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Sam
(Corey Haim) and Michael (Jason Patric) have just moved to Santa
Carla with their newly divorced mum (Dianne Weist). When Michael
falls in with a group of trench coat wearing, motor bike riding
teenage vampires led by the mysterious and sinister David (Kiefer
Sutherland), Sam enlists the help of two vampire slayers known as
the Frog Brothers (Corey Feldman and Jamison Newlander) to kill
the lead vampire and lift the curse placed on Michael.
Unlike fellow vampire film Near
Dark, The Lost Boys uses traditional vampire
conventions (holy water, garlic, stake through the heart, etc) and
mixes it with the then modern culture of the 1980's.
Combining the teen and vampire subgenre's works very well, with
the party all night and sleep all day lifestyle exhibited by these
vampires no doubt an appealing drawcard to many adolescents. Director
Joel Schumacher skilfully exploits the comparisons between the two
at first seemingly different genres, whilst also commenting on peer
pressure and drug use amongst teens (with blood the drug of choice
in this film.)
The films young actors are perfectly cast and put on choice performances.
Jason Patric's alluring presence is used very well, and Kiefer Sutherland
(who has become a deft hand at playing villains) is wonderfully
menacing whilst sporting the mullet from hell. Corey Haim is good
as the fish out of water fashion victim, who along with his future
partner in crime Corey Feldman and Jamie Newlander provide some
nice comedic touches, especially the later two who are great as
the ultra macho, Rambo inspired vampire slayers.
Schumacher's visual flare works well with the films neon lit 1980's
backdrop, and his point of view shots of vampires flying through
the air makes quite an impression. Along with the films comedic
elements, Schumacher also handles the horror aspects very well.
There are some fine thrilling moments (Sutherland, Patric and co.
hanging from the bottom of a rail bridge and then falling into an
never ending abyss is a highlight), and the films gory moments are
nicely handled and never come off as over the top.
Impressive make up effects, rich cinematography by Michael Chapman,
and a rocking soundtrack help create a memorable vampire tale, yet
the films inability to keep up its momentum stops The Lost Boys
from becoming a great horror movie, with special mention to the
final act which -despite a good twist and killer punch line - fails
to meet the promise established before hand. A very good, yet flawed
vampire movie which will always remain a guilty pleasure of mine.
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