Black Circle Boys

I usually do not flip through movies I have never heard of and stop and watch them, but I turned Black Circle Boys on and for some reason i couldn't turn it off. It was a movie that just kept my attention. An excellent cast made this movie even more the better. I am so amazed by this movie that I want to go out and buy it.

Black Circle Boys (1997) is loosely based on real events filled with drugs, satanism & murder. On June 19, 1984, 17 year old Ricky Kasso lured a local boy into the woods in the middle of the night in Northport, New York. There, he beat, tortured & murdered 17 year old Gary Lauwers, while several friends watched on. When several friends asked why he murdered Gary, Ricky met each inquiry with a different excuse. After the murder, Ricky & a friend ran away, destination California. Not getting far, they returned to Northport where they were arrested and charged with Gary's murder. During his interview, Ricky implicated his friend as taking part in the murder. Although Ricky told his friend that he would recant his participation the next day, Ricky Kasso hung himself in his jail cell on July 7, 1984, leaving his friend to hold the bag. 6 months after the murder, the testimonies & alibi's of his activities during the time of the murder, Ricky's friend was acquitted of all charges. (Ricky's friend's name was never officially released, the name used in the local paper was mistakenly used, but was never retracted.)

In 2000, the movie "Ricky 6" follows is a factual account of the murder, taken directly from court transcripts, testimonies & interviews of those who were present & witnessed the horror that stole the innocence of the woods & would haunt the town of Northport forever.

In my opinion, the only reason I like this movie is because of Scott Bairstow, who played Kyle Sullivan & Eric Mabius, who played Shane Carver. Scott reminds me of Shane West, but in a cute sort of way. And Eric is so freaking gorgeous, in a trailer park white trash sort of way.

Although "Black Circle Boys" seemed to have a bigger budget to make, it takes so many liberties in the events that took happened that night in the woods. I would much rather watch "Ricky 6". It stays true to the horrific crime that shocked the entire community of Northport, New York, in 1984.

I've been fascinated with the Ricky Kasso story ever since I read about it. I had no idea that this movie was based on the case. The movie wasn't half bad though, the color wasn't really good to be perfect honest. The acting, although done well, were a little too melodramatic. The actors did a good job, Eric Mabius does a good job as the evil Shane. It's not really that effective and it's not really that scary if you ask me. But, just to be nice, I'm going to be fair with the filmmakers, they've done the best they can to make the movie. But at least they were lucky enough to get their movie out there to be seen. I just wish they would get RICKY 6 out soon.

Although this film was nothing terribly outstanding it was a bit better than the usual teen slasher flick. Scott Bairstow is having a hard time dealing with the death of a younger brother and he and his parents moved to another town where he can finish up high school anonymously so to speak. This one time jock falls in with a crowd of Goths who are into Satan worship and are led by a charismatic Artful Dodger type played by Eric Mabius. The gang also has a Fagin in former New Kid on the Block and future detective Danny Reagan Donnie Wahlberg. He supplies them recreational pharmaceuticals, they break into houses and steal for him.

It takes a while to get his eyes wide open, but eventually Bairstow figures out that these Black Circle Boys are a truly evil bunch and that Mabius is a Charles Manson in training.

Lots of praise has been given to those already mentioned. But for me I liked Chad Lindberg who was rather touching as wannabe who wants so much to be accepted by Mabius that he goes out on his own and screws up royally. He pays a very heavy price.

Definitely Black Circle Boys is a bit better than most cinema of this type.

Well, I honestly didn't find this movie to be anything spectacular. I'd call it a guy version of "The Craft." Which means it was more gory, more violent, etc. But it wasn't half as fun as watching "The Craft." For instance, none of the boys had supernatural powers, so don't expect any special effects in that area. Character development was minimal and the ending was unsatisfying. I do think there are some promising actors in this group though. Eric Mabius as the bad boy leader Shane Carver had an excellent performance and I think his acting was the best it could be considering the character he played. Also Tara Subkoff as Chloe has proven to be a well defined actress. Check out "All Of Me" to see her do a great job in a starring role. I'd recommend this movie if you're looking for something a bit scarier than your normal fair but nothing too deep.