Movie Suggestions?

Guybrush Nosehair · Fri 28/01/2011 04:01:22

Hey all. About half a year ago, I saw the movie Stand by Me and loved it. Can anyone suggest similar movies to it? I was told that The Sandlot was very similar, so I watched it, but hated it. I have also been told to watch The Goonies and The Lost Boys, but am not interested in them.

Mostly, I'd like to see sentimental movies with child actors, but aimed towards an adult audience. I listed some movies and actors I like below to give you a basic idea of what I'm looking for. Thanks in advance!

Other movies I liked:

Pay it Forward (one of my favorites)
Jack the Bear (decent)
The Road (decent)
The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (very good)
Radio Flyer (one of my favorites)
Stephen King's IT (good)
King of the Hill (decent)
Son of Rambow (decent)
Slumdog Millionaire (one of my favorites)
Where Eskimos Live (very good)
Breakfast Club (decent)
Sleepers (good)
Kramer vs. Kramer (very good)
Empire of the Sun (great)

Actors (in order of my favorites):

Haley Joel Osment
River Phoenix
Wil Wheaton
Elijah Wood
Joseph Mazzello

Edit:

I've had enough Elijah Wood suggestions. He's a fine actor, but not amazing. I still plan to watch The War. My favorite child actor on the list is Haley Joel Osment. However, I've seen everything of his worth watching. The same goes for River Phoenix and Wil Wheaton (Wheaton really had NOTHING after Stand by Me).

I'd prefer if everyone can suggest movies without any of the actors I mentioned. I'm looking to discover movies with other actors. Thanks!

Gudforby · Fri 28/01/2011 09:18:25

I think A.I. (Artificial Intelligence) would be a nice suggestion.

Although it's more of a science fiction universe, it should fit both your preferred movie style and actor (Haley Joel).

Guybrush Nosehair · Fri 28/01/2011 20:16:50

Quote from: Gudforby on Fri 28/01/2011 09:18:25
I think A.I. (Artificial Intelligence) would be a nice suggestion.

Although it's more of a science fiction universe, it should fit both your preferred movie style and actor (Haley Joel).

Thanks for the suggestion, but I've seen it and hate it. The only thing that kept me watching was Haley Joel Osment. The first half hour was fine, and it looked like it had potential to be a great movie. Unfortunately, this wasn't the case.

Please keep the suggestions coming!

Snake · Fri 28/01/2011 21:48:56

Stand By Me, maybe? It's based on one of Stephen King's stories. It's got River Pheonix, Jerry O' Connell, Corey Feldman and Will Wheaton in it.

4 young friends set out on an adventure. Geordie, Chris, Teddy and Vern go looking for the missing body of a local teenager - found by a gang of older boys.

If you have NetFlix, you can watch it instantly... unless they've switched it out.

Atelier · Fri 28/01/2011 22:04:17

Quote from: grim107 on Fri 28/01/2011 04:01:22
Actors (in order of my favorites):

Haley Joel Osment
River Phoenix
Wil Wheaton
Elijah Wood
Joseph Mazzello

Elijah Wood? Then you can't beat Lord of the Rings. You've probably already seen it, but I just wanted to say, it's my favourite franchise solely because of its sentimentality. It documents the struggle between two young hobbits against the powers of evil (even though Frodo is 50 in the books). You can't get more sentimental than watching them literally crawl up the Slopes of Orodruin, or watching Frodo pass into the Grey Havens. And Howard Shore's orchestration makes the films in my opinion. If you listen to some of the scores it goes deeper than human comprehension. Damn it's a good trilogy!!

Domino · Fri 28/01/2011 22:15:47

edit: Never mind, missed that on your initial post.

I said Goonies.

Guybrush Nosehair · Fri 28/01/2011 22:20:06

Quote from: Snake on Fri 28/01/2011 21:48:56
Stand By Me, maybe? It's based on one of Stephen King's stories. It's got River Pheonix, Jerry O' Connell, Corey Feldman and Will Wheaton in it.

4 young friends set out on an adventure. Geordie, Chris, Teddy and Vern go looking for the missing body of a local teenager - found by a gang of older boys.

If you have NetFlix, you can watch it instantly... unless they've switched it out.

I already said that was the movie that got this all started. It was fantastic!

Shane 'ProgZmax' Stevens · Sat 29/01/2011 00:36:18

Uncle Buck.

nihilyst · Sat 29/01/2011 01:11:49

There's a German movie called "Der Schatz der weiÃŸen Falken" (The Treasure Of The White Falcons). It's quite similar to Stand By Me or The Goonies, but I don't know if there's an English version of it.

There's no female actor on your list, but I'd definitely try Now And Then.

jetxl · Sat 29/01/2011 10:00:19

Kids and Lord of the Flies!

The Joyriders maybe.

edit:
And Tideland.

Diath · Sat 29/01/2011 11:52:08

I would say the movie adaptation of Dream Catcher but they screwed that up. The only thing I could ever find that matched the feeling of stand by me was the Goonies. The only other thing that comes to my mind is the movie, My girl. But good luck on your findings!

Edit: Ohh yeah try looking up the movie The Cure

Stupot · Sat 29/01/2011 14:20:57

I second Lord of the Rings... the old black and white version is also great. Although the 1990 version still hits all the right notes.

Also, I've literally just watched The Kite Runner... like two hours ago. That has child actors, two boys in particular, and it's very sentimental indeed... I will admit I was starting to well up at times.

Guybrush Nosehair · Sun 30/01/2011 01:32:19

Thanks for all the suggestions.

Quote from: ProgZmax on Sat 29/01/2011 00:36:18
Uncle Buck.

I've seen that. I like it because it's John Candy and John Candy is awesome! However, I'd like to keep this list purely about dramas.

Quote from: nihilyst on Sat 29/01/2011 01:11:49
There's no female actor on your list, but I'd definitely try Now And Then.

I keep meaning to look that one up. Thanks for the reminder.

Quote from: Diath on Sat 29/01/2011 11:52:08
Try looking up the movie The Cure

I've seen it. It's an okay movie.

Thanks once again for all of your suggestions! Keep them coming!

Igor Hardy · Sun 30/01/2011 02:47:35

The Mosquito Coast (River Phoenix in the main role, and a very interesting movie in general)
Leon The Professional (but you've probably seen it)
The 400 Blows (kids drama, and a classic to boot)
Shipwrecked (great adventure film, a non-tropical Treasure Island I would say)

Guybrush Nosehair · Sun 30/01/2011 05:42:40

Quote from: Ascovel on Sun 30/01/2011 02:47:35
The Mosquito Coast (River Phoenix in the main role, and a very interesting movie in general)
Leon The Professional (but you've probably seen it)
The 400 Blows (kids drama, and a classic to boot)
Shipwrecked (great adventure film, a non-tropical Treasure Island I would say)

I saw The Mosquito Coast because of Harrison Ford, who is one of my all time favorite actors. As an added bonus, River Phoenix was in there too. It was a decent movie.
I saw Leon the Professional recently. It was good, but not great.
I've recently searched up The 400 Blows, but cannot find the English version. I'm going to have to settle for subtitles if I want to watch. It really does sound like an excellent movie!
Shipwrecked sounds interesting enough, but I'm looking for real dramatic, sentimental movies. I may watch it if I ever find myself with nothing else to see.

Thanks for all these suggestions. Keep 'em coming!

Dualnames · Sun 30/01/2011 05:43:30

I've been meaning to see the 400 blows, is it really that awesome Igor? Do you recommend it highly I mean?

InCreator · Sun 30/01/2011 15:22:05

Green Street Hooligans. Rather dumb and unbelievable flick, but it's got drama, action, pretty people and Elijah Wood in a role you would never imagine. Think of Romper Stomper meeting Twilight.

Igor Hardy · Sun 30/01/2011 16:03:57

Quote from: Dualnames on Sun 30/01/2011 05:43:30
I've been meaning to see the 400 blows, is it really that awesome Igor? Do you recommend it highly I mean?

Sure, but even if I personally didn't like it, I think trying out the essential New Wave titles is a must for cinephiles like you.

Ultra Magnus · Sun 30/01/2011 22:58:03

Quote from: Atelier on Fri 28/01/2011 22:04:17
You can't get more sentimental than watching them literally crawl up the Slopes of Orodruin, or watching Frodo pass into the Grey Havens.

Not to mention people laughing in soft-focus.

Quote from: InCreator on Sun 30/01/2011 15:22:05
pretty people and Elijah Wood

Ha ha. Burn.

Guybrush Nosehair · Sun 30/01/2011 23:32:36

I've had enough Elijah Wood suggestions. He's a fine actor, but not amazing. I still plan to watch The War. My favorite child actor on the list is Haley Joel Osment. However, I've seen everything of his worth watching. The same goes for River Phoenix and Wil Wheaton (Wheaton really had NOTHING after Stand by Me).

I'd prefer if everyone can suggest movies without any of the actors I mentioned. I'm looking to discover movies with other actors. Thanks!

Domino · Sun 30/01/2011 23:53:15

The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0923752/

Great Documentary and also a great movie.

kconan · Mon 31/01/2011 08:43:45

River's Edge
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0091860/

I instantly thought of this movie. It's a good flick and a bit like "Stand By Me" in that some kids find a body, but this one is much darker.

GreenBoy · Mon 31/01/2011 09:36:39

Empire of the Sun. I still can't believe that movie had Ben Stiller in it, it's actually quite good.

Dualnames · Mon 31/01/2011 18:29:39

Quote from: GreenBoy on Mon 31/01/2011 09:36:39
Empire of the Sun. I still can't believe that movie had Ben Stiller in it, it's actually quite good.

Seconded. One of my all time favorites. I knew Christian Bale, before he was known

. But seriously, this movie is a tear-jerking (at times) tale of a kid, that's behaving like a goddamn kid! And that's what makes it great.

Guybrush Nosehair · Tue 01/02/2011 02:21:28

Quote from: GreenBoy on Mon 31/01/2011 09:36:39
Empire of the Sun. I still can't believe that movie had Ben Stiller in it, it's actually quite good.

I've actually come across that suggestion several times. I've decided to finally watch it. Christian Bale really is a great actor.

Thanks for the suggestion, and keep 'em coming!

Charity · Tue 01/02/2011 03:34:10

'Where the Wild Things Are' was marketed as a kids' movie, and it certainly isn't adult in the way that gets the MPAA rating marked up, but it's so damn ambiguous and depressing that I think it deserves a mention. I guess it is sort of a deconstruction of the whole Magical Land with Fuzzy Animals genre. Don't expect a really tight plot, but it is definitely sentimental, and the kid in it is fantastic.

LGM · Tue 01/02/2011 05:43:23

Some female leads:

Let the Right One In
Tideland
True Grit

More Kid centered dramas:

If you like Christian Bale as a kid, there's Newsies. It's a musical, but it's quite good. And Bill Pullman is in it
I second Where the Wild Things Are
There's also a german film called The Tin Drum. That's a very crazy, controversial one. Kinda offputting, but worth watching.

Babar · Tue 01/02/2011 08:05:20

I was recently recommended Paper Moon. I was skeptical considering the source of the recommendation (I'll never doubt you again! Except your animÃ© suggestions

), but after watching it, I have to say it was great. Old (1970s, but filmed in black and white), but gold- I think the child actress is the youngest recipient of an Academy Award.

Darth Mandarb · Tue 01/02/2011 18:47:13

I, too, was going to mention Empire of the Sun due to it's greatness.

I can't say I am in the same boat with some of your choices. The Goonies is a movie I have nothing but love for (not saying it's my "favorite" but I think it's a great movie!) It might be nostalgia as I grew up with it. Same with The Lost Boys. I can't stand Haley Joel Osment and rank him right up there with Jake Lloyd.

Here are some suggestions (in no particular order):

The Horse Whisperer (1998)
Featuring a young (and less buxom) Scarlett Johansson. A tad slow, but a drama, though not really about kids I think she stole the show (and it has Robert Redford in it, so that's saying something!).

Hounddog (2007)
Featuring Dakota Fanning (who I think is destined for many Oscars) ... it's very disturbing, but definitely a drama. This kid can act more with her face than most adult actors in the biz.

Explorers (1985)
Does have a previously mentioned name (River Phoenix) but also a young Ethan Hawke. Not sure it's "drama" enough, but an enjoyable movie

White Squall (1996)
Bunch of young kids supporting each other (and their captain) ... not the greatest movie, but it's got the Dude in it and is directed by Ridley Scott.

The Good Son (1993)
Does have Elija in it, but also Macaulay Culkin. It's another surprisingly disturbing film, but is worth watching.

I could keep listing them off ... but I'll stop with just these few.

Guybrush Nosehair · Wed 02/02/2011 01:30:57

Quote from: Darth Mandarb on Tue 01/02/2011 18:47:13
I, too, was going to mention Empire of the Sun due to it's greatness.

I can't say I am in the same boat with some of your choices. The Goonies is a movie I have nothing but love for (not saying it's my "favorite" but I think it's a great movie!) It might be nostalgia as I grew up with it. Same with The Lost Boys. I can't stand Haley Joel Osment and rank him right up there with Jake Lloyd.

Here are some suggestions (in no particular order):

The Horse Whisperer (1998)
Featuring a young (and less buxom) Scarlett Johansson. A tad slow, but a drama, though not really about kids I think she stole the show (and it has Robert Redford in it, so that's saying something!).

Hounddog (2007)
Featuring Dakota Fanning (who I think is destined for many Oscars) ... it's very disturbing, but definitely a drama. This kid can act more with her face than most adult actors in the biz.

Explorers (1985)
Does have a previously mentioned name (River Phoenix) but also a young Ethan Hawke. Not sure it's "drama" enough, but an enjoyable movie

White Squall (1996)
Bunch of young kids supporting each other (and their captain) ... not the greatest movie, but it's got the Dude in it and is directed by Ridley Scott.

The Good Son (1993)
Does have Elija in it, but also Macaulay Culkin. It's another surprisingly disturbing film, but is worth watching.

I could keep listing them off ... but I'll stop with just these few.

I just watched The Good Son a few days ago. It was okay, but somewhat stupid (I expected as much from it's IMDB rating). Hounddog sounds interesting, but it also has a poor rating, and I'm not the biggest fan of Dakota Fanning. I'll have to consider that one. I like how you suggested Explorers (as it starred River Phoenix), but I'm mainly looking for movies geared towards an adult audience.

Guybrush Nosehair · Wed 02/02/2011 01:42:22

Quote from: Lyaer on Tue 01/02/2011 03:34:10
'Where the Wild Things Are' was marketed as a kids' movie, and it certainly isn't adult in the way that gets the MPAA rating marked up, but it's so damn ambiguous and depressing that I think it deserves a mention. I guess it is sort of a deconstruction of the whole Magical Land with Fuzzy Animals genre. Don't expect a really tight plot, but it is definitely sentimental, and the kid in it is fantastic.

I was going to skip out on that one, but some thought, I'm deciding to watch it. Great going!

Domino · Wed 02/02/2011 02:32:44

Once again I have failed. I suggested a movie which is way off topic from what you were looking for.

Domino

Guybrush Nosehair · Wed 02/02/2011 03:04:01

Quote from: Domino on Wed 02/02/2011 02:32:44
Once again I have failed. I suggested a movie which is way off topic from what you were looking for.

Domino

It may be off topic, but it sounds interesting never-the-less (I actually heard about it a while back). I may watch it some time in the future.

Charity · Wed 02/02/2011 08:01:59

Not a movie, but you might also want to keep an eye on the upcoming HBO series "A Game of Thrones." The series of books it is based on are very adult (in both maturity/complexity and the sex-and-violence sense of the term) and have a number of child characters in key roles. Obviously, as the series hasn't aired yet, I can't really speak to the quality, except that the footage I've seen -looks- promising and at least one of the child actors they've found looks pretty sharp.

Not sure when it airs, but if memory serves, maybe fall-ish?

Igor Hardy · Wed 02/02/2011 10:20:16

I completely forgot about the other Peter Weir movies - they should be perfect for you:

Dead Poets Society
Picnic at the Hanging Rock

Even Master & Commander has some great child roles and growing-up themes.

Wonkyth · Wed 02/02/2011 11:09:17

Loved Dead Poet Society.

moshboy · Thu 03/02/2011 14:35:57

You could try The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys with Emile Hirsch and Kieran Culkin.

Imaginary Heroes with Emile Hirsch.

I thought they were both pretty decent.

You've probably already seen Donnie Darko but I'll suggest it anyways.

GarageGothic · Thu 03/02/2011 15:09:41

Heavenly Creatures (Peter Jackson, 1994)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110005/

Stupot · Thu 03/02/2011 17:40:15

Quote from: GarageGothic on Thu 03/02/2011 15:09:41
Heavenly Creatures (Peter Jackson, 1994)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110005/

Good film. I very nearly suggested it the other day, but wasn't quite sure it fit Grim's criteria. The characters are younger than the actresses who play them. Although there are flashback scene's with younger actresses playing their childhood selves.

Definitely worth a watch for anyone who hasn't seen it yet.

tzachs · Thu 03/02/2011 18:11:32

Dude, I must say that this:

Quote from: grim107 on Fri 28/01/2011 04:01:22
Mostly, I'd like to see sentimental movies with child actors, but aimed towards an adult audience.

sounds a bit creepy on first reading...

Anyways, I'd like to second Lord Of The Flies, I remember seeing it as a teenager, and getting the shock of my life.
It's been a long time so I hope my memory doesn't fail me, but I remember it as a really thought provoking movie.

RetroJay · Thu 03/02/2011 23:03:27

Hi.

Ok. I know you said that you would like other movie sugestions without Haley Joel Osment in them but...
I really like the film 'The sixth sense' with Haley and Bruce willis.

Also. Another Bruce willis film 'Mercury rising' is a good one. I can't remember the child actors name but he plays the part of Simon who is a nine year old autistic boy who cracks a government code and finds himself needing Mr Willis's protection.

Hope you enjoy.
Jay.

Chicky · Fri 04/02/2011 00:51:27

Child actor? Adult audience? That's as far as i got, try Hard Candy.

RetroJay · Fri 04/02/2011 01:57:29

Another one is 'Stir Of Echoes'.

A film starring Kevin Bacon. The child actor is Zachary David Cope.
His character is the one who communicates with the deceased girl throughout the film.

Sorry. I am a dark minded bastard and enjoy dark films.

Jay.

EDIT: Another one is 'Scary Movie 3'. The child actor in that makes me piss my pants with laughter!

Guybrush Nosehair · Fri 04/02/2011 02:14:16

Quote from: tzachs on Thu 03/02/2011 18:11:32
Dude, I must say that this:
Quote from: grim107 on Fri 28/01/2011 04:01:22
Mostly, I'd like to see sentimental movies with child actors, but aimed towards an adult audience.
sounds a bit creepy on first reading...

Anyways, I'd like to second Lord Of The Flies, I remember seeing it as a teenager, and getting the shock of my life.
It's been a long time so I hope my memory doesn't fail me, but I remember it as a really thought provoking movie.

I knew it was only a matter of time until someone pointed that out. Frankly, I'd reword it, but can't think of a good way to do so. Any help in rewording is appreciated!

Which Lord of the Flies are we talking about? I've come across two different versions. The more famous one was made some time in the 90's, but seems to suffer from poor reviews. The lesser known one was (I believe) made in the 70's. It got much better reviews. I've been given this suggestion many times now, so I think I'm going to watch it.

Guybrush Nosehair · Fri 04/02/2011 02:27:31

Quote from: RetroJay on Thu 03/02/2011 23:03:27
Hi.

Ok. I know you said that you would like other movie sugestions without Haley Joel Osment in them but...
I really like the film 'The sixth sense' with Haley and Bruce willis.

Also. Another Bruce willis film 'Mercury rising' is a good one. I can't remember the child actors name but he plays the part of Simon who is a nine year old autistic boy who cracks a government code and finds himself needing Mr Willis's protection.

Hope you enjoy.
Jay.

I saw the The Sixth Sense. It's pretty good (and it rightfully shot Haley Joel Osment into stardom). I came across reviews of Mercury Rising a few days ago, but it suffered from poor reviews. I think I'm going to skip on that one.

Quote from: Chicky on Fri 04/02/2011 00:51:27
Child actor? Adult audience? That's as far as i got, try Hard Candy.

Appropriate suggestion, considering I may have come off as a little creepy. I really need to reword that part."

Stupot · Fri 04/02/2011 06:34:04

Might I recommend "Toy Soldiers" if you haven't already seen it. It has Sean Astin (Goonies) and Will Wheadon (Stand by me), albeit slightly more grown up that most of the films in this thread... but nevertheless, a ripping yarn.

Guybrush Nosehair · Mon 07/03/2011 02:55:32

It's been a month since the last post, so I figured I'd start this topic up again. Since my last post, I've watched Where the Wild Things Are, Lord of the Flies (1990), Kramer vs. Kramer, and Empire of the Sun.

Where the Wild Things Are was somewhat disappointing. Max Records, the main actor, did a fine job with what he was given. However, he was just too old for the role. It was kind of a lose-lose situation for the filmmakers. The main character called for a young child, but finding someone much younger than Records who could act well would have been a near impossible task. This had Records acting younger than he clearly was. Furthermore, the movie just wasn't entirely well-written. Finally, although this is something that I've never complained about before, all of the indie-music really bothered me. They tried to fit in a song at every chance they had. None of the songs were particularly good.

Lord of the Flies was good. I have no real complaints except for Danuel Pipoly, the actor who played Piggy. He has to be one of the worst actors I've EVER seen! It's no wonder his career never took off. Everything else about it was pretty good.

I most recently watched Empire of the Sun. I have to say that it was one of the best movies I've seen in a long time. Christian Bale did an amazing job with his acting. The movie had a great storyline. Furthermore, it took me on a complete emotional journey. I don't think the ending could have been much better than it was.

Kramer vs. Kramer was also a great movie. Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep both did a good job. I was very impressed with Justin Henry. He was only eight at the time, and had no previous acting experience, but he did a great job.

I began watching The Bicycle Thieves last night, but fell asleep about 30 minutes into it (I was really tired.) It seemed like an interesting movie, so I'm going to finish the movie some time.

I also plan to watch the 400 Blows some time soon.

As always I'm still open to suggestions.

milkanannan · Sun 17/09/2017 18:05:02

A few favs:

Spirited Away (I don't usually dig anime, but I LOVED this movie!)
Lost In Translation
The Room (yes - so unbelievably bad it's good! I wish Tommy Wisseau would make another film)
Indie Game (awesome documentary)
Dazed and Confused
IT (the old one - haven't seen the remake)
Wall Street
Clerks

Cassiebsg · Sun 17/09/2017 20:47:02

Kids in drama movies... just about the main reason I often get my self stuck watching a movie before that I previously had no plan to watch...

Here's a few that come to mind (sorry if any have been mentioned/watched before).

The Champ (1979): http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0078950/?ref_=fn_tt_tt_1
Billy Elliot (2000): http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0249462/?ref_=fn_tt_tt_9
A Perfect World (1993): http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107808/?ref_=fn_tt_tt_1

I'll post more if they come to mind.

Stupot · Sun 17/09/2017 22:18:36

Wow. This thread is old.

Danvzare · Mon 18/09/2017 12:03:52

While I probably shouldn't be contributing to this necroposting. I'm going to anyway.

Quote from: manifest class on Sun 17/09/2017 18:05:02
Spirited Away (I don't usually dig anime, but I LOVED this movie!)

If you liked Spirited Away, you should watch the other films by Studio Ghibli. They're like the Japanese version of Walt Disney with how many great animated films they've made. (By the way, once you've watched them all, you're quickly realise that Spirited Away is mediocre at best. And I think that, even with the rose-tinted glasses of nostalgia.)
The best one so far I think is Grave of the Fireflies. A word of caution though, that film WILL MAKE YOU CRY! It's the best film they've made in my opinion, but I certainly would never watch it again.

I highly recommend almost all of their films. Rather than list the films I do recommend, I think it'll be much quicker to list the films I don't:
Only Yesterday
The Cat Returns
Tales from Earthsea.

As for the rest of the films by Studio Ghibli, I recommend them wholeheartedly.

milkanannan · Mon 18/09/2017 14:25:13

I was going to start a new thread but this one already had a good roll going and why not keep all earlier movie suggestions grouped with any new ones?