Watch New Kids, The

The 1985 film New Kids follows the story of Abby McWilliams (played by Lori Loughlin) and her younger brother Loren (played by Shannon Presby) as they move from a big city to a small Florida town to live with their aunt and uncle. Abby and Loren are not thrilled about the move, but soon find themselves making new friends and starting to fit in.

However, their newfound happiness is short-lived when they become the targets of a group of violent bullies led by Eddie Dutra (played by James Spader). Eddie and his gang terrorize Abby and Loren both at school and at home, leaving them with little recourse. As the bullying escalates, Abby and Loren must find a way to stand up to their tormentors before they face even greater danger.

The film is classified as a drama thriller and appropriately so, as the tension and suspense building throughout the movie keep the audience invested in the storyline. The pacing of the film is slow and methodical, allowing for a thorough exploration of the characters and their relationships.

This is a gritty portrayal of the effects of bullying on the psyche of young victims, and the lengths to which a twisted individual like Eddie Dutra will go to exert power over his peers. The film does an admirable job of portraying the psychological effects of bullying on its victims, thereby raising awareness about the issue.

The great performances by the lead actors are noteworthy. Lori Loughlin brings a quiet strength to her portrayal of Abby, who undergoes tremendous character growth over the course of the film. Shannon Presby does an excellent job as Loren, who provides a counterpoint to Abby's quiet strength by reacting impulsively to the situation at hand.

James Spader's portrayal of Eddie Dutra is particularly chilling, making his character a perfect villain because of his calm exterior and quiet menace. The supporting cast also plays a significant role in this movie, particularly the character of Chuckie (played by Eric Stoltz), a sweet-natured young man who befriends Abby and Loren.

In addition, the film explores themes of family and loyalty, as Abby and Loren rely on each other to survive the bullying they face. They find great support in each other and develop a strong bond that helps them weather the storm of the abuse they face.

The cinematography is another strength of the movie. The film is shot in a way that emphasizes the vastness of the rural Florida setting, and the isolation that Abby and Loren feel in this new town. Shots that feature the town's water tower in the background help to establish the smallness of the town and the feeling of being trapped there.

The music score by Lalo Schifrin is another highlight of the film. The score is composed of hauntingly beautiful melodies that help to establish the tone of each scene. The use of acoustic guitar in the film's opening establishes the laid-back, folksy feel of the town, while the use of more aggressive percussion and electric guitar in the score for scenes that depict violence and tension adds to the film's suspense.

Overall, New Kids is a well-crafted and affecting film that provides an empathetic portrayal of the psychological effects of bullying. With strong performances, gorgeous cinematography, and a haunting score, this film is a must-watch for fans of quality dramas.