July 31st of this year (2017) was the 30th anniversary of one of the 1980’s most beloved cult horror films: The Lost Boys. Crazy to think this film is that old. Many of us grew up on it, rewatching it over and over and wearing out our VCR tapes. And as co-host Kristi says, “Who didn’t own that film’s soundtrack?” And even if you didn’t, you knew the songs.

Single mother Lucy uproots herself and her two teenage boys, Michael and Sam, from Arizona to her father’s home in the fictional city of Santa Carla, CA. Though with a famous amusement park and with fantastic day and nightlife, the city is also the murder capital of the USA. But unbeknown to our protagonists, there is a deeper and darker secret to the city.

One of the very first modern takes on the vampire, the film has a fantastic cast. Though it includes many newer stars of the time, it also is “who’s who” of the 1980’s. Keifer Sutherland’s portrayal of the brooding leader of a biker gang turned him into a star. Directed by Joel Schumacher at the top of his game, the film still lives on fondly all these year’s later. Dark Discussions takes a look at this cult classic.