The Sandlot (1993)
In many previous kids-on-bikes films, the overactive imaginations of kids on bikes come up against a real-life threat. In The sandy ground, the greatest perceived threats (“The Beast” and its owner) turn out to be the product of such imaginings. Yet, presented through the perspective of this film's wonderful characters, these threats seem as real as the monsters and aliens of previous subgenre works, as well as the terrors you and your friends probably created as kids.
Eventually, The sandy ground follows a little more closely in the footsteps of Stay by me presenting a timeless coming-of-age story set in a particularly remarkable era of childhood à la clef: the early 1960s. Few films have ever romanticized the joys of this special type of childhood like this one. It also ends on a surprisingly optimistic note whereas other films in this genre typically present adulthood as the killer of the bonds formed at this point in our lives.
From time to time (1995)
One of the most fascinating things about the kids on bikes subgenre is that it largely focuses on male characters (especially young white boys). In some ways, this approach feels like a potentially unintentional commentary on the nature of the “boys will be boys” culture that many of these films ultimately captured. In another way, it feels like yet another example of Hollywood's historic hesitation to produce films focused on female friendships that don't end in tragedy or betrayal.
This is what makes From time to time so special. Led by a rich cast (Christina Ricci, Thora Birch, Melanie Griffith, Demi Moore, Rosie O'Donnell, Rita Wilson and more), this film follows four adult women who reunite in their hometown and reminisce about their youth. Writer I. Marlene King of pretty Little Liars celebrity has this magical way of showcasing the unique qualities of a young girl's life during that time while still capturing the essential elements of childhood that many of us were hopefully lucky enough to live. There are upheavals, lessons learned, memories forged, scary moments that seem to stop the world and, of course, bikes.
Super 8 (2011)
The early 2000s saw a rapid decline in latchkey kid culture and, with it, a decline in the kid on bike genre that that culture helped inspire. Events like 9/11 and the Columbine shootings, a series of long-lasting moral panics, and natural social changes have led to different philosophies regarding such previously uncontrolled childhood independence. At the very least, there was more hesitancy to present films aimed at children that featured children in mortal danger. When the genre returned prominently, it would be in homage to the previous era.
Super 8 is one of the earliest and most notable examples of such tributes. JJ Abrams' 2011 film was an unashamed love letter to the genre that Abrams' idol, Steven Spielberg, essentially pioneered. Truth be told, this story of a young aspiring filmmaker who draws him and his friends into a dangerous sci-fi scenario isn't as fun, creative, or well-crafted as the films that inspired it . But the contagious joy of this concept is evident throughout the film. His bikes practically function as secondary characters. This film would also launch a renaissance of tributes to kids on bikes that include Summer 84, Turbo Childand especially, Stranger Things.
