This cult classic from the ’80s has always been high on my list of favorite movies, with a “killer” soundtrack, fantastic cast, humor, and storyline with heart and horror elements. I’ve recently rewatched it (for the umpteenth time) and was delighted to see it held up well against more modern fare.
When recently divorced mother Lucy moves to a California seaside town with her older teen son Michael and early teen son Sam to live with her oddball father, the newcomers’ summer nights are spent in the carnival atmosphere on the boardwalk practically draped with “Missing” fliers. Soon Michael sees the beautiful Star there (Jamie Gertz with hair to die for), but when he seeks her out, realizes she is with David, a punk-rocker looking motorbike rider who leads a small group of similar “lost boys” who are often causing trouble. However, Star is sending mixed signals, plus David has invited Michael to join them at their literally hidden-inside-the-cliffs beachside home, so he accepts reluctantly in order to be near Star. Meanwhile, stylish city-boy Sam has discovered a boardwalk comics book store, where he encounters two other young teens who insist he take home and study a comic book about vampires, and Lucy has found a job working in one of the boardwalk stores, where her boss Max has also asked her out.
As Michael’s ties with David, his minions, and Star grow deeper, his life changes in many ways–ones he is not ready for and doesn’t want. Soon, Sam and his friends are trying to save themselves and rid the small town of Santa Clara of vampires–by trying to find and destroy the unknown head vampire–as Lucy and Max grow closer and Grandpa continues to be a clueless doddering old Hippie. The tension builds, more people go missing, Michael convinces Sam to help him while falling deeper for Star, and the whole thing builds to a crescendo on one fated night.
Top Scare: Dog scene
Heartbeats: 2 1/2 out of 5
Gore Factor: 1 3/4 out of 5
Scare Factor: 1 3/4 out of 5
Recommended for: 15 and up