Summer of 84

In this film a teenager starts to suspect that his next door neighbor, who just happens to be a cop, is a serial killer hiding behind a facade of normalcy found in the suburbs. With the help of his buddies, they begin to surveil the man.

I ended up really enjoying this. Creepy neighbors are always good material for a thriller. No one wants weirdos living next to them. While this is meant to be a thriller, let me just say that I was really feeling a bit of "The Burb's" (1989) from time to time with this film. I read a review that stated that this was like "Disturbia" (2007) and I can see that. Just mix a bit of goofy from "The Burb's" and some of the suspense from "Disturbia" and you'll find this movie.

So glad I took a chance and checked it out.

Yes, it resembles the first season of Stranger Things. Yes, it echoes Disturbia. I suppose it even tangentially recalls the remake of It if you've never watched real 70s/ 80s horror. Still, this film has its own take on the eighties and kid-centered horror. I liked it more than Disturbia (which was too slick) and more than the remake of It (which was too CGI action-oriented to be scary). Even though the story of Summer of 84 is not at all supernatural, the film recalls Phantasm (1979) in the way that its mood blends easy going playfulness with eerie suspense and horror. The cast is good, the writing is strong, the cinematography is spot on, the editing is tight, and the score is lush in its own synthesized way. Summerof 84 may be more creepy than horrific, but in that vein, it succeeds!

Wow. What a wild ride. Twists and turns had me guessing what was going on. And that's awesome. The kid actors were great. Engaging and they all had a super energy.

It was a little gratuitous with the swearing and crude talk in my opinion which distracted me from the plot/story.

The 80s references were spot on and my favorite part of the living being from that time, so big win there. It took me back to being a kid, riding around on my bike and just hanging with my friends. Only these guys fall into a much deeper scenario than I ever did. YIKES.

Great movie to watch on a lazy Saturday afternoon for sure.

I was well entertained but I wouldn't call Summer of 84 a horror movie, rather a mystery thriller with some (very few) elements of horror. Reminds me of movies like Stand by Me, Super 8 etc. Fine style, fine music, good production and direction make this a well crafted one.

Well, if you like kids as heroes playing detective, this one is like a fine summer's breeze for you.

Suspenseful, with good acting. Highly recommend. Takes a little while to get started but once it does you aren't bored for a second.