Cast
View All
Bo Hopkins
as Sheriff Dan Burke
Susan Strasberg
as Joanne Morgan
Patrick Macnee
as Dr. John Morgan
Don Stroud
as Billy Franklin
Dana Kimmell
as Marci Burke
Don Shanks
as Jason Longshadow
Aleisa Shirley
as Melissa Morgan
Steve Antin
as Hank Burke
Sharon Farrell
as Kathy Hopkins
Logan Clarke
as Jimmy
Michael Pataki
as George Martin
Henry Wilcoxon
as Greyfeather
Larry Storch
as Earl
Michael Cutt
as Frank
Glenn Withrow
as Johnny Franklin
Crew
Director
- Jim Sotos
Writer
- Erwin Goldman
Producer
- Jim Sotos
- Jim Gillespie
Reviews
Reno
> A serial killer on the loose in a small town.
This is not a popular title, but I find it an interesting thriller-mystery. I don't know the cast, but I liked them all decently. It is a murder mystery that takes place in a small town where a sheriff investigates the recent brutal knife attacks with all the possibility angle. All the victims were teenage boys, who are associated with the new girl in the town. Definitely you will begin to predict the suspect, that much the film evolves a bridge between you and the contents.
It was a great story, I was stunned for its underrated status and for going unnoticed, but then it ended very cheaply. To me the conclusion ruined the rhythm, otherwise the rest of the film was amazing and worth a watch. I hope somebody would remake it with some changes, especially in the final act and its twist. Overall surely it was a fine film, a mix of the teen theme and the cop story, obviously excluding the bad ending.
6/10
Jul 4, 2016
Wuchak
Whodunit slasher in a Southwestern town with a likable cast
RELEASED IN 1983 and directed by Jim Sotos, "Sweet 16” chronicles events in a West Texas town when a new family moves into town and there are a series of murders revolving around the 16 year-old daughter (Aleisa Shirley). The sheriff (Bo Hopkins) and deputy (Michael Cutt) try to track down the killer. Dana Kimmell and Steve Antin play the Sheriff’s kids while Patrick Macnee and Susan Strasberg play the parents of the new girl.
While this is a slasher, it’s not overly gory and could be categorized as a whodunit mystery. The story kicks off with a quality bar confrontation, which reveals the racial tension in the town between whites and Natives. Despite all the gushing over the new girl (Aleisa Shirley), she’s not all that, i.e. no curves. Dana Kimmell is the real beauty here.
The cast is likable, particularly Hopkins as the main protagonist, and the early 80’s ambiance is to die for. Don Shanks is notable as a kick axx Native. I liked the movie and enjoyed trying to figure out who the killer was amidst the red herrings, but found the wrap up a little eye-rolling and unsatisfying.
THE MOVIE RUNS 1 hour, 30 minutes and was shot on the outskirts of Los Angeles. WRITER: Erwin Goldman. ADDITIONAL CAST: Don Stroud is on hand as a troublemaking cowboy.
GRADE: B-
May 1, 2018
Thematic Analysis
This Crime/Horror/Mystery film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Sweet Sixteen presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Jim Sotos brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1983, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Sweet Sixteen took approximately 25 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 110 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 12 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1983, when this film was released:
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Sweet Sixteen shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Dancer in the Dark, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Sweet Sixteen subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Silent Witness and Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead explore similar territory, Sweet Sixteen stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: March 18, 1983
- Runtime: 1h 30m
Where to Watch
