Reviewing a cult classic movie from the 80's - The Lost Boys (1987)

 

The Lost Boys (1987)

The Lost Boys is one of those movies that defined an era—and not just for vampire lovers. Released in 1987 and directed by Joel Schumacher, it’s a wild mix of horror, teen drama, and '80s style that’s still hugely influential today. The film is part vampire flick, part teen comedy, with a healthy dose of rock ‘n’ roll attitude. And while it’s definitely got its spooky moments, it doesn’t take itself too seriously—making it one of those movies that’s a blast to watch whether you’re in the mood for scares or just want to relive that '80s vibe.

The Plot

The movie kicks off with Michael (Jason Patric) and his younger brother Sam (Corey Haim) moving to the small California town of Santa Carla with their mom (Diane Wiest), after the mysterious disappearance of their father. It doesn’t take long before Michael starts to fall in with the wrong crowd—a group of rebellious, cool, and oddly attractive teens led by the magnetic David (Kiefer Sutherland). Michael quickly learns that David and his gang are vampires, and now, he's facing a choice: join them, or risk becoming their next meal. Meanwhile, Sam teams up with two eccentric, vampire-hunting local teens (Corey Feldman and Jamison Newlander) to figure out how to save Michael from becoming one of the undead.

The Look and Feel

The first thing that hits you about The Lost Boys is its style. Joel Schumacher creates a visual feast of neon lights, shadows, and vivid colors. The setting—Santa Carla—is a place that feels both dreamy and dangerous, like a beach town that’s somehow trapped in an endless summer night. It’s the perfect backdrop for a vampire movie that’s as much about youthful rebellion and freedom as it is about bloodsucking.

Schumacher has a knack for blending horror and humor in a way that makes the movie feel light and fun without ever losing its edge. It doesn’t try to be a serious, gothic vampire story. Instead, it’s playful, sometimes cheesy, but in the best way. And even when things get creepy or intense, there’s a cheeky, almost campy quality to it that makes you appreciate the whole vibe.

Characters and Performances

One of the best parts of The Lost Boys is the cast. Kiefer Sutherland as David is the standout. He plays the role with this smooth, almost seductive menace, which makes him the perfect leader for a group of wild, anarchic vampires. His performance makes the character both dangerous and alluring, and Sutherland really sells the idea of a vampire who’s not just out to suck blood, but to live for the thrill of it.

Jason Patric, as Michael, plays the classic teenager caught between wanting to fit in and trying to stay true to himself. His internal struggle as he’s lured into the vampire lifestyle adds depth to the character, making you sympathize with him even when he’s being a little reckless.

Corey Haim, as Michael’s younger brother Sam, is the heart of the film. He’s funny, likable, and the perfect foil to the darker moments of the story. His interactions with the Frog Brothers—the two local kids (played by Corey Feldman and Jamison Newlander) who run a comic book store and moonlight as vampire hunters—bring a great sense of humor to the movie. Feldman, especially, is a scene-stealer. His deadpan delivery and tough-guy persona as Edgar Frog make him a fan favorite, and it’s hard not to root for him as he takes on the vampires.

The Vampire Lore

The Lost Boys takes a more playful approach to vampire mythology. Unlike other vampire films that go deep into complex lore or dark, tragic characters, these vampires are all about fun, hedonism, and living on the edge. They don’t age, they fly, and they drink blood—but they’re more like the coolest kids at the party than the tortured immortals we’re used to seeing in other vampire flicks. The movie doesn’t waste time on overly complicated rules about vampires; it’s more concerned with showing how Michael gets drawn into their world and the danger that comes with it.

The vampires are more like a gang of punks or rebels than anything else—think leather jackets, motorcycles, and anarchy. They don’t care about rules, and that’s what makes them so fascinating. The film taps into that feeling of wanting to be free from society’s constraints, and that’s one of the things that makes it feel so 80s.

The Soundtrack

The soundtrack is a huge part of what makes The Lost Boys so memorable. With tracks like "Cry Little Sister" by Gerard McMann and "People Are Strange" by Echo & the Bunnymen, the music captures the film’s mix of mystery, danger, and youthful energy. The songs are perfect for the vibe of the movie—moody, a little eerie, and full of that cool, rebellious spirit that defines the era. If you’re a fan of ‘80s music, this soundtrack is pure gold.

Themes

At its core, The Lost Boys is about adolescence—the push and pull between childhood innocence and the darker, more tempting world of adulthood. Michael’s journey is about grappling with the allure of immortality and freedom versus the need to hold on to his humanity and protect his family. There’s also a strong theme about brotherhood, especially between Michael and Sam, as they try to save each other in the midst of all the supernatural chaos.

The film also touches on the dangers of temptation. The vampires aren’t just bloodthirsty—they represent the dangers of excess and losing yourself in the pursuit of pleasure, which is something that resonates with the rebellious teen spirit of the time.

Final Thoughts

The Lost Boys is a fun, stylish, and memorable movie that still holds up today. It’s a perfect blend of horror, comedy, and '80s pop culture, with characters you can’t help but love and a soundtrack that’s impossible to forget. The performances are great, the tone is just right, and the vampires are cooler than any vampires you’ve seen since. It’s not the deepest or most serious vampire film, but it’s one of the most entertaining—and for many, that’s exactly why it’s become a cult classic.

If you haven’t seen it yet, do yourself a favor and check it out. It’s one of those films that makes you want to kick back with your friends, crack open a cold one, and just enjoy the ride.