True Friends is a heartwarming coming-of-age movie that beautifully portrays the essence of friendship. Drawing inspiration from various films, it combines elements such as the nostalgic charm of Stand By Me (1986), the enjoyable camaraderie reminiscent of The Sandlot (1993) when they play stick ball with other kids, the theme of drug abuse seen in Less Than Zero (1987), the adventurous spirit of Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986) when they skip school to go fishing, and the portrayal of loyalty found in Goodfellas (1990).
My favorite segment of the movie is the opening 30 minutes, back when they were kids. It's profoundly memorable and evokes a strong sense of nostalgia, especially the scenes where they engage in stickball and hang out on the rooftop, affectionately dubbed 'tar beach,' with their friends and other neighborhood kids.
When they grow older, each of the three protagonists faces their own challenges and setbacks. While there's a reminiscent element of Stand By Me, the key difference lies in their unwavering unity; they stick together through thick and thin, refusing to drift apart.
This movie has definitely earned a place in my top 100 favorite films of all time, and I'll definitely recommend it to my friends. I'm puzzled by the negative reception it's received from some viewers. In my opinion, it surpasses some many modern movies and stands out as a rare gem.
However, the fast pacing, editing, and transitions present significant challenges. With smoother pacing and editing, it could have been an even greater movie.
