Common Sense Media Review
By Jose Solis
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
'80s horror coming-of-age film with gore, strong language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Silver Bullet
What's the Story?
SILVER BULLET is based on a novella by Stephen King, and like many of his stories, takes place in a small town that has its peace disturbed by a series of mysterious murders. Marty (Corey Haim), a young boy who uses a wheelchair, believes a werewolf is behind the gruesome killings and recruits his sister Jane (Megan Follows) and his quirky Uncle Red (Gary Busey) to help him stop the creature from striking again.
Is It Any Good?
At first glance, this Stephen King adaptation seems like yet another werewolf movie. But beneath the gore and horror of Silver Bullet, there's something remarkable: a story of love between siblings in which we see young Marty, a young boy who uses a wheelchair and spends his time terrorizing his sister Jane, learning how to love his sister despite not always seeing eye to eye.
In Silver Bullet you can see the blueprint for many film adaptations of King's stories, including Stand By Me and It. You can see King's fascination with young characters, small-town secrets, and the strong bonds that are created during emotionally-charged situations. Younger viewers might be too scared by the constant gore and bloody scenes, but older teenagers might find the film exciting, and, gasp, moving. A lovely piece of horror that's far from being perfect, but has a real beating heart.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Marty and Sarah show courage. What does the film say about the way people can show up for each other?
How does Uncle Red show compassion toward Marty? What does the film say about believing in others and what that can do for them?
Have you seen many other characters who use wheelchairs as heroes like Marty? If so, where?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : January 1, 1985
- Cast : Corey Haim , Gary Busey , Terry O'Quinn
- Director : Daniel Attias
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Horror
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage
- Run time : 95 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : May 21, 2025
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