The Boys Next Door

First off, don't listen to the comments by the moron from Pleasant Valley, New Mexico. Maxwell Caulfield couldn't possibly be doing his version of "Henry: Portrait Of A Serial Killer" since "The Boys Next Door" came out BEFORE it. In fact, since "The Boys Next Door" came out in 1985, it's pretty safe to say that "Henry: Portrait Of A Serial Killer" (which came out in 1986) borrowed from it, not the other way around. Regardless, this movie has a great soundtrack and really funny dialogue ("Two Blacks and a Mexican.") Scenes so outrageous that they're actually funny (gas station beating). Now, while it's not the greatest film in existence, the fact that the (life- like) violence in the movie could really happen (and sad to say, similarly HAS really happened before), make this movie better than a lot of movies out today. The acting is pretty good, especially Maxwell Caulfield (probably his best performance). I'd recommend this movie to anyone, especially if you grew up in the '80s. People who don't like it are usually over-analyzing it a bit too much. Too many people are looking for "social commentary" when watching movies. They usually end up not liking many films. They forget the simplest thing: movies are made to entertain, bottom line.

I saw this movie for the first time 8-9 years ago when I accidently zapped into it on cable tv. I remember it made strong impression on me and that I liked it a lot. Now almost 10 years later I bought the DVD and I must say it makes just as strong impression now. The movie is great & shocking and really makes you think what some people are capable of. I recommend this to everyone that want something more then just the ordinary action movies, but be aware,the movie is very violent and probably not suitable for everyone...

After seeing this gritty drama, then you wonder why there are nuts in the world. The movie is more ( in a weird kinda way), like a docudrama. It shows how 2 people can become alienated and rejected from society, to become heartless animals. Not to justify what they do, but if these two boys were somewhat loved, maybe they wouldn't be cold blooded killers. There's a scene where one of the teens father ignores him totally. That is shocking. But watching it will disturb you.

Not too good, and not too bad!

The kids are relatable, their perfornances are excellent, and the production was stylish. I really appreciate this fairly obscure blast from the 80s. And i love Penelope Spheeris!

I would take her film Suburbia from a couple years earlier over this, any day!

The Boys Next Door is everything that 80's teen movies are NOT - and that is why I loved it. It's very realistic and brutally honest in its portrayal of teens who are outcast from their peers, and the effects it has on them. Not to mention both characters come from broken homes where it appears no one pays attention to them - another major problem of kids growing up in the US from the 70's to the present. Charlie Sheen does a great job, but Maxwell Caulfield steals the show.

This violence is extremely realistic and disturbing. But it has a point. The language is dead on too - this is the way kids talked in 1985.

This movie touches on a side of American society that most would choose to ignore, and that's why it is so powerful. Don't believe the negative reviews. This is an excellent movie.