Regarding other films from the 70's which took a stab at documenting the feel of life for the average suburban kid, I'd put them in this order...

(1) Kenny & Company (2) Over The Edge (3) The Bad News Bears (4) Breaking Away

I'm a longtime Phantasm fan, and I just watched Kenny & Company for the first time tonight. It's clear that the studio COMPLETELY dropped the ball when they shelved this film in the US.

Anything I'm inclined to say about how good this film is has already been said by other equally impressed viewers here on the boards, though I have to add that I have a new-found respect for Phantasm's bartender, the Tall Man's handyman, and the foxy granddaughter of the mute fortune teller. Reggie is in top form. And Fred Myrow-- the composer of Phantasm's score-- is present here, as well.

Now that it has seen the light on day on DVD (and it's a beautiful transfer with great sound, by the way),I'm certain Kenny & Company is destined to become a classic as news of its existence spreads.

12-year-old Kenny (an engaging portrayal by Dan McCann) hangs out with mischievous best buddy Doug (the very likable Michael Baldwin),tries to figure out girls, musters up the courage to face mean, fearsome bully Johnny Hoffman (an effectively hateful Willy Masterson),learns about death and mortality (Doug's sickly dog has to be put to sleep),and prepares for Halloween night. Writer/director Don Coscarelli delivers a charming and warm-hearted little gem about 70's suburbanite adolescence that's remarkably bereft of both sour cynicism and cloying sentimentality; instead the rambling episodic narrative ambles along in a most delightfully breezy'n'easy manner and offers plenty of spot-on moving and/or amusing moments. Better still, the cute cast of personable kid thespians all come through with appealingly naturalistic performances: McCann and Baldwin positively shine in the leads, receiving fine support from Jeff Roth as pesky, yet lovable little squirt Sherman, Terrie Kalbus as fetching blonde babe Marcy, and Eswin Cajas as foreign exchange student Paco. Plus there are nice turns by Reggie Bannister as friendly, understanding teacher Mr. Donovan, Ralph Richmond as Doug's jolly government agent father Big Doug, Kenneth J. Jones as hot-tempered football coach Mr. Soupy, and Clay Foster as amiable old timer Mr. Brink. Fred Myrow's mellow and melodic score totally hits the groovy spot. Coscarelli's sunny cinematography gives the picture an attractive bright look. A lovely and poignant treat.

I first saw this movie on "ON" TV, before cable, and taped it (horrible print). I was in my late 30's and had a clinic for LD kids, and showed Kenny and Co. to some of them. Every kid, mainly boys, loved it, and wanted to watch it again and again. It is the only movie that just shows, through episodic events, what it was like to grow up in the 70's and before, when kids actually could play outside without adult supervision or organized mini-professional sports. It just covers their lives for a few days before Halloween, in their school, after-school free play, first crushes, building racers, dealing with a dog that must be put to sleep, dealing with a bully, and planning their trick-or-treat hi-jinx. Lots of mischief that the PTA would probably have frowned on, but nothing really bad, and everything funny and real, without feeling forced. There was a refreshing innocence that has been lost since then, largely due to the media and the internet. But much of the essence of the film still reflects what most kids have to deal with in their lives, albeit in a more programmed environment. I have never known anyone who disliked this little known gem. I see that Anchor Bay has stopped producing it and prices are going up. If you have kids or work with them in some capacity, do yourself and them a big favor and purchase this to share with them. I practically can guarantee you or they won't be sorry. A truly unique and wonderful film. And even more amazing, the director and writer, Don Coscarelli, was 19 when he made this film in 1977.