Introduction
Remember when teen vampires ruled the box office? Back in the 80s and 90s, movies featuring young bloodsuckers were all the rage. Films like The Lost Boys, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and The Vampire Diaries all had massive followings. While the frenzy has died down in recent years, the appeal of these classics still lingers. In this article, we’ll be delving into one of the most iconic teen vampire movies ever made: The Lost Boys.
The Lost Boys: A Synopsis
The Lost Boys was released in 1987 and starred Jason Patric, Corey Haim, and Kiefer Sutherland. The movie tells the story of a family who moves to Santa Carla, California, only to find that the town is overrun with vampires. Patric plays Michael, the eldest son of the family, who falls in with a group of young people who turn out to be vampires. Before long, Michael starts to experience some peculiar symptoms and realizes he too is becoming a vampire. Meanwhile, his younger brother, played by Haim, teams up with a pair of vampire-hunting brothers to save Michael and put an end to the vampire stronghold.
Why The Lost Boys Still Matters Today
Despite being over thirty years old, The Lost Boys still captivates audiences to this day. But why is that?
First of all, the movie has a fantastic cast. Patric and Haim give compelling performances as the brothers caught up in a vampire nightmare, but it’s Sutherland who really steals the show as the charismatic and terrifying vampire leader, David. The soundtrack is also a standout, featuring songs from artists such as INXS, Echo & the Bunnymen, and Roger Daltrey.
But beyond those obvious elements, The Lost Boys also manages to tap into some of the deeper themes of adolescence. Michael’s transformation into a vampire mirrors the changes that all teenagers go through during puberty. He struggles with his newfound identity and the consequences of his choices. At its heart, The Lost Boys is a coming-of-age story with a supernatural twist.
The Legacy and Influence of The Lost Boys
The Lost Boys has had a significant impact on the world of vampire movies and pop culture in general. Many movies and TV shows that came after it have borrowed heavily from its themes and aesthetic. The film has even spawned two sequels, although neither of them has quite lived up to the original.
It’s also worth noting that The Lost Boys was a commercial success when it was released, grossing over $32 million on a $8.5 million budget. This makes it one of the most financially successful teen vampire movies ever made.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Lost Boys remains a cultural touchstone for a reason. It taps into something universal with its themes of teenage angst and transformation, while also providing ample amounts of humor and scares. If you’ve never seen it, now is the perfect time to check it out. And if you’re already a fan, let us know in the comments what your favorite part of the movie is. Always remember, “Sleep all day, party all night, never grow old, never die. It’s fun to be a vampire!”
