This is How Movies Should Be Made

Not even bad in a good way

A lot more amusing than I thought it would be.

Yo, there's no way for me to review this film without saying, take your *insert ethnicity + "ass" here* to see this film,like now. You have to see it in order to know what you're really messing with.

Sean S. Cunningham, in my opinion, hasn't had a very good record when it comes to released films. Friday The 13th isn't exactly a masterpiece, and we can certainly find it in our hearts to forgive him for an attempt at another franchise ( yes, I'm talking to you, House 3...aka The Horror Show). However, in spite of it all, the goods of his career are all packed into a single flick, and it happens to be The New Kids. This action packed classic features early performances by James Spader and Lori Loughlin, before Full House was put on the map. The New Kids is a story about two young teens, a brother and a sister, who get up early every morning to stay fit with their father, a military family man who has earned his respect. After the tragic death of both of their parents in a car accident, the young children are invited to go with their relative down south. They'll find themselves staying in an amusement park, troubled with financial problems. It doesn't take long at all before the kids become the target of a ruthless punk named Dutra ( James Spader.) Dutra makes unwanted advances on Abby, played by Lori Loughlin. Sorry, buddy, but...Abby isn't that kind of girl. When you're the daughter of a great dad like that, girls like that are just taught to stay away from the bad boys! Her rejection isn't going to be taken lightly, it's going to get ugly...REAL ugly! The tension and violence escalates to the point where they are left no choice but to defend themselves the only way they know how, and neither one is any place to back down, no matter how much they are outnumbered, and trust me, they are outnumbered. Dutra is in a click with many boys that want nothing more then to deflower the young Abby ( yeah, keep dreaming, she wouldn't give you the time of day!). It's going to take everything they got, everything they were taught, to survive the nightmare. This cool little movie features some unforgettable scenes...I still love the "House Of Mirrors" scene to this day, along with a mishap on the roller-coaster ride. ( Actually, it's a couple of mishaps on the roller-coaster ride, I can only hope the other reviews haven't spoiled it. Hilarious fun! ) The New Kids is a treat for horror fans, it has in depth character performances, some great violent scenes, and a great story line plot. If you missed it, catch it, I assure you you won't be sorry.

I first rented this from a video store in 1986 on the clerks advice, knowing I like thrillers and revenge themes. I loved it from start to finish, and soon had the VHS, and more recently, the DVD. I have watched it a couple dozen times, and still thoroughly enjoy viewing it with friends who haven't seen it. It's strong points are seeing actors who have become famous, in their early less well known days. The score, particularly the song "Stand Up" by Bill Wray is fantastic. And the idea of setting the majority of the film in a dilapidated kiddie fun park in Florida was unusual, as they worked to rehabilitate it. As others have stated, Shannon Presby and Lori Loughlin play brother and sister, orphaned by the death of their parents in a car accident, who go to Florida to live with their dads brother and his wife. When they start high school there, James Spader and his little gang of Southern rednecks start bullying them, especially when Lori rejects their advances. This sets up a series of attacks and counter attacks which make up the heart of the movie, leading to an exciting climax at the kiddie park, utilizing the little rides to the fullest. Watch for a typical 80's little kicker at the end. The weak spots are the predictability, and the telegraphing of many of the encounters. Also the actors playing high-schoolers, as typical, are probably in their early to mid 20's. Nevertheless, if you keep in mind this is a B movie, and not expect a horror film despite Sean Cunningham as the director, (written by Stephen Gyllenhall) you can have a very enjoyable experience.

This very interesting but sadly underrated gem directed by Sean S. Cunningham ("Friday the 13th") offers an original variation of both the revenge thriller and vigilante action movie, since it has ordinary common high school teenagers in the lead roles. Basically this means the film begins with harsh but fairly harmless bullying but yet ends with extreme violence and relentless murder. The transition obviously isn't very plausible, as mean bully kids don't just turn into mad dog killers overnight, but "The New Kids" is nonetheless a competently made and occasionally very suspenseful thriller with tons of action, likable performances and an irresistibly charming 80's atmosphere. Following the sudden death of their beloved parents in an accident, athletic siblings Loren and Abby McWilliams move to Florida to help restore their uncle's ramshackle amusement park. They promptly run into conflict with the local school's gang of bullies because Abby refuses to accept an invitation to the dance from the tough leader Eddie Dutra. The mutual mockeries and paybacks gradually escalate into pure terrorizing until, one night, Dutra's entire gang invades the theme park with the intention to kill. Cunningham professionally builds up a tense and ominous atmosphere towards a highly explosive and grisly climax with some ultra-brutal killing sequences and engrossing make-up effects. The extreme violence will undoubtedly appeal to fans of 80's slashers as well as cheap and sleazy exploitation flicks of the 70's. The film benefices from an exceptionally great cast, with veteran B-movie stars as well as upcoming talents. Particularly James Spader is excellent and genuinely uncanny as the sleazy leader of the pack. Highly recommended to all type of cult movie fanatics.

The New Kids (1985) is a rural horror film about two teens (Loren Loughlin and Shannon Presby) who have two move to the country when their parents (Tom Atkins and Jean De Baer) die in a horrible auto accident. They move out to finish their teenage years with a pair of legal guardians. Adjusting to the country life takes awhile. But not too long for them to find some local yokels who don't take to kindly to their city brethren. Eric Stoltze co-stars as a local youth who befriends the siblings and the ever shady James Spader co-stars as Eddie Dutra the leader of a "youth" group who makes life hard for the kids. How far will Eddie and his boys push the siblings? Who'll help them stand up to these farmland punks? Too find out you'll just have to watch Sean Cunningham's The New Kids, a new kind of terror from the makers of Friday THE 13TH.Highly recommended.P.S. When will this come out on D.V.D.?