User reviews

The most shocking thing in this unsettling film is the way it accurately portrays the state of mind of the two "heroes"; murder seems to be just another inconsequential act of "escapism" for them, and the (sincere) grief that Sheen's character feels for some of their victims is brief and quickly lost amid the "thrill" of it all. The movie handles the violence in an uncompromising but not exploitive way, and it may not have all the answers, but at least it isn't afraid to touch the subject. (***)

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 one of the most intense and powerful movies I've ever seen. Charlie Sheen and Maxwell Caulfield are excellent and the film is very well written and directed. Sheen and Caulfield are two bored teens who decide after graduating, to take a little vacation where they become violent and go on a killing spree, killing whoever gets in their way. Everything feels real and it delivers a true, shocking message. I think this is an amazing movie and even though it didn't get a lot of attention when released, I think it deserves more attention now and shouldn't be missed by anyone.

Written by "Final Destination" and 'X-Files' series veterans Glen Morgan and James Wong, "The Boys Next Door" is at the least a pretty interesting, and compelling look at the monsters who walk among us. Opening with sound bites relating to serial killers, and the way that they come off as normal to most of the world, this is a true walk on the wild side. Director Penelope Spheeris, in her second fictional feature (after "Suburbia"), paints a vivid picture of two characters completely alienated from everybody around them, and shows how quickly they are capable of descending into violence.

Roy and Bo (Maxwell Caulfield and Charlie Sheen) are two 18 year old boys, graduating from high school, who are unhappy and uncertain about their future. Roy, who believes they didn't learn a damn thing worth noting during their time in school, doesn't want to resign himself to a working-class job for the next three decades or so of his life. They impulsively decide on a road trip to L.A., and their odyssey through the city soon becomes ugly, and ultimately homicidal.

Roy and Bo are pursued by two detectives, Ed and Mark (tough-guy Hank Garrett and Christopher McDonald of later "Happy Gilmore" fame), and, for a change, the younger Mark is the weary one, and through him, the screenwriters bemoan the epidemic of senseless violence in the country.

All in all, this is a provocative picture, and while imperfect (we don't really learn a lot about our two leads), it's also extremely fast-paced. This hour and a half of cinema practically flies by. It gets (unintentionally?) funny at times, and yet it can be also be pretty grim and nasty. Roy is a truly unnerving character, the kind of guy who mulls over joining the military due to the possibility that it will get his homicidal instincts out of his system. Bo, while being rather crass, has a bit more of a conscience, and realizes that his friend has gotten out of control.

In some ways, "The Boys Next Door" is very much of a piece with Spheeris' other work, considering the soundtrack and the usage of various sights in Los Angeles. It's an intriguing film that would almost certainly qualify for some sort of cult status nowadays, especially if one wants to see some talents near the beginnings of their careers.

Patti D'Arbanville is appealing as an older woman the boys encounter in a bar; other familiar faces such as Grant Heslov, Moon Unit Zappa, Blackie Dammett, Phil Rubenstein, and Carmen Filpi also turn up.

Seven out of 10.

"The Boys Next Door" is probably an ideal title to evidence the statement that good castings are half the work done! We've got two hunky boys, dreamy sons-in-law almost, that are cast as soulless, rotten apples gradually descending further and further into complete emotional numbness. The first, Maxwell Caulfield, never fully able to recover from the dreadful flop that was "Grease 2", and the other, Charlie Sheen, still at the start of his guaranteed road to stardom. Best pals Roy and Bo graduate from high school but, at barely 18 years of age, their lives already seem prescribed and inescapable. Being working-class boys, they aren't officially invited to the graduation parties and the popular girls in school look down upon them. In fact, the only perspectives they have is working in the local factory for forty years and maybe raise a family with an equally inconspicuous town's girl. But, before that, Roy and Bo want to head for Los Angeles for one last and crazy weekend. And a crazy weekend it will be, as their oppressed frustrations and lack of self-control - especially in Roy's case - soon escalate into criminal records and even murder.

Penelope Spheeris' distant, almost documentary-styled direction is fantastic, the character drawings of Roy and Bo as well as their social backgrounds are phenomenally handled in the script and the performances of both Caulfield and Sheen are unarguably terrific. And yet, I can't help feeling somewhat disappointed after "The Boys Next Door". Its reputation and numerous reviews promised me a grim thriller with lots of extreme violence and a nihilistic atmosphere. The kick-off is excellent, with callous info files and mugshots of real-life serial killers during the opening credits, but Roy and Bo's own and allegedly relentless "rampage" is rather weak. Sure, I felt sorry for the victims, notably the innocent young couple, but the whole thing could (and should) have been much more dismal.

This is a creepy movie starring a young Charlie Sheen. I love the atmosphere and vibe of this film- reminds me of another rather underrated film by the name of Miracle Mile. This is dark movie full of violence and the fact that the leads are such a**holes doesn't help. It takes courage to even make a film such as this. You may not like it but it is definitely worth a watch.

Penelope Spheeris received kudos as director of "Wayne's World." I know that flick was funny as hell and made gobs of green, but "The Boys Next Door" is one of her best. This film combines her earlier efforts, particularly "The Decline of Western Civilization" and "Suburbia," into a nihilistic tale of two guys that ultimately realize that everything has its price. Sheen and Caulfield are very convincing as friends. When they first arrive in L.A. and stop at a gas station, Caulfield steals the show by brutally beating the gas station employee and justifying his actions to Sheen by basically saying: it happened, you can turn me in, you can come with me; let's see what the night turns up?

Just time and circumstances and possibly the unavailability of weapons prevented Charlie Sheen and Maxwell Caulfield from becoming a pair of Columbine style massacre makers in The Boys Next Door. Although the treatment of them is rather sensationalistic and exploitive the film does raise some issues. First and foremost is just how do you recognize a serial killer in your midst.

There's nothing wrong with Caulfield and Sheen as actors, but they are terribly miscast. Quite frankly these two guys are way too good looking to be believable as social misfits. Try as a may, I couldn't turn over the fact in my mind that these two couldn't get any dates.

Part of it is economics, these two are from the wrong side of the tracks in their small western town. But that sure doesn't explain it, some noted serial killers came from the upper strata.

Right after graduation these two decide to go to the big city of Los Angeles where their penchant for violence, especially Caulfield's escalate until they've killed four people in one twisted night.

As miscast as they are the two deliver good performances. Honorable mention should also go to Patti D'Arbanville as the bar girl they pick up, Paul Dancer as the gay man who becomes their first victim, and Dancer's boyfriend Kenneth Cortland.

The Boys Next Door is not a bad film, but the subject has been covered better in the cinema.

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.

Roy (Maxwell Caulfield) and Bo (Carlos Estevez) leave their small town the weekend after graduation for a short road trip to Los Angeles. Soon, they find themselves lashing out and leaving a trail of bodies behind them. The violence escalates throughout.

I love that Nicolas Cage almost got a role in this film, and that Crispin Glover was turned down for being "too psychotic" at his audition. What a different film that would have been...

As a whole, I like this film as presenting the idea of the "sociopath next door", the concept that those who commit the most violent and heinous acts are those we often least suspect. Unfortunately, I feel like it never fully developed the idea. Cross-country murder tales (such as "Badlands" and "Natural Born Killers", both inspired by Charles Starkweather) have been done better... this had its own unique vision, but never took it all the way.

From their dull lives as high-school outcasts, two misfits, named Bo (Charlie Sheen) and Roy (Maxwell Caulfield), vamoose to L.A. seeking sex and excitement. The film's underlying concept is fine. But given the first three minutes, wherein viewers learn about well-publicized American serial killers, the script sets us up for a way too predictable plot.

Even in small matters of business, like when the guys stop to get gasoline, we can see what's coming next. The plot offers very little in the way of surprises or depth. The script is too direct and too shallow. Dialogue lacks subtext. And characters are almost two-dimensional cardboard cutouts. They're stereotypes of losers, so too are the pretty faces of those who reject them.

There's no real character development here. Roy especially is filled with anger. But we never learn why. They both are such simpletons, so clueless, that when they unintentionally walk into a gay bar, the result is almost comical. And the film is full of plot clichés, like the standard high-speed car chase along urban streets curiously devoid of traffic.

Casting is unfortunate. Both Sheen and Caulfield look too old to be in high school. Yet both actors do a pretty good job in their roles. Cinematography is fairly standard. But given the outdoor scenes, the visuals make the film look dated. So too does the background music, which reeks of 1980s junk music.

The main problem here is a script that plots a story that is too direct and too predictable. Casting doesn't help, and neither does the music. I could have wished for main characters with some complexity and whose journey had shades of gray. "The Boys Next Door" is a film of marginal interest. It's not terribly bad. But there are other films out there that tell a similar story better.

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.

It's amazing to see Charlie Sheen in a role similar to his father Martin's part in "badlands "; although one catches a glimpse of his mate Roy's family(a father watching TV ) as far as Bob is concerned ,one is none the wiser ; there won't be any psychological explanation of their deadly madness: they may belong to a poorer milieu than the other graduates -how they were able to get their diploma remains a complete implausibility - and the bourgeois mansion complete with swimming pool (in which Roy urinates )where the rich youth have a party may infuriate them ;they seem to have a chip on their shoulder and they hate people who work (the gas station man) , people who will soon settle down in their bourgeois life ( the young lovers),old people who claim they know best (the teacher, the lady at the beach) ; but they also hate gays -their macho side can't perhaps stand the poor victim's beautiful flat -.

It seems that Roy is the maddest : Bob has kept a childlike side ("I want to go home ") and sometimes he tries to prevent his pal from killing ,notably astrologer Angie (Patti d'Arbanville , the subject of Cat Stevens' song in 1970 and his lover till she left him for Jagger);and his final act makes sense (only two seconds of pain)

"Badlands" was country serial murders ; " boys next door" is its urban version. These characters will remind you too of those of Fleischer's compulsion "and Hitchcock's "rope" both based on the same real life people : gratuitous crimes.

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.

I'm happy to say I don't watch a lot of truly terrible movies. This one reminds me why.

I'll admit upfront -- I was sucked into watching The Boys Next Door because it has early Maxwell Caufield and his amazing chest and abs. More incredibly to me... I don't think it was worth it.

I can only assume that the several good reviews written here are meant to be sarcastic.

The movie is bad is so very many ways, it seems unfair to single out just one or two. You name an element of movie-making, this film has mucked it up.

Bad story, bad dialog, bad acting, bad editing, bad music. Well, I suppose the costumes were....nope, now that I think about it, those were bad too.

This movie isn't even "fun" bad.

I suppose that people who make movies need to learn how somewhere. But its kind of like with doctors -- you don't want them practicing on you.

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...

This movie is 80's gem as for as sheer cinema terror goes. This is an extremely violent movie about two mean-spirited teens that some will discard as sick. But the movie is much more than that. It is a look at what people are truly capable of. This film has captured the essence of violence because the frightening thing is that the two boys don't really have an excuse to do the things they do. They're just plain evil. You want to feel sorry for Charlie Sheen but you just can't. And Maxwell Caulfield can't possibly be redeemed. Their theory of Caveman Day where one just lets loose is taken to the extreme. Caveman Day seems like a good idea until you see what the characters do to others, and the consequences they must face.

"The boys next door" is a superb movie. Bo and Ray, two mischevious best freinds, set out for a hightime weekend after graduation. They get spun out of control, and eventually, kill in cold blood for no apparent reason.

This movie will make you go away thinking. With a twist ending that is supremly unexpected, and altogether a deliberate ironic musing, this movie is a must see! It is one of those rare movie, where you go away saying, "Hey, that movie was actually really good!"

What I liked about this movie, is it is what I like to call a Sleeping Suprise. Its one of those movies that you casually pass by in the movie store, roll your thumb over in a tv guide, but when you finally do get around to watching this movie, you know you have witnessed something you should have seen earlier. I loved this movie, and you will too.

With great acting, a realistic story line, and superb script, "The boys next door" will leave you thinking about the minds of a serial killer, and the qualms of a deeply distubed mind.With inside information about real life serial killers, it will leave you looking over your shoulder for days to come! 8 out of 10...