s goofy, yet appealing personality.

Of course, the very best character, although only a minor actor was the grandfather Barnard Hughes whose doses of off the wall humor proved some of the most memorable highlights. Whether instructing his young grandsons in the proper handling of a TV guide, the rules of the refrigerator, or proper etiquette for stealing a car, Hughes proves an endearing character that delivers something memorable and amusing with every line.

Following the Frog brothers’ dastardly scheme to save Michael from the dark side and rid Santa Clara of those pesky vampires, a high stakes battle ends the film with a bang. Ramping up the gore and throwing a somewhat predictable, although no less satisfying, twist into the last few minutes, The Lost Boys builds a strong, unique concept unlike any other vampire movie.

Hip with that certain 1980’s flair, The Lost Boys combines a modern environment with an ancient myth producing a strange campy atmosphere complete with humor and horror. Ever one of my favorite vampire tales, the film just has that certain magic that keeps me returning throughout the years. Perhaps it’s the stellar soundtrack, pumping haunting rock beats including a song replete with biblical commandments (“Thou Shalt Not Kill”) at key moments; perhaps it’s the complimenting medley of horror, odd-ball humor, and teenage spunk or perhaps it’s all of the above. Whatever the reason, The Lost Boys captures and maintains a haunting, yet enticing atmosphere that keeps viewers returning throughout the years. Definitely one of the better vampires films, worthy of its cult classic title. Highly recommended.

Countess_Eva