Watch That Was Then... This Is Now

That Was Then... This Is Now is a coming-of-age drama film from 1985 directed by Christopher Cain and based on the novel by S.E. Hinton. The film stars Emilio Estevez, Craig Sheffer, and Larry B. Scott. The movie opens with a voiceover by the main character, Bryon Douglas (Sheffer), who talks about how he and his best friend, Mark Jennings (Estevez), grew up together and were like brothers. They lived in a tough neighborhood in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in the 1960s, and often got into fights and trouble with the law. However, they looked out for each other and had each other's back no matter what.

Bryon is a sensitive and thoughtful teenager who loves books and poetry, while Mark is more of a wild child who likes to party and take risks. Despite their differences, they share a close bond and always have each other's backs.

The story takes a turn when Mark gets involved with a group of drug dealers and starts to change. He becomes more violent and reckless, and Bryon starts to worry about him. Bryon also falls in love with Cathy Carlson (Kim Delaney), an older girl who works at a local store, which further complicates his life.

As Bryon begins to drift away from Mark, he meets M&M (Scott), a young boy who is fascinated by the hippie culture and wants to be part of it. Bryon takes him under his wing and tries to help him out, but his relationship with Mark becomes increasingly strained.

The film deals with themes of friendship, loyalty, adolescence, and the consequences of choices. The characters are complex and well-written, and the performances of the actors are excellent. Sheffer delivers a powerful and nuanced performance as Bryon, while Estevez is convincing as the troubled and unpredictable Mark. Scott also shines as the innocent M&M, who is caught up in a world he doesn't fully understand.

One of the strengths of the film is its portrayal of the 1960s and the changing times. The soundtrack features classic tunes from the era, and the costumes and sets help to evoke a sense of nostalgia. The film also tackles some important social issues, such as drug use and juvenile delinquency, in a thoughtful and nuanced way.

Overall, That Was Then... This Is Now is a strong and compelling drama about friendship, love, and growing up. It's a well-crafted film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. If you're a fan of coming-of-age movies or S.E. Hinton's work, this is definitely a movie to watch.