The New Kids

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source: The New Kids

Too Depressing This is the type of film that's so depressing it's not even worth watching. It's like a VC Andrews novel without the fun of the incest. And this film would've been perfect for that. An apple pie teenage brother and sister are orphaned by a car wreck and move to Florida to live with their aunt and uncle whose lifelong dream is become carnies. Weird and financially irresponsible, but nice folks. At school the siblings are literally tormented at every possible moment by a gang of redneck bullies led by James Spader. Spader the most eloquent man on the planet as a redneck? It's memorably the worst casting since Australian Guy Pearce was cast as a redneck in 'Rules of Engagement.' The bullies do some of the worst harassing in film history such as beating up both brother and sister, killing their pets, vandalizing their family's car and carnival etcetera. All because they're the new kids. There's never really a scene where the family contacts the police and is denied help because Spader is the mayor's son or something like that. This made me feel less sorry for the family as the bullies could have gone to jail for these very serious crimes. The acting and production quality are average but there's nothing special, interesting, or entertaining about 'The New Kids' leave it alone. The only reason this film is even mentioned online today is that to die hard James Spader fans it's a classic. While I can see a Spader fan being amused for 5 minutes at him playing a redneck it hardly justifies a 90 minute bad movie.

I first rented this from a video store in 1986 on the clerks advice, knowing I like thrillers and revenge themes. I loved it from start to finish, and soon had the VHS, and more recently, the DVD. I have watched it a couple dozen times, and still thoroughly enjoy viewing it with friends who haven't seen it. It's strong points are seeing actors who have become famous, in their early less well known days. The score, particularly the song "Stand Up" by Bill Wray is fantastic. And the idea of setting the majority of the film in a dilapidated kiddie fun park in Florida was unusual, as they worked to rehabilitate it. As others have stated, Shannon Presby and Lori Loughlin play brother and sister, orphaned by the death of their parents in a car accident, who go to Florida to live with their dads brother and his wife. When they start high school there, James Spader and his little gang of Southern rednecks start bullying them, especially when Lori rejects their advances. This sets up a series of attacks and counter attacks which make up the heart of the movie, leading to an exciting climax at the kiddie park, utilizing the little rides to the fullest. Watch for a typical 80's little kicker at the end. The weak spots are the predictability, and the telegraphing of many of the encounters. Also the actors playing high-schoolers, as typical, are probably in their early to mid 20's. Nevertheless, if you keep in mind this is a B movie, and not expect a horror film despite Sean Cunningham as the director, (written by Stephen Gyllenhall) you can have a very enjoyable experience.

This is a fairly average film, with some suspense and some humour. Eric Stoltz, who is very talented, is not given enough to do. Lori Loughlin is very good. James Spader plays almost certainly the most evil character of his screen career. Also the blondest - he resembles the love child of Dennis Hopper and Marilyn Monroe. That is a simile, not a rumour! I would have given this 5 points, but I am deducting 5 points for the execution of the chicken. There was nothing in the credits to imply that this scene was faked. I am, however, replacing one and a half points because at least the film makes the link that people who are gratuitously cruel to animals are likely to harm other humans. I replace a further one and a half because the heroine fights back.

Sean S. Cunningham (the man behind such films like 'Friday the 13th', 'A Stranger Is Watching ' and 'Deepstar Six') takes a stab at a routine (but gutsy) revenge/vigilante thriller set in the good ol' south of Florida with a group of feuding teenagers at the core. The plot is familiar in structure, but the bold dialogues and sweaty developments make it rather amusing. Loren and Abby are brother and sister, who go to live with their uncle Charlie in a small town in Florida, after the death of their parents. Their home would be in a rundown carnival park, which their uncle has plans of restoring. Abby catches the eyes of the psychotic Eddie Dutra and his group of scummy thugs, but after constantly turning down their advancements. The bullying starts to rear an ugly head. What transcends is sleazy, unsavory and completely nasty, but Cunningham (whose direction is energetically serviceable) pulls it off tremendously well delivering a complete (and versatile) package of humid drama and impulsive action. The tension is pot-boiling, as all these little encounters (with a very dangerous quality streaming through them) go on to spill over in one almighty, gang-busting climax of violent rage set in the amusement park. Even though how all of this eventuates takes some coming to grips with, but as furious exploitation found within this decade (like 'Class of 1984') it's hard to pass. Lalo Schifrin's textured score pumps along; infusing with the authentically rural atmosphere and the pacing throughout is reasonably zippy. The cast is a strong one and well-suited across the board. The lovely Lori Loughlin and valiant Shannon Presby create supportable characters. While at the other end of the spectrum. James Spader is hard to forget with his slimy, reptilian presence and sudden jolts of violence. Eddie Jones adds a lively colour to his role as Uncle Charlie. In small roles are Eric Stoltz and Tom Aktins.

A brother and sister (Shannon Presby and Lori Loughlin) lose their parents in a tragic accident, and are sent to live with relatives in Florida. They are repeatedly bullied and traumatized by the local yahoo played wickedly by James Spader. What follows is a late night showdown at an empty carnival between good and evil, all in the name of survival. Lori Loughlin delivers a decent performance, as well does Shannon Presby as her very protective brother. However, James Spader's convincing performance is pure evil, at its best. As far as bully films go, this is one of the best.

"the new kids" is quite possibly the greatest movie ever filmed. Picture "Fear" meets "Roadhouse". There is senseless violence and gore, and james spader's character Dutra is the greatest performence in movie history. Plus you get to see aunt becky from Full House in really tight jeans. Do your self a favor, WATCH THIS MOVIE. To quote Gid:" You'll be a changed person"

Don't let people sway you, folks. This movie is outstanding! It features some disreputable Southern stereotypes and death by roller coaster and lighter fluid, not to mention the brilliant actor John Philbin in a typically memorable performance as "Gid". The production values are strong (including music by the great Lalo Schifrin) and the script is fast-paced and doesn't waste time with nuance or subtlety. There are pit bulls, lazy sheriffs, authentic Florida tourist trap backwoods locations, a pre-"Mask" Eric Stoltz, and impressive mid-1980s fashions. What more can you ask for? A solid 7/10.

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.?