Top 10 Kids of Horror

Coming-of-Age can be terrifying too! While horror-themed flicks with rite-of-passage overtones are somewhat rare (except in Japan and Korea where filmmakers embrace the idea), there are enough seemingly innocent characters who can make your heart pound and and put a real scare into you.

Irrespective of gender, growing up has it’s share of bloody encounters, with scraped knees and bruises etc. And that’s just from the “normal” everyday experiences we’ve all had. But some of us remember special days like scary Halloween nights filled with “trick or treating” and being scared by the inventive costumes some kids came up with to wear on that scariest of nights while growing up.

So in honor of that common experience of childhood, we have compiled a Top Ten list of terrifying child actors who have starred in movies featuring nightmarish metaphors for the loss of innocence.

Proceed with caution…

1. Seamus Davey-Fitzpatrick – The Omen

A new age of evil threatens to arise when an American diplomat (Liev Schreiber) and his wife (Julia Stiles) learn that the child (Seamus Davey-Fitzpatrick) they adopted may be the son of Satan.

2. Lina Leandersson – Let The Right One In

A bullied young boy befriends a young female vampire who lives in secrecy with her guardian.

3. Haley Joel Osment – The Sixth Sense

A boy who communicates with spirits that don’t know they’re dead seeks the help of a disheartened child psychologist.

4. Samara Morgan – The Ring

Samara, whose stringy hair hides her face for most of her screen time, is a possessed girl behind the VHS tape that kills everyone who watches it.

5. Gavin Brown – Found

Found is a Coming-of-Age horror movie about a 12-year old boy who discovers his older brother is a serial killer.

6. Isabelle Fuhrman – The Ophran

Isabelle Fuhrman gave potential adoptive parents something to think about as ribbon choker-loving Esther in the 2009 horror film The Orphan.

7. Niles and Holland Perry – The Other

The Other is a compelling, shocking and entertaining film that won’t leave anyone indifferent.

8. Karen Cooper – Night of the Living Dead

The little zombie darling is by far the creepiest of the creepy little girls in horror films.

9. Junio Valverde – The Devil’s Backbone

The Devil’s Backbone is a mournful and beautiful new ghost story by Guillermo del Toro.

10. Carol Anne Freeling – Poltergeist

The adorable child actor made her mark on horror film lore when she delivered the famous line, “They’re here”.

We are interested in all your comments and your own picks, so feel free to post your top Kids of Horror in comments.

Cat Killer (2010)

Being a part of the gang…belonging — the ultimate childhood goal that has inspired myriad adventures. Yet often, just as with friendship, one has to earn it — often by participating in bizarre tests of courage with potentially catastrophic results (such as jumping from high rocks and swimming across a pond, sometimes even by kids who can barely hold themselves afloat, as was part of my own tribulations once).

“A plank, a clothespin, a rubber and a nail…The Cat Killer is ready!”

The two young protagonists of the story in Cat Killer (Matagatos) have just created a homemade shooting device …and are ready to test its accuracy …with an unlikely target.

The short film, by the Spanish director José Luis Montesinos, is titled after a homemade gun that boys in Spain and Argentina played with in the 80s. The smartly written short opens with an intertitle that reads “In the 80s, more than 1000 kids lost an eye while playing with a homemade gun”, which immediately forms expectations in the mind of the viewer, as to how the storyline of the film will turn out.

Thanks to skillful directing, a great musical score and an abundance of well-arranged close-ups, suspense and tension arise in the viewer, creating a sense of unease.

It’s a well-shot, and well-acted and directed 4-minute short film, proof that even a simple idea (or perhaps nostalgic memory for some) can be turned into a captivating movie by a talented filmmaker.

Similar short film – i Killer

Little Accidents (2014)

It doesn’t come as a surprise that some of the best Coming-of-Age movies belong to the Indie scene. The 2014 debut feature film of writer/director Sara Colangelo, Little Accidents, is no exception. It also confirms my observation that women directors (Ursula Meier – Sister and Home, Dorota Kedzierzawska – Jestem — and now Sara Colangelo) generally show more understanding of the inner world of young male characters than do their male counterparts. They (the woman directors) are able to direct a drama that significantly affects the audience without manipulating it with overtly over emotional sentiments.

As in any serious film, the action and the characters of Little Accidents have very little significance beyond the context of the film itself. A subtle, yet sensual, portrayal of guilt and innocence lost – revealing truths of human nature through the character of Owen Briggs (Jacob Lofland), who endures in a struggle against the human weaknesses present in his personality after an accident that has forever altered his world.

Jacob Lofland plays Owen Briggs in Liitle Secrets.

Even though in my review of Jeff Nichols’s 2012 film Mud I focused mainly on the acting performance of Tye Sheridan, it should be noted that the solid supporting role played by Jacob Lofland contributed a great deal towards the poignancy of the narrative. Now, having a lead role for himself in Little Accidents. Lofland makes an impression with the naturalness and sincerity he projects on the screen.

There are always burdens that each of us carries throughout our lives. Whether those are similar to those of the protagonist of Little Accidents or not, identifying with Lofland’s character and his internal struggle comes naturally.

During the 105 minutes of the movie’s runtime, the action drags a bit, but that is not unheard of in psychological dramas. Guilt and forgiveness, intertwined with grief and responsibility, makes for a powerful narrative. The slow pace does not diminish the effectiveness of the narrative, as the alternative storylines of the film’s other main characters challenge the viewer to guess how they will tie into Owen Brigg’s fate.

Little Accidents is a gem of the independent Coming-of-Age cinema, and I don’t hesitate to recommend it.

Little Accidents Trailer

Visit to a Chief’s Son (1974)

It’s impossible for me to ignore a film whose main focus lies in a Rite-of-Passage ritual. Yet I expected much more from Lamont Johnson‘s Visit to a Chief’s Son.

The premise of Kevin (played by John Philip Hodgdon), a young boy (who is the son of an anthropologist) going through his own transition to manhood while accompanying his father on a mission to record the Rite-of-Passage rituals of the Masai tribe in Africa, would seem to be enticing enough. But, unfortunately, its execution makes the film more suitable for cultural anthropology students or fans of National Geographic – thanks to the abundance of African Wildlife footage — than the average filmgoer.

The action stretches too much to provide exciting entertainment and, if it were not for the genuine approach of portraying a developing friendship between Kevin and the Massai tribe chief’s son Codonyo (Jesse Kinaru), it really would make for a dull narrative.

The boys serve as alter egos to each other, sharing Rite-of-Passage experiences such as a stroll through the savanna while seeing many different creatures; going skinny-dipping; escaping an angry elephant — all of which eventually result in them being wiser and becoming more accepting of themselves and each other’s cultures.

Despite the abundance of beautifully shot wildlife scenes, I get the feeling that I’d have enjoyed the story more by reading it in Robert Halm’s 1963 novel from which the film was adapted. The movie felt like a dramatized documentary, interesting in its own way, yet devoid of the adventurous spirit I felt when viewing Henryk Sienkiewicz‘s In Desert & Wilderness (featuring a stunning Coming-of-Age narrative).

The lavishly sentimental score by the French composer Francis Lai, succeeded in masking some of the film’s imperfections – arguably even the less than convincing acting by most of the relatively small cast.

Yet, despite the irritations, I had with Visit to a Chief’s Son, the film’s beautiful cinematography, combined with a well-matched score, ensured that the film will have its own group of followers – unfortunately, one that I won’t be a part of.

Strýta (2012)

Discovering a short film “worth writing home about” can be challenging. For me, such a film is to be held to the same standards as a full feature movie would. It should feature an engaging and original narrative, good acting, and high production values (sound, lighting, camera work, and editing). One may watch hundreds of such films to discover a masterpiece, but when he/she does — it’s worth it.

Strýta (No Country for the Young Ones – USA premiere title) is a 2012 short film from Iceland. It’s one of those shorts whose story stays with you long after its final credits roll.

Directed by Freyr Árnason, Strýta tells the story of two mischievous boys (Daníel Óskar Jóhannesson and Flóki Haraldsson) who steal a car and head off on a trip to an abandoned house in the snowy countryside. Rumour has it that a gun is hidden somewhere in the house, and the boys are eager to find it.

The film’s opening shot, showing the two kids “jamming” to Bob Marley’s legendary vibes, immediately draws one’s attention — thanks to the stark contrast between the score and the snow-covered Icelandic landscape. Having recently seen Jon Watts’s full feature movie, Cop Car, I could not help wondering if the American director had found and used the same approach as the Icelandic short. The musical score of Strýta intensifies the feeling of suspense in such an effective manner that, as one watches the film, various possible outcomes come to mind (I was thinking vampires possibly because of the association with the Swedish film, Let the Right One In). Yet, when the ending comes, the surprise and realization of just what the film is about are imprinted onto the viewer’s mind.

This is a beautifully shot film with a deep and meaningful story. It’s an indisputable “must-see”! Strýta gets our highest recommendation.

Burning Secret (1988)

“…An elusive tale of seduction, betrayal and lost innocence in post-war Austria…”

Vestron Pictures

Burning Secret is a 1988 Coming-of-Age drama, based on the short story Brennendes Geheimnis by Stefan Zweig. The lead protagonist is Edmund (David Eberts), a young boy, the son of an American diplomat, who befriends a mysterious baron while staying at an Austrian spa during the 1920s.

Much of the film’s appeal, as both a psychological drama and a Coming-of-Age piece, can be directly attributed to the very competent direction of Andrew Birkin. He had extensive prior experience working with youthful actors while adapting Peter Pan for a TV production, and directing the mini-series The Lost Boys and the short film Sredni Vashtar. This allowed him to inspire and showcase the full potential of the young lead in Burning Secret.

David Eberts manages to portray the anxiety and confusion of his character while, at the same time, emanating childhood innocence. Its loss, as in most Coming-of-Age narratives, constitutes the essence of the story. If for no other reason, his performance alone is reason enough to see the film. It’s a pity that, even though Eberts continued his cinematic career as a producer and editor, Burning Secret remains the only film showcasing his indisputable acting talent.

Burning Secret, French Movie Poster — Edmund (David Eberts) and the Baron (Klaus Maria Brandauer)

The musical score of the film is comprised of compositions by the renewed German composer Hans Florian Zimmer. The classical orchestration enhances the atmosphere and provides a posh feel to the already refined mise en scène.

The film’s dramatic structure follows a linear, chronological pattern – limiting the amount of surprising twists and suspenseful situations. This could very well have resulted in a boring film if it were not for the complexity of external (between Edmund, The Baron and his mother) and internal conflicts (within Edmund’s character as he struggles to gain an understanding of himself in relationship to the world around him).

BURNING SECRET, David Eberts, Faye Dunaway, 1988, (c)Vestron Pictures

The complexity of intentions and affairs serves to remind one of Mauro Bolognini’s 1962 film Agostino, and the 1982 Dutch movie Nachttocht — vis-à-vis the addressing of intergenerational relationships, jealousy, trust and betrayal. In addition, one could possibly associate the existence of similar motifs such as in Thomas Mann’s Death in Venice (the book and/or the 1971 film), though in Burning Secret these are addressed in a more subdued and subtle manner.

Most films from this period, that share common motifs, end up being tragedies, which is why, for most of the film`s duration, I dreaded the finale resolution of the conflicts being addressed. But while the finale does meet those expectations, its only a tragedy of a metaphorical nature.

Burning Secret Trailer

Burning Secret is available on Amazon instant video

The Bikers (2014)

When I happened upon the 2014 Brett Roedel‘s short film The Bikers, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Its poster and plot summery promised an engaging Coming-of-Age story that “pays tribute to classic films such as Stand by Me, The Goonies, and ET but adds a unique twist to the genre”.

The opening scene is aided by an enthralling score and creative camera usage that includes aerial footage. And, while I found that enticing and also thought the tension built nicely, the story of the four mischievous boys who run away from home to avoid punishment for a horrid crime they are convinced they have committed failed to move me.

The young cast (Tristan Culbert, Logan Lantz, Luke Cerrone and Colton Clause) show some promise, but unfortunately some of the dialogue and reactions appeared forced.

The cast of The Bikers — The Cast of The Bikers

I’m willing to attribute some of that to a failure in directing the actors. Some additional insights into the personalities of their characters and a stronger focus on just one of the boys, showing the action from his viewpoint, would have made the Coming-of-Age themes more prominent. That, in turn, would have made the story much more poignant.

On the positive side, the story does engage the viewer’s attention and one could imagine that, with more rehearsal time and a bigger budget (the film was crowdfunded on Kickstarter), this short film could have been much better.

The Bikers (full movie)

Tarzan and the Jungle Boy (1968)

I grew up with the novels of Tarzan and his adventures, which shouldn’t come as a surprise when you consider that I loved reading and Edgar Rice Burroughs’s hero is considered to be one of the best-known literary characters in the world. There are numerous films based on the novels (over 200 are listed on IMDb) and I chose one from among them motivated by a promotional poster promising a Coming-of-Age tale of the sorts. Its title: Tarzan and the Jungle Boy.

In the film, Tarzan helps the female journalist Myrna (Alizia Gur) in her search for a young boy who supposedly lives in the jungle after surviving a canoe accident which his father fell victim to seven years earlier.

Unfortunately, my expectations were not met as the character development was a joke, the acting wasn’t convincing and the production design rather poor. The fact that the film was released back in 1968 does not excuse its imperfections, as there are films of considerable quality that were released in that same time frame.

On the positive side, the actors looked their parts – Tarzan (Mike Henry) athletic and heroic, the jungle boy (Steve Bond) appearing full of youthful bravado, stamina and an adventurous spirit (though, for the sake of appearances, he shouldn’t look as if he had just left the hair salon, considering that he is supposed to have lived several years in the jungle by himself). Unfortunately, the poor character development resulted in the fact that the Coming-of-Age themes don’t exist.

Overall I’m surprised that a movie produced by Paramount Pictures is on par, or even inferior in quality, with low budgeted Mexican productions such as Zindy, the Swamp Boy (1973). But their targeted audiences, preteen boys, may still find them enjoyable to watch.

Official Trailer

Cop Car (2015)

An intense adventure of two 10-year-old boys who run away from home, steal a police car and find themselves in more trouble than they have bargained for…

That sentence pretty much summarizes the entire plot of the American 2015 movie Cop Car, directed by Jon Watts.

While watching Cop Car, one gets the feeling that the entire story could have fit in a subplot of a film with a more complex narrative. Yet the fact that the 86 minutes of screen time seem to pass as quickly as one moment indicates the success of the editor and director in telling an engaging, tense tale.

Travis (James Freedman-Jackson) and Harrison (Hays Wellford)

There are some Coming-of-Age nuances to the story yet, considering the somewhat narrow character development of the film, it’s clear that the focus lies on the plot – with characters, ideas and emotional effects being important only within the context of the story being told (don’t expect to feel for or identify with any of the film’s protagonists).

When it comes to acting, Harrison (Hays Wellford) and Travis (James Freedson-Jackson) deliver authentic performances as mischievous, yet naïve, boys (which the young actors are anyway). However, Kevin Bacon is not as convincing in the role of a sheriff whose car the boys decided to “borrow”.

Jon Watts Cop Car is definitely an original movie which delivers an entertaining cinematic experience but, alas, not much more. A time waster for when you don’t have anything better to watch…

Cop Car Trailer

Little Boy (2015)

International (mexican) poster for Lotte Boy — International (Mexican) Poster for *Lotte Boy*

Do you believe you can do this?

I’m opening the review with a quote from a film that surpassed my humble expectations with a touching and flawlessly told story. The 2015 US/Mexican co-production Little Boy ranks as one of the best Coming-of-Age films I have had an opportunity to see and review. The attention to detail in the film is so immaculate that even its title serves a dual purpose — hinting of the character based focus of the narrative while calling the viewer’s attention to a key scene that has significant import for the development of the story.

That story revolves around Pepper Flynt Busbee (Jakob Salvati), an 8-year-old living in a small fishing village in California. He finds comfort and inspiration in his father, James (Michael Rappaport), his “only friend.” But then, in the midst of the Second World War, Pepper’s dad is drafted into the military after London Busbee (David Henrie), his eldest son, is disqualified for having flat feet.

Pepper Flynt Busbee (Jakob Salvati) and his brother London (David Henrie)

Little Pepper misses his dad and desperately wishes that he would come back. At church, in a sermon, Pepper hears the priest quoting Matthew 17:20: “…if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you”. So Pepper begins to think that perhaps he can get his dad home if only he can increase his faith. He is entrusted with a list by the priest (The Works of Mercy) – an ancient list that could make his faith powerful:

Feed the hungry
Shelter the Homeless
Visit those in prison
Clothe the naked
Visit the sick
Bury the dead

The Little Boy receiving the list from Fr. Oliver (Tom Wilkinson) — The Little Boy Receiving the List from Fr. Oliver (Tom Wilkinson)

The priest adds one essential item to the list, which he says will make it work better for Pepper. However the item is an overwhelming task for a little boy to perform. But if that’s what it takes… then he’s game to try anything. And it turns out Pepper is aided by an unlikely ally…

A voice-over narration gives the film the flavor of a novelistic first person point of view. The narrator is evidently the grown-up film protagonist (Pepper Flynt Busbee) relating childhood recollections of the time when he was known as “Little Boy”. He provides a sense of place and time, describing not only his experiences, but also what life was like in a small town in America during the war. This voice-over technique is especially effective in Coming-of-Age narratives, for we get the perspective of an adult whose rite-of-passage is the focus of the story.

Little Boy Official Trailer

The film’s conflict is predominately an internal one, for the focus lies on an interior psychological conflict within the central character. The director uses the indirect-subjective point of view to bring the viewer close to the action. Frequent close ups on the expressive face of Jakob Salvati’s character conveys the emotional turmoil within the little boy so affectingly that one will find it impossible to remain indifferent to his story.

An emotional bond, an intimate involvement with the film’s protagonist, is being established. I laughed with Pepper Flynt Busbee, hoped with him and cried with him. To be drawn into the feelings portrayed on the screen is one of the best testaments of the cinematic quality of a story, and Alejandro Monteverdi’s movie succeeds in this regard.

While Jacob Salvati’s performance was the most impressive, the entire cast managed to deliver dramatic acting with emotional and psychological depth, significantly contributing to the moving impact of the story on its viewers.

Movie Still - Little Boy 2015 — Movie Still – *Little Boy*

Period costuming and set designs are exceptional, providing an authentic backdrop to the story’s authenticity and giving the viewer a sense of real time and place — a feeling of being there. References to the popular US culture at the time – such as the newsreels and comics obsession — further boost the authenticity of the picture.

Little Boy’s runtime is a bit short of two hours, yet skillful editing ensures that the viewer is kept engaged at all times. One example of this is the utilization of parallel cuts to quickly alternate between two actions simultaneously taking place at separate locations (in reality and fantasy: from a room in the house, to a pirate ship, to a village street, to the jungles of the Philippines). Another technique effectively used by the director is Inside/Out editing (where the viewer is jolted suddenly from a familiar scene or line of action to a close up detail in a new and unfamiliar place) resulting in dynamic and exciting scenes.

I thoroughly enjoyed Little Boy and consider it a true masterpiece of the Coming-of-Age genre. Highly recommended for the readers of TheSkyKid.com!

The Treasure of Lost Canyon (1952)

Searching for another film to watch and review, I stumbled upon an actual (but, alas, somewhat forgotten) classic of the Coming-of-Age cinema: Ted Tetzlaff`s The Treasure of Lost Canyon.

Although classified as a Western Adventure on IMDB, the film doesn’t really fit that label. It does, however, feature an engaging story about Davy (Tommy Ivo), an orphaned boy raised by traveling medicine show crooks who expect him to steal for them.

Years later, when David manages to escape his harsh life, he is fortunate to meet, impress and earn the friendship of an eccentric old gentlemen ‘Doc’ Brown. They boy and his mentor discover a hidden treasure that changes their lives…

The film’s story is loosely based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. Moreover, it brings back reminiscences of Dickens’s Oliver Twist, especially in the area of character development. The Coming-of-Age motif is central to the story, which also features a strong emphasis on the value of intergenerational friendship and mentoring.

The Treasure of Lost Canyon - Universal Pictures Promo — The Treasure of Lost Canyon – Universal Pictures Promo

Young Tommy Ivo delivers an outstanding performance in the role of Davy, a boy who struggles to understand the adults around him and make the right choices. At the time the film was made, Tommy was considered to be one of the most prominent child-stars of American TV, pretty much growing up in front of a camera. After his acting career ended, he became a superstar in drag racing. His convincing performance and good looks dominate the movie (especially since he is present in almost all of the scenes). His Davy is a character adults in the viewing audience care for and with whom kids sympathize.

The chemistry between Ivo and William Powell (who played the role of Davy’s surrogate father) also contributes to the film’s appeal. In an interview published in an intriguing (especially for the fans of the Coming-of-Age genre) book by Tom and Jim Goldrup, Growing Up on the Set: Interviews with 39 Former Child Actors of Classic Film and Television, Tommy Ivo states that he believes that The Treasure of Lost Canyon was his best film: “…As I say , that is probably my best picture and it has probably a lot to do with me liking William Powell. The thing I learned in that picture was that if you are going swimming with long johns on you’d better keep your behind away from the camera because it’s a perfect fit …”

For 1952, the fact that The Treasure of Lost Canyon was originally shot in color and features underwater footage is impressive. It was filmed both on location (Burry Falls in Northern California) and on the studio’s set. Even the spoiled cinema buff in me was not able to detect any major flaws in camerawork and overall cinematic presentation.

The Treasure of Lost Canyon offers a light yet intriguing tale that keeps the audience engaged. A family entertainment suitable for viewers of all ages. I don’t hesitate to extend my recommend for the film.

Introducing Karoline Rhett

About a year ago, someone suggested I check out Karoline Rhett. When I did, I found an amazing singer. She has a beautiful voice. I started listening to her covers on her YouTube channel and I started liking them and began following her on Twitter.

I loved her songs, so decided to promote her on Twitter and she replied to my tweets and followed me. Based on how mature she looks and her tweeting I thought she was about 17-years-old. I was in for a surprise when I found out her age. This beautiful and very talented girl was only 14-years-old!

I checked out her website and, when I did, one of her beautiful songs immediately struck me. Visitors to her site are welcomed with her original song I’m The Melody. I already knew the song from her YouTube channel, where there was only a lyric video, with the announcement the official video would follow soon.

The videos on her site aren’t all of just Karoline alone. There are several others with a talented Canadian singer Beamer Wigley.

Then came a project called Unstoppable by a British Artist promotion group called Big Pure Talent. One of the songs of that project was a collab between Karoline and several other artists (Alexandru, Beamer Wigley, Sapphire, Liberty Grant, Griffin Tucker, Carmen Wyler). They covered We Are The World. Then the waiting for the CD with all the songs from the project began. Karoline was also featured on the CD and I was happy with the song she chose. It was Big World, a tune that clearly shows her vocal skills. The song is also featured on her second CD Melody, which was released in 2013 when she was still 12-years-old.

But who is exactly Karoline Rhett? And when did her musical adventure begin?

Karoline was born 24-Aug-2000 in Charleston, South Carolina. She was only three-years-old when she knew she wanted to sing. Being pulled on stage by Amy Grant, she wasn’t frightened at all. She loved it and the audience loved her. It would take a few more years before she would release a CD. In 2010, she was introduced to Joe Taylor and it resulted in a CD called Stirring Rainbows on which she co-wrote some of the songs. I had never heard that CD until I got it this year. And, just like Melody, it’s a great CD.

The CD Melody wasn’t recorded with Joe Taylor, but with Nashville producer Dean Miller. Nashville (home of country music) is Karoline’s home away from home. She goes there regularly to work on new songs, which will lead to an album to be released later this year. And from the previews I’ve heard, this one is going to be an amazing album again.

Want to know more about Karoline? Check the following links and follow her:

Website: http://karolinemusic.com/

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