aRgh! "R"eally???

Restricted.  That word was as ugly to us when we were tweens as it probably is to tweens today.  The “R” rating keeps us from including these titles in our main collection, yet we find these films are still worth viewing because of their powerful portrayal of familiar obstacles faced when growing up.  If you are tween we urge you to ask your parent or guardian before renting or borrowing them since they include profanity, violence, and sexual situations.  If you have a difficult time talking to your parents about your problems, think of these movies as a way to help.  Use them to begin awkward conversations, your parents will probably be happy to listen.  If the answer from mom and dad is “NO!” fear not, we have provided equally entertaining reads and films that are suitable for tweenagers.


Stand by Me.  Directed by Rob Reiner.  Columbia Pictures, 1986.  98 Minutes. 

Rated: R 

Genre: Adventure, Drama

Join Gordie, Chris, Teddy, and Vern the summer of 1959 as they venture out to locate the body of a boy who went berry-picking and never returned.  They set out on what is supposed to be a simple overnight quest, following the train tracks until they find their deceased reward.  What they don’t know is that an older and rougher gang of teenagers is tracking them to the finish, eager to claim the corpse and receive a cash prize.  As the four boys brave a junkyard dog, a bridge, leeches, and other setbacks they realize how strong their friendship is, but will it last once their adventure is over? 
This pack of 12-year-olds are as alluring as they are complicated, and their togetherness is nostalgic of how sometimes only the past is what keeps people together and memories alive.  (R rating is for strong language and violence).

Discussion: 

·         How does Gordie deal with his brother’s death? 

·         Why does Gordie think he should have been the one to die?  If you could talk to him, what would you say?

·         Would you go on a trip like Gordie and his friends?  Have you ever had an adventure like Gordie’s with your friends?

Stand By Me was based off Stephen King’s novella, The Body.  There are quite a few inconsistent details between the movie and the book, however the nostalgia and complexity of emotions and events have not been sacrificed.

King, Stephen.  (1982).  The Body or Loss of Innocence.  New York, NY:  Viking.  ISBN:  0582418178

Stand By Me’s soundtrack blends the best and most iconic songs of the late ‘50’s, early ‘60’s.  And it’s even better when you listen to it with someone who can actually remember singing and dancing along to the music when it was brand new.

Various Artists.  (1986/1990).  Stand by Me Soundtrack.  Atlantic/ Wea.

Now and Then is a suitable PG-13 alternative to Stand by Me.  It is also a nostalgic movie.  In this case, the story follows four tween girls growing up in the ‘70’s and contrasts their family life with their enduring friendship.

Now and Then.  (1995).  Directed by Lesli Linka Glatter.  New Line Cinema, 100 Minutes.  Rated PG-13

Comedy, Drama, Romance

Also, check out another classic, The Goonies, about a group of best friends and outcasts as they set off for one last adventure together.
The Goonies.  Directed by Richard Donner.  Amblin Entertainment, 1985.  114 Minutes.
Rated PG
Family, Comedy, Adventure. 

Activity idea:  Make a map for Gordie, Chris, Vern, and Teddie .  Use atlases, books on studying maps and map making to create a hypothetical map detailing all the places the friends went, starting in Castle Rock and ending at Ray Bower’s body.  Create a map of your own detailing an adventure you've recently taking, and be sure to include all the triumphs and pit-stops along the way!





The Chocolate War.  (1988).  Directed by Keith Gordon.  MCEG Sterling.  100 Minutes.

Rated: R

Genre: Drama

Ahh, the annual school chocolate sale, how harmful can it be?  Well, when the Vigils are in charge a simple fundraiser turns into a power struggle.   The Vigils are Trinity High’s secret student society responsible for keeping order by whatever means necessary- even coercion and violence- and are encouraged to do so by acting headmaster Brother Leon.  When freshman Jerry Renault refuses to sell his allocated share Vigil leader, Archie, enlists his band of toadies to assert his authority over Jerry.  But Jerry has two things the Vigils don’t, a mind and spirit of his own, and he will use them until he can go one-on-one with the feared leader.  (R for language, violence, and sexuality).

Discussion:

·         How do the Vigils maintain order?  And what exactly is their meaning of “order”? 

·         Is there anyone Jerry can talk to about his problems, and who can help him?  Do you agree or disagree with Jerry’s actions?

·         Is there a group like the Vigils at your school, what about a Brother Leon?  Who would you feel comfortable talking to if you were being bullied?

The Chocolate War was based off the book by the same name by Robert Cormier, who was inspired by his own son who refused to sell chocolates for school.  The book’s ending differs dramatically from the movie, and may be considered more thought provoking.  In some places this book is banned, however Cormier continues to defend it.  I (Colleen) read this book in the eighth grade and saw the movie even before that, and I have to say I still remember back to how much I loved it and learned from it.  Age 13 and up.

Cormier, Robert.  (1974).  The Chocolate War.  New York, NY:  Laurel Leaf Press.  ISBN:  0440944597

My Bodyguard would be a suitable PG alternative to The Chocolate War.

My Bodyguard.  (1980).  Directed by Tony Bill.  20^th Century Fox.  96 Minutes.  Rated PG

Family, Drama, Comedy

Activity idea:  Why not have a real-life chocolate war?  Model it after Iron Chef (Food Network) and gather random ingredients, including different types of chocolate, and set out easy to follow cookbooks.  Compete with your friends to see who can prepare the ultimate chocolate meal.


Welcome to the Dollhouse.  (1995).  Directed by Todd Solondz.  Sony Pictures.  88 Minutes. 

Rated: R

Genre: Comedy, Drama

Seventh grader Dawn Weiner’s troubles only start with her ill-begotten name, earning her nicknames like “weinerdog.”  As a middle child she remains practically unseen by her parents unless her little princess of a sister is tattling on her, or they are enlisting her nerdy older brother to demolish her “Special People” club house.  At school she is an outcast, attracting only the attention of the cruelest girls and a boy who threatens to rape her.  However, with humor, cynicism, and a little of her own cruelty, Dawn navigates her way through life with all the awkwardness and bitter honesty which stud this developmental stage.  There are few redeeming situations or inspiring kernels of wisdom, but one message is clear- sometimes you just to have to laugh at your most horrifying coming-of-age experiences…go ahead, chuckle.  There, didn’t that make you feel better…don’t worry, it gets easier.

Discussion:

·         Who is the cruelest person in Dawn’s life?  There are no wrong answers here!

·         How does Dawn fight back?  Do you think she could have done something else?

·         Think of everything that goes wrong for Dawn.  What things could change to make her life easier and happier?

·         If you went to school with Dawn, would you want to be her friend?  Do you think she would want to be your friend? 

If you would like to read on about social outcasts read The Misfits by James Howe, about a group of friends who run for student council not to make a name for themselves, but to eliminate name-calling.

Howe, James.  (2003).  The Misfits.  New York, NY:  Simon and Schuster.  ISBN:  0689839561

If Welcome to the Dollhouse is a bit of a damper, try PG rated Napoleon Dynamite, about another outcast.  Napoleon knows chicks dig guys with skills, of which he has none.  An unexpected visitor, a chance to help out a friend, and his very own motivation pay off big near the end, you’re gonna love it so much you’ll be cheering along with the rest of his schoolmates.

Napoleon Dynamite.  (2004).  Directed by Jared Hess.  Fox Searchlight Pictures.  82 Minutes.  Rated PG.

Comedy, Romance

Activity Idea:  Too old to play with dolls but want to immortalize yourself or someone you love?  Create misfit-unlikely-superhero dolls, or idols.  With a variety of craft supplies like clothespins, scraps of fabric, pipe cleaners, etc., plus maybe  some  books on sewing, voodoo, and crafting you can fabricate your own idols after yourself or someone you admire.   Write about what special unseen qualities your doll possesses.