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I'd supply vocals (lead and/or backup,) but my recording situation isn't exactly good. I only have a few cheap mics with crappy quality.

If there's someone to blame here, it's their parents.

Robert Thompson's father was jailed at one point. When he got out, he ran out on the family. At that point, Robert's mother became an alcoholic. From that point on, all of the Thompson boys had to fend for themselves. However, rather than help each other out, the older would actually bully the younger. The Thompsons were all known in the police force for having criminal records.

John Venables was the middle sibling of three. Both of his siblings had learning disabilities. He was always craving the attention that they got. Also, his father had split from his mother and come back several times, creating a lot of insecurity.

Their parents were obviously somewhat responsible, but we still must put blame on the boys. It was established in court that they knew right from wrong, and that what they did was wrong. What does bother me a little is the fact that it appears as if Robert Thompson was the ringleader. He was known to be very charismatic, and therefor seemed to drag Venables into the whole ordeal. Throughout the police interviews and court sessions, Venables was very distraught and remorseful. He often fantasized about bringing Baby James back to life. After he confessed to the murder, he requested that somewhat let James's mother know he was sorry. Robert, on the other hand, never really seemed to show remorse for what he had done.

I was born one year after the murder occurred. I also happen to be American. Naturally, I never had any reason to hear of the murder. The truth is that I stumbled across the story completely by mistake in December. While browsing some IMDB forums, I kept seeing James's name pop up. I decided to Google it, and was horrified at what I read. I had to stop midway through because I thought that I'd vomit. I forced myself to continue, and eventually found the trutv link. I then forced myself to read the whole thing. I was in a state of depression for two weeks. I couldn't go five minutes without thinking about Baby James. Even now, I still frequently thought about James.

I remember researching this in my first year of media studies (the movie Childs Play 3 was blamed for warping Veneble's mind for a little while because his father who he wasn't even living with had rented it at some point in time). I guess here's my take on it now...

These murders were just kids with a piss-poor understanding of the world, not Damien from The Omen. What happened was horrible but calling them monsters and hoping they get beaten up in prison's hardly going to get us anywhere closer to understanding it all.

Honestly I'm far more affected by the front page photos of one of the(now grown up) now grown up killers with his girlfriend with lurid headlines along the lines of 'How DARE he find happiness in his tortured, wretched life when Jamie Bulger is DEAD!". Nice work, tabloids you've

A) Exposed a man who's identity's been changed for his protection
B) Incited hatred towards a man for something he did AS A CHILD
C) Dragged an innocent woman into the whole sorry mess while you were at it

Honestly, this makes me feel more sick than the murders themselves. Kids torment each other all the time, stupid fucked up things happen as a result of it all the time, it's tragic but it's humanity. But whatever FULLY AWARE ADULT decided to publish that article, that's the true scum of society right there.

Here's an example of the kind of thing  I'm talking about I found with some quick googling: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1255608/Yet-250-000-new-identity-Jamie-Bulger-murderer.html
It's like they want to start a bloodhunt for some new material. Cunts.

It's interesting that you mentioned Child's Play. From what I remember reading, the judge ruled that there was no link between the movie and the murder.

Are you sure about that part about one of the killer's pictures appearing in the paper? As far as I'm aware from any research I've done, no one knows who either of them are. Also, wouldn't the newspapers be breaching legal contracts by exposing his identity. Thirdly, I think I would have seen the picture by now. Do you have a source where I can see the picture?

Also, I've read from many sources that Venables revealed his own identity in prison. He must have had trouble living with the guilt. Obviously, he's suffered from a lot of mental trauma. Nevertheless, can you really blame any prisoners who may have discovered his identity?

I agree the tabloid press is the root of all evil, that's why I don't read them.

But I don't think its fair to criticize those people who call these criminals monsters and what-not.  It's a perfectly human reaction to a very inhuman crime.

What these boys did was something so unthinkably disgusting in almost every way imaginable.  This wasn't just 'kids tormenting each other', and yeah they had a piss-poor understanding of the world, but for some people, myself included, that's not an excuse.  They knew exactly what they were doing, and crucially, they knew that it was wrong.

I think it's perfectly normal for we law-abiding citizens to react in disgust at the memory of such crimes... Especially when they find out that Venables barely set foot out of prison before starting on the child porn ... that was the final insult that changed the minds of many people who had previously been willing to blame society, or Chuckie.

I agree.

I don't know that the boys should be killed, as many people have suggested. However, they're sentence was waaaay too short. Furthermore, neither of them spent any time in a "jail." They were placed in correctional centers, where they were taught how to be placed back into society. They were even escorted on a weekly basis to public places. Venables got his own TV and Nintendo. Apparently, he also had access to a computer. He even convinced the guards to let him stay up half an hour past the curfew on a nightly basis. I believe that when they left their individual centers, they should have been thrown into a real jail for a number of years.

I've watched several documentaries on YouTube about both the murder case. I remember seeing a great one narrated by the head investigator of the case. It had a good amount audio from the police interviews. These are the only copies I've found of any interviews. Does anyone know if there is any more audio available to the public? If possible, I'd really like to hear the recordings or read the transcripts.

I would be interested in talking about anything related to the murder case. Just speak your minds.

[Please, read these at your own risk]

Today, March 16, marks what would have been James Bulger's 21st birthday if he were alive today. I would sincerely like to request to everyone that you keep his memory and his family in your minds today. I am reviving this thread after one month, and am hoping for more people to post. I was very disappointed last month when I only received a few replies. For those of you who don't know who James Bulger was, I strongly suggest you click the links below. His was the most heartbreaking story I have ever heard.

[original post]

February 12th marked the 18th anniversary of James Bulger's murder.  I'd like everyone to keep his memory in your mind. I would be interested in engaging in any conversation about the case, so feel free to speak your minds.

For those of you who don't know who James Bulger was, here are great resources. I strongly encourage you to read these articals.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_James_Bulger
http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/notorious_murders/young/bulger/1.html (really in depth)

Please, read these at your own risk (especially the second). They can be very difficult to read for people with weak stomaches.

I think it would be appropriate for everyone to view this heartbreaking video of Baby James being led off in his tiny casket to his funeral.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTywACNO2X4&playnext=1&list=PLAED404B560D116F6

Thanks for your time.

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.

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." 

Dude, I must say that this:

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.

This is me chillaxin on a velvet covered wheelchair for two. I have no idea why it was made, but it was freaking comfy.

David Spade! No really, there's nothing funny about him or his acting. NOTHING!!!

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.

'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!

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.

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!

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!

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!

Thanks for all the suggestions.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

"Those people" are mostly me  . In fact, if you look at their forums right now, you'd see that I started a thread about AGS going open source. The truth is that this could be the greatest thing to happen to ScummVm in years!

I dunno. The added support for Sierra SCI games would probably still top it. 

It's embarrassing to admit this, but I've never really played the Sierra games (although I own quite a few of them). I could never stand the text parsers, and I HATED the fact that you could die. For these reasons, I always thought that LucasArts was king of adventure gaming. Anyway, I've never actually really played an AGS game (only some Indiana Jones fan demos and a few minutes of several other games), but I check these forums on a regular basis to check up on the progress of certain games. If I could play AGS games on the Dreamcast, I'd probably discover hundreds of gems. I can't contain my excitement!

If AGS goes open souce, think about all the platforms it can be ported to!

Not to mention that we'll be able to port it to ScummVM, and finally dispense with the people who keep asking whether it can integrated. 

"Those people" are mostly me  . In fact, if you look at their forums right now, you'd see that I started a thread about AGS going open source. The truth is that this could be the greatest thing to happen to ScummVm in years!

If AGS goes open souce, think about all the platforms it can be ported to!