Verano del 84

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.

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.

Classic concept of teenage friend group lead, solving a mystery thriller.

And it just does what it supposed to!

For those liking stuff like Fear Street, "It" or likewise, it definitely shouldn't be missed!

Halfway through the movie i saw nothing i wouldn't have expected, BUT there were multiple things wich kept me watching.

First off the music, but I'm a sucker for synth sounds.

Second the character build up and story telling.

Everybody got his package.

Furthermore the past of the unfolding of it all.

Especially for me it was the ending that took it away. Refreshing, a little bit surprising and definitely not what i was expecting.

Obviously there are flaws, and yes not a few but those didn't bother me.

IT IS a light watch, but worth it, I'm glad i did!

Did not expect film to be to good! But I was very suprised & odd moments of iffiness for me in regards to acting/lines! But I really enjoyed this film. Also has you in suspense till the end & beyond! Also when I thought it was over it was not at all! Really good film I actually hope there is a 2nd! But the Quote of there are serial killers everywhere is so factual sadly. I am a big true crime fan & this tells the story of what has often sadly at times been a reality! Great film. Deffo worth the watch.

First and foremost - this film is not to be compared to Stranger Things and / or It because it was never intended to be compared to those films.

Summer of '84 is a well constructed indie slow-burn film which draws on the neighborhood and suburban vibe which was only realized fully in this country during the 1980's. Harkening back to such classic films as The 'Burbs, Rear Window, When A Stranger Calls Back and other such '80s gems that hone in on the mentality of evil in our midst sight brought about by the Cold War and anti-communist rhetoric of 1950's McCarthyism.

Many of our younger readers will not remember a time when kids actually played outside at night in the neighborhood. Games we all loved such as Kick the Can or War or Flashlight Tag, games that parents secretly worried would expose us to that unknown evil... it is this mindset that Summer of '84 sets itself on.

Not your typical serial killer film, but I enjoyed it thoroughly. I will say I was surprised by the ending as I am cursed with determining the plot too early for most films - this one blindsided me and for that I thank the writers.

Haters of this film either 1) Don't understand that a horror movie doesn't have to be all in-your-face or 2) have no recollection of life during that period so don't see it as realistic. I was that age during the '80s and I vividly remember playing those games, being exposed to nudie mags, doing the neighborhood festivals, hearing about killers and half-wishing something happened in my area so I could play hero.

Well done production crew.