The New Kids (1985)

Excellent characters with emotional depth. My wife, daughter and granddaughter all enjoyed it...and me, too! Very good movie! You won't be disappointed.

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties.

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

(No spoilers) I first saw this film in the theater when I was 10 years old. It was pretty graphic for someone my age, and it stuck with me enough to watch it again a few more times as I got older, and to show it to my adult children. All of the actors do a fantastic job, to the point you cannot tell they are acting. Even the over dramatization and stereotypical acting of the Southern Florida redneck friends of James Spader's character are completely believable (I've actually known people who could have been cast as these characters and wouldn't even have to act, just be themselves. For real). Lori Loughlin is as beautiful as ever in this film (She was 18-19 at the time, and three years after this release she was cast on Full House. She still looks great eh? Forever young and beautiful. Fans of her's should absolutely watch this film.) Everything about this movie is believable and interesting. It's filmed in Homestead, Florida and captures a time that is long gone and a place that has changed dramatically. James Spader really shines, maybe this is the best and most underrated performance of his career. The main character Loren (played by Shannon Presby who's acting career was short lived, as he went on to be a prominent attorney and prosecutor in Los Angeles) is likable and easy to relate to. This movie is a combination of teen drama, family drama and horror. There are some moments with elements of dark comedy, but not many. This is one of my favorite movies of all time. A definitey underrated and lesser known dark horse. Check it out for sure.

Sean S. Cunningham, in my opinion, hasn't had a very good record when it comes to released films. Friday The 13th isn't exactly a masterpiece, and we can certainly find it in our hearts to forgive him for an attempt at another franchise ( yes, I'm talking to you, House 3...aka The Horror Show). However, in spite of it all, the goods of his career are all packed into a single flick, and it happens to be The New Kids. This action packed classic features early performances by James Spader and Lori Loughlin, before Full House was put on the map. The New Kids is a story about two young teens, a brother and a sister, who get up early every morning to stay fit with their father, a military family man who has earned his respect. After the tragic death of both of their parents in a car accident, the young children are invited to go with their relative down south. They'll find themselves staying in an amusement park, troubled with financial problems. It doesn't take long at all before the kids become the target of a ruthless punk named Dutra ( James Spader.) Dutra makes unwanted advances on Abby, played by Lori Loughlin. Sorry, buddy, but...Abby isn't that kind of girl. When you're the daughter of a great dad like that, girls like that are just taught to stay away from the bad boys! Her rejection isn't going to be taken lightly, it's going to get ugly...REAL ugly! The tension and violence escalates to the point where they are left no choice but to defend themselves the only way they know how, and neither one is any place to back down, no matter how much they are outnumbered, and trust me, they are outnumbered. Dutra is in a click with many boys that want nothing more then to deflower the young Abby ( yeah, keep dreaming, she wouldn't give you the time of day!). It's going to take everything they got, everything they were taught, to survive the nightmare. This cool little movie features some unforgettable scenes...I still love the "House Of Mirrors" scene to this day, along with a mishap on the roller-coaster ride. ( Actually, it's a couple of mishaps on the roller-coaster ride, I can only hope the other reviews haven't spoiled it. Hilarious fun! ) The New Kids is a treat for horror fans, it has in depth character performances, some great violent scenes, and a great story line plot. If you missed it, catch it, I assure you you won't be sorry.

This movie makes you want vengeance. I cannot think of another film that makes you want to suddenly appear on the corner of this "every town" with a sawed-off shotgun, a dagger and a pack of Pall Malls. James Spader was great. I am not convinced of his relationship with the other "red necks" in his gang because he is the only one who obviously bathed regularly, but he was very convincing. This movie was also the first time I ever learned of a breed called a Staffordshire Terrier (He doesn't deal cards or retrieve the newspaper but he does make you want to agree with breed specific bans). So Without giving away the story, I will make comments such as, Lori Laughlin is fabulous as ever, beware of anyone who keeps pig's blood in their fridge, and "you don't key another guy's car, you just don't do it." (Pulp Fiction) That is unless you are trying to bait them into retrieving a rather large arsenal. Of course, all of this testosterone is tempered with the fact that there are several cliché's employed, terrible acting by everyone but the principles, obvious setups that have only one conclusion, and the inevitable, yet tragic, ending for the Staffordshire Terrier. Rest in pieces.

The New Kids (1985) is a rural horror film about two teens (Loren Loughlin and Shannon Presby) who have two move to the country when their parents (Tom Atkins and Jean De Baer) die in a horrible auto accident. They move out to finish their teenage years with a pair of legal guardians. Adjusting to the country life takes awhile. But not too long for them to find some local yokels who don't take to kindly to their city brethren. Eric Stoltze co-stars as a local youth who befriends the siblings and the ever shady James Spader co-stars as Eddie Dutra the leader of a "youth" group who makes life hard for the kids. How far will Eddie and his boys push the siblings? Who'll help them stand up to these farmland punks? Too find out you'll just have to watch Sean Cunningham's The New Kids, a new kind of terror from the makers of Friday THE 13TH.Highly recommended.P.S. When will this come out on D.V.D.?