A teenage girl struggling with a major loss moves to a new neighborhood and becomes fascinated by the mysterious boy living next door. He barely communicates with anyone, but she becomes convinced there’s something extraordinary about him that everyone else has overlooked. What starts as a coming of age drama gradually becomes something stranger, sweeter, and much more magical. Next week we’re reviewing an 80s fantasy about grief, friendship, believing the impossible, and a kid who might actually be able to fly.

Commissioned by: Mark P. • 9/24/26

• Year: 1986
• Budget: About $9 million
• Box Office: About $7.2 million domestic
• Awards: Won the Saturn Award for Best Fantasy Film
• Fun Facts: The movie was written and directed by Nick Castle, who also played Michael Myers in the original Halloween. It stars Lucy Deakins and Jay Underwood, with early appearances from Fred Savage and Jason Priestley. The movie struggled at the box office but found a much larger audience through VHS and cable, becoming a nostalgic favorite for kids who grew up in the 80s.