The film deals with the story of the fall of 1985. They are Chris, Joe and Ted as they coexist with the sky of Palo Alto. Things seem to be turning into a new turn as the threat of mountain lions overwhelms the surrounding community at that moment.
Franco gives one of his most subtle performances yet as a recovering-alcoholic father, and the three young newcomers' performances are honest and affecting.
Where STAND BY ME pressed its characters' faces into the stink of mortality, the boys here have yet to even hear the news about a dead body down by the train tracks.
It's an interesting effort with a clear portrait of pre-adolescent curiosity, but it's not something to be viewed casually, as the feature's patience with tone takes some getting used to.
An earnest examination of the loss of innocence this critic might have appreciated even more if the subject-matter hadn't be so relentlessly dark and disturbing.
Although evocative and nicely observed, the coming-of-age drama "Yosemite" ultimately proves too low-key and elliptical to make much of an impression. "Stand by Me" it ain't.