1 A Portal Back To 1962! .... A Winning Film (& DVD To Match)!
I think you'll find that the cash you'll fork over for this DVD Collector's Edition of 1973's "American Graffiti" will be money very wisely spent. Because the outstanding, in-depth, 78-minute documentary feature, "The Making Of American Graffiti", is worth the cost all by itself.
Every single one of the film's major cast members takes part in the documentary program. Director George Lucas and Producer Francis Ford Coppola (plus other members of the production staff and crew) also participate in this fascinating behind-the-scenes "Making Of" feature, which is one of the best documentaries I've ever come across on a DVD.
Mr. Lucas talks openly and extensively about the making of "Graffiti" and guides the viewer, step-by-step, through the many aspects of creating this unique film -- from the difficulty in getting a studio interested in the project, to the movie's filming on the streets of two small California towns, and through to the release of the picture in theaters (the movie opened on August 11, 1973).
Many interesting tidbits of information are revealed in the documentary, including Harrison Ford's recollection of his "cowboy hat". It seems that Harrison was opposed to getting one of those awful '60s-style haircuts (as were others in the cast). So Ford talked Director Lucas into letting him wear a cowboy hat instead. And then there's Charlie Martin Smith ("Toad"), who had some problems parking his motor scooter in the film's very first scene. But Charlie's gaffe was left in the final cut of the movie by Director Lucas. (Which is a good thing too; it's a great moment in the picture.)
Some original actor Screen Tests are also included in the Making-Of documentary. If you keep your eyes peeled on the "clapboards" that are shown in a few of these Screen Test shots, you'll note that the date of filming is "May 26, 1972" (which is 15 months before the movie finally got released into theaters).
"Graffiti" took just four weeks to film, but Mr. Lucas, during the documentary, said that it took him six months after filming was completed to edit the movie down to a manageable size. He tells us that his first cut of "Graffiti" was a mammoth three hours in length. Therefore, much paring was required.
Other bonus features on the DVD include the Original Theatrical Trailer, which I found very good. Plus, a goodly number of "Cast & Crew Bios" to scroll through; as well as some informative Production Notes. All text pages I found most rewarding as well.
Then, of course, the DVD (which was originally released by Universal Home Video on September 15, 1998, to commemorate the movie's 25th anniversary) offers up a nice-looking Anamorphic Widescreen 2.35:1 version of "Graffiti" itself. Colors look rich and saturated and the black levels during the many outdoor night scenes look very sharp as well, with little in the way of video distractions. Some fans of the film will no doubt be disappointed that a Dolby 5.1 re-mix was not included here (just a 2.0 Surround Sound track is employed for this DVD). But I think the Surround track does quite nicely. But a full-fledged 5.1 would also have been nice, to highlight the amazing number of rock-and-roll oldies in the film.
OTHER INFO ABOUT THIS DVD RELEASE....................
Feature Film:
> Video -- Widescreen 2.35:1 (Enhanced for 16x9 Widescreen Televisions).
> Audio -- English (2.0 Dolby Digital Surround); French (2.0 Dolby Digital Mono).
> Subtitles -- English and Spanish.
> Running Time -- 1 hour, 52 minutes.
> Chapter Stops? -- Yes. There are an abundance of chapter breaks here (49 total).
"The Making Of American Graffiti" Documentary:
> Video -- Full Frame 1.33:1 (With clips from the actual film shown in 2.35:1 Widescreen).
> Audio -- English only (2.0 Dolby Digital Stereo).
> Subtitles -- English, Spanish, and French.
> Running Time -- 1 hour, 18 minutes.
> Chapter Stops? -- Yes. There are 7 total chapter breaks.
>> Menus -- All "Static". No music. No animated transitions.
>> Packaging -- Keep Case. (One Disc.)
>> Enclosures/Inserts? -- Yes. There's a very nicely-done 8-page fold-out booklet, which includes behind-the-camera photos and quotes from George Lucas and many other cast members on their memories of the film. Plus: Full Chapter Lists for both the movie's Scene Selections and the Making-Of Documentary.
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"American Graffiti", IMO, is in a class by itself. It has the perfect 1960s "feel" to it, that Director George Lucas strives so hard for (and succeeds in portraying). Each time you re-visit this film you are immediately transported back to the Summer of 1962, and to all those great oldies blaring away on the car radio.
2 American Graffiti for the male mind
Set in 1962, this coming of age story for California guys showcases the pop world from a male perspective. In dusk-to-dawn fashion, they guys face their respective turning points in their lives -- where boys turn into "men". The goils exist as foils or fantasy fluff for male consumption. A classic example of Inez Hedge's central thesis in "Breaking the Frame" where she explores film language and the experience of limits. Film viewers are rarely shown what is going on inside the minds of the women's characters. Females exist as subjects within a frame that assumes the male perspective. Women's passive positioning in film language is reinforced by two directorial tactics: 1) most point-of-view shots are from a male perspective; 2) males originate most of the action.
3 American Graffiti (1973)
I can't say enough about how truly classic and great this film is. Without a doubt deserving of its AFI 100 Greatest Films of all time list. And I think this film even surpases Lucas' most known films - "The Star Wars Trilogy". The basic theme of this film is -- "the end of eras".It was the end of peace im America, before the war in Vietnam broke out. It was before America's rock n roll suddenly became Englands rock and roll. It was the end of cruising, a very popular American mating ritual. The Nostalgia showcased in this film is quite thick. And although it is a comedy, it is also a drama and its the best kind of drama. It isn't in your face - you have to find it in the end. This film perfectly showcases the end of the GOlden days in AMerica. Its here in all its glory. Superb acting, directing, and the ammount of classic cars and classic rock n roll tunes from the 50's and 60's alone is worth 3 stars. 10 minutes into this film - you will be hooked. You will want to see it over and over again. It is truly an American classic from one of America's Greatest Filmakers!
4 Where Was I in '62? In My Mother's Womb
Let me preface it to say that there are few films that I would give more than the 5 stars allotted to reviewers. To say that I love this film is an understatement. When I saw this film theatrically in 1978(it was the extended director's cut not the original version that played theatres in 1973) I wished that I was in Modesto, California cruising the streets to the sounds of the Wolfman. This film suggests the kind of director George Lucas could have become if he had not become engrossed with "Star Wars" and ILM. Our loss. The story deals with young people on the cusp of adulthood going out for one last fling. Their stories aren't earth-shaking ones. John, the rebel, has to usher around an underage girl. Steve, the responsible one, is trying to patch things up with his girlfriend, Laurie. Terry, the geek, is trying to make it with a Sandra Dee wanna-be. Curt, the brain, is pursuing the elusive blonde in the white T-bird. Along the way various things intrude on these pursuits. A drag race, a gang initiation, etc. Lucas has crafted a dream world here that is every much as wonderous as that of "Star Wars". Enough cannot be said of the period music that comments on the action of the film. And of course Lucas assembled a largely unknown cast (Richard Dreyfus, Ron Howard, Charles Martin Smith, Paul LeMat, Cindy Williams, Harrison Ford, etc.) who portray young people not dumb teenagers. One of the devices that Lucas uses to illustrate that youth is a temporary state is show title cards about what happened to the principle characters later in life. This film illustrates the innocence that was contained in this country prior to the social upheavals that occured later in the 60's.
5 American Pop At It's Best
Early George(Star Wars)Lucas outing with Ron Howard, Cindy Williams, Richard Dreyfuss, underated actor Paul LeMat, a cameo by Wolfman Jack and more. I deen this movie 84 times. 73 in the theater when it was first released. The film lasted over a year in the theaters and had a 41 track soundtrack that was popular because the 50s music had made a comeback in the early 70s. TV Shows like Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley, Sons And Daughters and a hill of other movies based in the era never to outdo the popularity of this movie. It's all for fun anyways. The happy music, the pranks, the gorgeous cars....you just get that feeling that you are there having a good time with the cast. There is nothing bad to say about the movie and you will definately end the movie with spirits up...........well until the end credits....you'll see.
6 A great movie about ordinary people
I grew up a few years later than the main characters in this movie, in a society in which millions of people were unlikely to agree about what life was all about, or whether anyone had the right to consider that a fair question. Listening to the documentary on this DVD, I was reminded of how many people would end up being nobodies in my society, and that being in a movie like this, which was about as big a hit as anyone with less than a million dollar budget was likely to make even once, could be just a start for the people who would have the opportunity to do things like say something and have everybody hear it.
If this movie was what being a teenager was all about, I missed my teen years completely, being even more of a geek than the geek character in this movie. I was even taught by some serious adult people that I knew at church when I was a kid that the music that the teen characters in this movie listen to was lame. It took me a long time to figure out how different most things are from whatever adults are thinking, and this is particularly true of some early rock songs that still sound good, even after they are no longer in the top ten. I had to count songs in this movie to find about ten songs that are still really great, and some of those songs are used in 2004 for exercise classes at the YMCA in Saint Paul, Minnesota, if you really want to know what little old ladies listen to before they do can-can kicks in the swimming pool. I was never a fanatic about cars, so that large element of this movie and the local cops were never a significant part of my life.
The best thing about this movie is that everything happens all at once. The documentary on the DVD explains how many years it took to get this movie written (by George Lucas, Gloria Katz & Willard Huyck), cast, filmed, edited to be less than three hours long, and marketed for showing in theaters. Most of the people making this movie were young, and have now been around so long that looking back so far makes them think they really were nobodies once. Harrison Ford in the movie is the only character who plays a big shot and tells Toad `I'm not a nobody.' The way the movie ends, he is just another loser, and even the guy who beat him can't see the sense of racing these nobodies. Cindy Williams complains in the documentary about having such a sad part, while the other girls get to have fun, but being head cheerleader with one more year of high school to go is the top of the social heap at that level, and knowing what she wants, by the end of the movie she has latched on to something.
I have often complained that entertainment values have become the main economic motivator of changes in American society. While this movie is a nostalgia boom that won't let go of a teen culture still unaware of the changes that were going to hit American society after 1962, the success of the movie started a drive to reproduce elements of youth culture in forms that millions of people could relate to on a personal level, as a form of entertainment that is superior to the extreme themes and clear villains of myths that have an obvious message. Consider the drunk Terry the Toad telling someone, `You are talking to the woman I love,' when she happens to be the first woman in the movie who would even go out with him. This is an easy mistake for someone in Terry the Toad's position to make, and laughing at him hardly helps to make the situation any better, but it is so damn funny that it even makes Curt Henderson's best line, about wimps getting all of the snatch, sound a little lame.
Three scenes that were deleted for the theatrical release of this movie have been restored in the film on videotape and DVD, and those scenes might be surprising for people who have not seen them before. The documentary on the DVD explains which scenes were cut to save six minutes. It didn't hurt the film much, but if you have not seen the long version, consider buying this DVD just so you can hear Terry the Toad telling a used car salesman, `For God's sake, leave me alone!'
7 Nostalgia and Fun
This piece of nostalgia is both entertaining and sentimental. Humor and emotion play an equal roll in this movie, making it heart touching to all audiences.
For those of us who are too young to have experienced the early 60s this film is the next best thing. We get to see the styles of cars, clothing, and hair as well as hear the music of the era. We get to see many of todays most recognizable faces long before they were famous. It's also fun to chuckle at how very little teenage life has actually changed.
George Lucas is a fabulous director,and the actors all deliver convincing performances. Whether you're laughing with them or feeling the sting of their heart break, we can all relate to what they're going through.
Regardless of your generation, watching this movie is sure to bring back a flood of memories of first loves and old friends.
8 An American Classic
This movie is way before my time, but i still can't help but love it. I live in the small town that this film was made in, Modesto California, and was reminded about the film by the annual graffiti festivil this weekend. It is true to Life, and still holds true in the most basic senses with my generation, I graduated High School in 1998 and my friends and I were always cruising, racing and having a good time any chance we got, and the mucle cars are still alive, they may be a little different but still alive. I rate this movie 5 out of 5 because it still relates to teenagers even after all these years, I believe this movie can bring generations together.
9 Nice but overpriced
I paid $25.48 for this DVD and that was pretty high. Can anyone explain why some DVD's are SO expensive? I've seen this movie a zillion times & never tire of it.
Richard Dreyfuss serves up an amazing performance, and it was great to see Wolfman Jack....and Suzanne Somers.
10 Yea! 1962 comes alive for all posterity
How many times have you seen this movie? It just never gets tired, and the older I get, the more fun it is to watch it and realize how very many of the young then-unknowns have gone on to stupendously successful careers. I mean, George Lucas, Ron Howard, Harrison Ford (without the Indy hat, but the sneer is already present), Richard Dreyfus, Wolfman Jack, of course, and the list goes on and on...
It's so true to small town life in the early 60s, teenagers just having graduated from high school and about to take their first step into adulthood. The whole movie takes place during one hot summer night and manages to capture the look, cars, feel, morals, music, and hopes of that era. This collector's edition DVD includes a long and wonderful commentary by Lucas with interviews of some of the actors, behind-the-scenes production notes.
Tops. One to own - and watch it again with your kids when they ask you what it was like "back in the olden days."
11 All about the cars!
Just saw this last night on AMC and took special note of the cars featured since they are a HUGE part of the plot, as each person's car defines their character:
1958 Chevrolet Impala - white. Ron Howard's car that gets stolen and stolen back. Great white/red "tuck and roll" upholstry. Notice that even the dashboard is tuck and roll - custom work, not from the factory.
1958 Edsel 4-door hardtop (I think it's a Citation, or the top-of-the-line model) - turquoise. Cindy Williams' car. Nerdy - probably belonged to her parents.
1932 Ford - yellow. The famous "little deuce coupe" that Paul LeMat drives/races. Looks like a miniature piston that serves as a shift knob. Note that this car has been "chopped," i.e. a section of the roof pillars has been removed to make the top lower. Very cool car. The maroon-colored Mercury that the Pharohs drive around in has also been "chopped," it appears.
1955 Chevrolet - black. Harrison Ford's car and the one that crashes to the tune of "Green Onions" at the climax of the film. This is a basic 2-door sedan, not a fancy Bel Air hardtop.
1960? - Citroen Deux Chaveaux - blue. This is Richard Dreyfuss' car - too nerdy to cruise in. Nowadays it's a cult classic. I think it's a 2-cylinder engine with (really) 12 horsepower. The canvas roof folds right up to provide sun and air.
1956 Ford Thunderbird - white. Suzanne Somers' car, probably the most famous vehicle in the film.
1960 Cadillac Sedan deVille - white. This is the car that McKenzie Phillips and Paul LeMat hit at the stoplight, spraying it with shaving cream and deflating the tires.
Late '50s/early '60s VW Beetle cabriolet - red. Seen early in the film as Richard Dreyfuss and his ex-girlfriend have a little discussion in the "aft chamber," i.e. the backseat.
Other cars prominent in the film are a 1961 Ford 4-door (the cops' car that gets its rear end "removed," a 1961 Ford Falcon station wagon (white), a 1960 Chevrolet Impala (the white 2-door that the gentleman gets out of at the liquor store) and a copper-colored 1957 Chevrolet. These last 3 do "double duty" in the cruising scenes and also in the used car lot as Richard Dreyfuss proves himself to the hoodlums he's hanging out with.
Very accurate use of cars in the film - good stuff!
12 Signs of the Times
American Graffiti tracks the lives of several kids in a small California town on a late-summer night in 1962, accompanied by a pre-Beatles soundtrack and the famous, stylized DJ Wolfman Jack. ("Now you understand this is a WHITE T-Bird.") Most of them have recently graduated from the local high school. When it came out in 1973 I saw this movie with a guy born in 1950, a year younger than me (my HS class is 1967), and his girlfriend, who was four years younger than him. Bernie and I were in stitches from beginning to end. Barb liked it a lot, too, but she was a little removed from this whole scene of cruising around in cars. I could say the same of my kids, whose high school classes are 1994 and 1997. So if you were born, say, in the forties, you may be able to place yourself right inside these characters' lives; whereas if you were not, you won't. But it's still a very funny movie, and as much a period piece as Sense and Sensibility.
It's also a landmark in several ways. George Lucas directed and co-wrote this film. (Star Wars would come out four years later.) Francis Ford Coppola produced it. It's Harrison Ford's first movie (in a small, very effective role as a drag-racer new to town). Richard Dreyfuss and "Ronny" (that's what the DVD box says) Howard appear in very early roles. The third key player is Paul Le Mat, who is outstanding as the reigning drag-race king and a sort of hero, rock of Gibraltar, to the uncertain, hormone-crazed, misdirected, college-bound characters around him.
Together with all the hijinks there is a very winning wistfulness to this movie. The cruising life isn't what it used to be. Get out, grow up and pursue those dreams.
13 George Lucas vs Universal....
In 1973, when George Lucas made this movie, the preview audience liked it. They loved the performances of Cindy Williams, Ron Howard, Richard Drefuss, and Harrisson Ford kind of spoke to the early 70's generation of youth who distrusted the establishment and lived a life of fast cars. But Universal did not like the movie and cut about 8 minutes from the film to make it more "mainstream". Lucas was furious. But it did not stop the movie from becoming a hit with the public. about ten years later, after George Lucas had become a very successful film maker, he went back to Universal and said "I want to finish my movie and do my director's cut." By this time, the studio was under new management who realized that a large mistake had been made, and they said "Okay." So today the movie as you see it on the DVD is the director's cut and it's one of the most best praised movies ever spoken of. Since then Lucasfilm and ILM have done a lot of business with Universal in making some very good movies that have done well at the box office. The movie was very good. It showcases George Lucas's growing maturerity as a writer and director. It was with this new mature attitude that he made this movie that would guide him into the Star Wars and Indiana Jones Movies, and the performances of all the actors particularly Ron Howard, Cindy Williams, Richard Dreffus and Harrison Ford that would lauch their respective careers. For me, I liked the movie because I saw it the same year I graduated High School and i reminds me of a very happy time in my life. Thank you George.
14 This film has been modified from the original!
When he wasn't making digital modifications to his original Star Wars trilogy, director George Lucas apparently found the time to tweak his first blockbuster, American Graffiti, as well. A glorious orange sunset has been dropped behind Mel's Drive-In in the opening shot, where originally was just a solid blue sky.
15 Has it really been 30 years?
I saw this film and Diner (1982) when each was first released and have since followed with interest the subsequent careers of their youthful lead actors, notably Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard, Charles Martin Smith and Cindy Williams in American Graffiti and Steve Guttenberg, Daniel Stern, Mickey Rourke, Kevin Bacon, Ellen Barkin, and Paul Reiser in Diner. Separated by nine years, the two films offer informative as well as entertaining perspectives on their respective youth cultures. George Lucas directed this film which focuses on Modesto (California) during the late-summer of 1962. The screenplay and cinematography are seamlessly integrated with 4l popular tunes which comprise the soundtrack. Most of the central characters can be viewed as "tweeners," in awkward transition from one phase of life to another. For example, Curt Henderson (Dreyfuss) will soon depart for college but seems ambivalent about that. The others' plans are even less certain. Meanwhile, together or separately, they spend their evenings cruising around town. (All of the scenes are at night.) I enjoyed the humor, some of it poignant, and could identify with many of the situations which closely resemble those of my own teenage years in Chicago. Keep an eye open for Harrison Ford in a brief appearance as Bob Falfa. Who knew then what awaited him next: a minor part in The Conversations (1974) and then starring roles in Lucas' Star Wars (1977) and Spielberg's Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981). Of course, I have no idea how appealing American Graffiti will be to those born since (let's say) 1985 but it is still great fun for many of us born before then and will perhaps be of greatest interest to cultural anthropologists who study the teenage culture in the U.S. in the 1960s. For me a sobering thought with which I conclude this brief commentary: if Curt (Dreyfuss), Steve (Ron Howard), Terry (Smith), and Laurie (Cindy Williams) were real people and alive today, they would be about 59 years old. Hmmmmmmm....
If you purchase the DVD version (which I strongly recommend), be sure to check out the documentary "The Making of American Graffiti" which features interviews with director George Lucas, executive producer Francis Coppola, and other cast and crew members as well as never-before-seen screen tests. Excellent stuff.
16 a great coming of age film
this movie has so many future stars like harrison ford when they are jsut starting out it shows the joys of being a teenager in highschool and the hopes and fears we all have when we graduate and prepare for life
17 Where Was I In '62? Where Were You?
"Where were you in `62?"
I wasn't around in `62 -- I was born in `63, as a matter of fact, and I was 10 when George Lucas' American Graffiti was released. I wasn't really aware of either George Lucas or American Graffiti in 1973, although four years later I would know Lucas from his next -- and most popular -- film, Star Wars. I did not go to the movies much in 1973, but I saw this wonderful film when it was broadcast by ABC some years later. (ABC, capitalizing on its "hot" new sitcom, Three's Company, shamelessly promoted it as "starring Suzanne Somers." In fact, Suzanne is not even billed with the eight "stars.")
If film and television historians have it right, though, American Graffiti was the catalyst for the 1950s Nostalgia fad that begat TV's Happy Days, Laverne and Shirley, and the blessedly short-lived Joanie Loves Chachi (not to mention Sha Na Na and Broadway`s Grease). And it isn't terribly surprising that Happy Days and its spin-offs owe their inspiration -- if not their very existence -- to Lucas' first major culturally significant film. Happy Days starred Ron Howard, who (as Ronny Howard) had second billing in Graffiti, while Laverne and Shirley costar Cindy Williams was the female lead.
American Graffiti is a bittersweet yet comedic look at what the DVD publicity blurb says was "America's last age of innocence." In the summer of `62, JFK was in the White House, the Beatles were still unknown in this side of the Atlantic, and drive in diners and movie palaces were very popular. There was no Internet or even Studio 54 just yet, so kids went cruising, looking for girls to pick up or rivals to race in their souped-up hot rods. (Lucas, in the Making Of documentary on the 25th Anniversary DVD, says his intent in making American Graffiti was to document cruising as a socio-cultural phenomenon that died in the more turbulent half of the 1960s.)
The movie's structure -- commonplace now but it was revolutionary at the time -- intertwines several plots involving a group of recently graduated Southern California high school seniors on their last night before going to college. Curt (Richard Dreyfuss) is fretting about going to college in the East with his friend Steve (Howard). Wracked with indecision, he spends his last night in town searching for The Blonde in the White Thunderbird (Suzanne Somers in her first, albeit small, role). His misadventures cause him to step out of character, especially when he crosses paths with The Pharohs, the local gang of miscreants.
Curt's sister Laurie (Williams) must not only cope with her brother's last minute bout with "cold feet" but with the fear of losing Steve. In what may be a typical situation for couples who are "steady" but are going to be separated by circumstances, she's devastated by Steve's suggestion that they "see other people" while they are in school. "I can't expect you to be a monk," Laurie says with false bravado, but in "The Smoke Gets In Your Eyes" sequence, it is obvious that she is hurt and angry.
The other two subplots of this wonderful film center on Toad (Charlie Martin Smith) and John (Paul Le Mat). Toad is the car-crazy, girl-deprived nerd that we either knew in school or that we recognize in ourselves. His attempts to impress the lovely Debbie (Candy Clark) are hilarious -- rivaled only by a similarly themed scene in Summer of '42 -- only to discover that Debbie likes him for who he really is. John, on the other hand, is the Han Solo of this bunch, the high school dropout who loves fast cars and even faster women. He, too, discovers a tender side as he is saddled with 12-year-old Carol (a pre-One Day at a Time Mackenzie Phillips). Not only must he learn patience while driving around with Carol, but also he is being challenged as the top drag racer by Bob Falfa (played by the man who would be Han Solo, Harrison Ford).
All these stories will converge in a climactic, winner take all race, and several Lucas touchstones will resurface in his later Star Wars series -- the choice to either take or reject a certain path, the relationship between men and their machines, and the quest for either love or adventure.
Serving as a unifying thread to all these subplots is Wolfman Jack, mostly heard on the radio but seen briefly in a Yoda/Ben Kenobi style of mentor for restless Curt.
Lucas uses music here very effectively. Each song (and there are over 40 here, ranging from Rock Around the Clock to The Great Pretender) was chosen to provide emotional context, not just period atmosphere. He envisioned American Graffiti as a musical "with no singing or dancing."
This film is fun to watch and definitely deserves having been votes as one of the American Film Institute's top 100 Films of All Time. Watch it with a friend or alone, and if you were of age in the 1960s, answer the movie's famous log line: "Where were you in `62?"
18 Relive Your Teen Years
This 1973 film was directed and written by George Lucas. It runs 112 minutes in length. It has an all star cast consisting of: Richard Dreyfuss as Curt Henderson, Ron Howard as Steve Bolander, Paul Le Mat as John Milner, Charles Martin Smith as Terry "The Toad" Fields, Cindy Williams as Laurie Henderson, Candy Clark as Debbie Medway, Mackenzie Phillips as Carol and Wolfman Jack as the Disc Jockey.
This film is about a group of teenagers who have recently graduated from high school and their adventures revolving around one summer night of cruising the streets in 1962.
The film opens as Curt Henderson and Steve Bolander are set to leave for college the next morning but Curt is reluctant to leave. Steve tries to convince him that leaving is the only option and the wise thing to do. Meanwhile, Steve's girlfriend Laurie Henderson pleads with him to stay behind and remain with her.
John Milner is the "cool" character in the film. He drives the fastest car and always has someone challenging him to a race. On this particular night his challenger is Bob Falfa played by Harrison Ford.
Terry "Toad" Fields is the nerdy member of the group. His adventure begins when Steve gives him the keys to his car and asks that he take care of it while he is away at college. Toad happily parks his scooter in exchange for the car. His luck increases when he spies Debbie Medway walking down the sidewalk and picks her up. This pair creates quite a venture in their endeavor to score liquor.
This is a brief explanation of the characters in the film. It is very entertaining and regardless of the time period when you were a teen anyone will enjoy reliving the evening with the cast of this film. The film is also equipped with an excellent sound track of music from the 1950's and 1960's.
I give this film five out of five stars. This movie makes you feel as though you were present with the characters throughout their life-changing events. It made you feel as though you had stayed up all night just as they had.
19 "American Graffiti" and "Rebel Without a Cause," related?
"American Graffiti" is a classic film that in some ways, can relate to another classic: "Rebel Without a Cause," both were about teenagers. In "American Graffiti," within a day, all characters mature and grow up. It is the same with Jim Stark in "Rebel Without a Cause," who in the film is caught in something big that will effect his life forever (the chicky run), as that is also the case with Steve and Kurt in "American Graffiti" (should they stay home or fly off east to collage).
"Rebel Without a Cause" was based on James Dean and his character from "East of Eden," George Lucas based all of the male leads in "American Graffiti" (with the exception of Steve Bolander) on himself. Both films represent teenage nostalgia (although at the time it was made, "Rebel Without a Cause" just represented teenagers) "American Graffiti" would represent the great memories you had as a teenager in the 50's and early 60's, "Rebel Without a Cause" would represent what you were caught up in, and how to be a man in the 50's. Both films have dark ending which are horrificly realistic as in "Rebel Without a Cause" when the Plato character runs away with an unloaded gun and is shot by the police (the same fate of Dallas Winstons charatcer in "The Outsiders") and in "American Graffiti" when it shows the epilogue of our heroes where John Milner is killed and becomes apart of the legacy of racing heroes in that junk yard that he and Carol had walked through earlyer in the film. Terry "The Toad" meets a heroes end as his final fate is being "Declared missing in action." Steve finds out what he wants to do with his life and decides not to make it big but live a peaceful life as an insurance agent in Madesto. And Kurt makes up his mind as he becomes a writter living in Canada.
There is lightness in both dark endings of the films as in "Rebel Without a Cause" Jims father finally faces father hood and is there for Jim, along with in "American Graffiti," with Steves and Kurts future.
Over all, both movies were superb, realistic, memorable, and will share a long lasting place in movie history.
20 A movie about life before the dark times.
Before the vietnam war gave us a generation of leaders who hate and distrust America there was a different America. Lucas captures the essence of that time. More importantly its success gave George the money to make the greatest movie of all times, and I don't mean Apocalypse Now.
21 REALITY KILLS
Is AMERICAN GRAFFITI George Lucas's remembrance of a period he cherishes or an essay retracing the beginning of the sixties in the U.S. ? A mixture of both, I presume.
Curt Henderson, like a Federico Fellini hero, wanders through the city and the night, looking for a sign. At the end of the movie, he will have taken a decision. His town is a dream come true: colourful, reassuring and without a single trace of dust. Curt's friends are equally so typical than it's hard to believe that Lucas has really met them in his youth.
Anyway, the musical score is one of the trademark of this movie and adds to the nostalgia George Lucas wants us to feel. And it's really heart-warming to believe for two hours that yesterday was so nice and polished.
A DVD for the Wolf.
22 American Graffiti - Collector's Edition
Great movie and good DVD, some nice extras on this, and you get to see some of the actors so young. The songs thoughout this are excellent and tie in very well with what is going on with this movie
23 Celebrating The American Car
"American Graffiti" is a landmark film that marks George Lucas' debut as a major film director. "American Graffiti" marks Ron Howard's debut as an adult film star, and his association with George Lucas inspired Ron Howard in his own director's career. "American Graffiti" features an array of young, up-and-coming performers. But most important, "American Graffiti" document's America's love affair with cars.
"American Graffiti" describes the teen lifestyle that most males want and never achieve. Set in 1962, the film revolves around two young men out on the town on a weekend night, cruising the strip and chasing fast cars. The night is filled with hot rods, drive-ins, car hops, girlfriends and rock n' roll music. The young men are 'good kids', but their lives are about to change permanently and their heads are whirling with the challenge.
"American Graffiti" revolves around cars. Characters' cars reflect their personalities and their status -- cars are passports to freedom. The airwaves are full of rock n' roll artists singing about cars. Cruising the strip takes a full tank of gasoline, and the man with the fastest car is the local celebrity. The characters in "American Graffiti" practically *live* in their cars.
In Summer 1971 I was working two jobs, but gasoline sold for less than twenty-eight cents per gallon -- purchasing gasoline for my car was no problem. I love the memories that "American Graffiti" recalls. But with today's higher petroleum costs, gasoline is a significant budget item and my love affair with cars has cooled.
24 Mark this one a CLASSIC
Let's start out by putting Mr. Dreyfuss on Ron Howard et al's level. Why do folks make such a big deal out of Herr Dreyfuss?
This movie intertwines the American Heritage of contemporary 20th century music and automobiles. The DVD contains a fab documentary with great interviews. Definitely woth the time.
25 Rock and Roll!!!
Before Happy Days and Star Wars and Jaws, there was this great fun movie with Harrison Ford, Ron Howard, and Richard Dreyfuss, and cast of hundreds, not to mention "Wolfman Jack."
This is a slice of the 50's when boys would be boys and girls would be the gender the boys went after, not to mention all the nonsense the teenagers were up to, like drinking, and trying to make a score, and chasing after girls in fast cars. Harrison Ford has an interesting role as an arrogant, cowboy-style of race car fanatic, and his smirk is so reminiscent of "Han Solo," no wonder that George Lucas tagged him for the role.
If you like the oldies, this is it. If you like to laugh and giggle, this is it. If you like to take a trip down memory lane, this is definitely it. Get the popcorn and the drinks, and snuggle up for a nice time of entertainment!!!
26 THIS MOVIES ROCKS
this is one of the best movies i have ever seen. it is so cool to see nice cars in a movie for a change. not that the new movies cars arent cool but ever one wishes they would have one of these cars from this movie. you better buy this movie because if you don't you will be sorry because it is one of the best movies of all time.
27 A CLASSIC!!!
Before George Lucas took us all to a galaxy far, far away, he made this comedy classic, which is still by far his greatest film. Good story, great script, fine performances from the entire cast and of course one of the greatest soundtracks in film history. Lucas should have made more films like this instead of confining himself to sci-fi (not that I dislike Star Wars though). A true classic in every sense and a MUST SEE!!!
28 A classic film gets a good DVD.
George Lucas's "American Graffiti", more than any other film, captures what its like to be teetering on the brink of adulthood after school is over. Steve (Ron Howard) only wants to be with the love of his life, Laurie (Cindy Williams), but almost blows it with her completely. Her brother Curt (Richard Dreyfuss) isn't sure if he wants to leave for college. He becomes attracted to a blonde (Susanne Summers in a cameo) he briefly sees in a car, but doesn't know who she is. He winds up spending half the night with a street gang (led by Bo Hopkins). John (Paul LeMatt) loves to race cars, but ends up driving around with an underage girl (Mackenzie Phillips). Terry the Toad (Charles Martin Smith) is a nerd trying to impress a girl (Candy Clark, who earned an Oscar nomination) that he's just met. Of course, it ends in disaster. All of this is observed in a funny, heart-felt way. Memorable moments include Curt's meeting Wolfman Jack, John's ongoing fued with another racer (Harrison Ford in a small part), John and the young girl demoiishing a car with with shaving cream, and Toad's fight with the guys who stole his friend's car. George Lucas captured it all nicely with a top notch soundtrack of early rock and roll classics in the background, which enhances the period detail. Nearly the entire cast prticipates in an excellent "making of" documentary that it is included with the DVD. Lucas and producer Francis Coppola are interviewed as well. The documentary runs about 80 minutes, and everyone involved has an interesting story to tell. It also includes screen tests that were done for some of the cast. It more than makes up for tha lack of any commentary track on this DVD. This DVD is a worthy purchase for any fan of "American Graffiti".
29 "American Graffiti. Where were you in '62?"
"American Graffiti" is great inspirational classic that can really grab your attention. Not only are the great cool-looking cars great, and the top soundtrack is, too, but the storyline is great. Set on a late summer night in 1962, four high school friends, two of them are graduates, spend their last night together before the two leave for college. At first at the beginning with that timeless "Rock Around the Clock" playing over Steve's (Ronny Howard) car radio in his marvelous '58 Chevy which I adore, the four friends meet at the local drive-in called Mel's. There is Curt (Richard Dreyfuss, Steve, John (Paul Le Mat), and Terry the Toad (Charles Martin Smith). They are all uncertain of their futures. Curt and Steve are the ones leaving for college, but Curt doesn't know for sure if he's going. Steve
is raring to go at first. As the night progresses, they split from Mel's. Curt goes wth his sister Laurie (Cindy Williams) and Steve to the hop. John goes looking for s good time, and on the lookout for a could-be-next-drag-racing champ in a black '55 Chevy. The Toad is just out cruising around like everybody else on the main strip. Later, he meets Debby (Candy Clark), a sort of mixed-up girl who puts Toad in the wrong direction almost. John gets an unexpected surprise from a Studebaker when a 15-year old girl named Carol (Makenzie Phillips) cruises around with him. John's not thrilled at first, but Carol eventually grows on him, when they both flatten the tires and spray shaving cream all over a white '59 Dodge, and when John finally meets his maker in the '55 Chevy called Bob Falfa (Harrison Ford), or when John goes to the a junkyard filled with old cars as he shows Carol who was the best of the best in drag-racing. Curt gets mixed up with a non-threating but cool gang called the Pharaohs led by Joe (Bo Hopkins). These are crazy and funny, and I love that maroon '51 Mercury. Steve and Laurie try to figure out what to do with their lives once Steve leaves, which causes them to break up. Curt meets Wolfman Jack who plays the great songs over the radio as they both try to find out who the mysterious and beautiful blonde is in the white '56 T-Bird. This and more all leads up to the race between John and Bob Falfa. This moment is stunning and a keep-you-on-the-of-your-seat moment. Could Falfa be the new champ? Both race fast down the road, when Falfa's Chevy spins off the road and topples over into falmes. Falfa and Laurie, who gets picked up earlier that night make it out okay as Steve and John try to tear them apart.
Steve and Laurie happily runite, and John wins the race but losing his crown as champ. Curt meanwhile gets in touch with the blonde, but her identity is still mysterious. The end is at the airport, where they all meet again. Curt decides to go, bidding his friends and family good-bye. As he is on the plane, he looks out the window and sees the white T-Bird going down the road. After this shot we see the pictures of the four guys and the following:
John Milner was killed by a drunk driver in December 1964.
Terry Fields was reported missing in action near An Loc in December 1965.
Steve Bolander is an insurance agent in Modesto, California.
Curt Henderson is a writer living in Canada.
A true must-see coming of age story that everyone should see.
30 Warning label should be added to this DVD.
American Graffiti is one of my favorite films, and I was glad to get a copy of it on DVD. I found the picture quality on this DVD edition to be stunning, but as I watched it I noticed immediately that the sound track was playing a half step sharp, putting all the songs in the film in a higher key. Most people probably will not notice this but it was a major disappointment for me, as it will be for any other viewer who is sensitive to pitch. Only at the end of the DVD is there any indication that the picture has been "compressed," as many films seem to be that have been reissued on VHS and DVD. Only in the accompanying documentary, where fragments of some of the songs are used, are the songs played at their normal speed. I cannot understand why there is no information on the box cover that warns the buyer about this misrepresentation of the soundtrack, which in fact it is. I reasonably assumed that the DVD version, labeled "Collector's Edition" would be a faithful reproduction of the film as it appeared in theaters, but this is not the case with regard to the sound track. I cannot understand why this "compressing," if indeed that is the cause, is applied to movies, unless it is to shorten their running time. If you are not sensitive to pitch, then you probably won't notice the fact that the songs are heard a half step sharp. But if you are, this DVD version could be intolerable to you and a big disappointment, as it was to me.
31 Excellent Film!
"American Graffiti" is one of the best 70's movies ever made! Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard (the "Happy Days" star), Paul Le Mat, Charles Martin Smith, Cindy Williams, Candy Clark, Mackenzie Phillips, Wolfman Jack, and Harrison Ford (from "Indiana Jones", "The Fugitive", and "Blade Runner") are awesome here! The film deals with the Californian high school graduates having fun one late summer night in 1962. If you have not seen "American Graffiti", I suggest you see it right away! You must own the DVD (like I do), if you own a DVD player. An excellent film!
32 Richard Dreyfuss steals the show as Harrison Ford begins....
...his film career. Richard Dreyfuss does a marvelous job as the nastolgic Curt Henderson. He single handedly makes this film perfect.
In this film, Curt and his bud, played by Ronnie Howard, are finally done with school and both contemplating their futures.
The boys make their "last night" in their hometown enjoyable by hanging with friends at the food hop, revisiting their old lockers, racing other kids up and down the strip, all while knowing fully well that they are done with highschool and the reality that comes with knowing that they can't go back to their old school days.
I never lived in the sixties, having been born in 1980, but I can see what life might have been life for those of you who did by watching this film. It's funny, heart warming, well acted, and extremely well written. My hat goes off to the cast and crew.
This is perhaps the most delightful movie for the look-back-at-the-sixties genre. I highly recommend this film to all of you.
33 Richard Dreyfuss steals the show as Harrison Ford begins....
...his film career. Richard Dreyfuss does a marvelous job as the nastolgic Curt Henderson. He single handedly makes this film perfect.
In this film, Curt and his bud, played by Ronnie Howard, are finally done with school and both contemplating their futures.
The boys make their "last night" in their hometown enjoyable by hanging with friends at the food hop, revisiting their old lockers, racing other kids up and down the strip, all while knowing fully well that they are done with highschool and the reality that comes with knowing that they can't go back to their old school days.
I never lived in the sixties, having been born in 1980, but I can see what life might have been life for those of you who did by watching this film. It's funny, heart warming, well acted, and extremely well written. My hat goes off to the cast and crew.
This is perhaps the most delightful movie for the look-back-at-the-sixties genre. I highly recommend this film to all of you.
34 Great Movie!
This movie is hilarious! I love it! Carol and John are maybe the best part of the movie....but that's just my humble opinion.
I was kind of skeptical about watching it, since it is a George Lucas film and I am not particularly fond of Star Wars, but i was wrong to be. It's funny right from the get-go.
I definitely recommend this to anyone with a sense of humor.
35 I have always wanted to watch this movie,but never had time!
I'd like to start my review of American Graffiti by saying this is my first time seeing this movie. I know a little bit about Wolfman Jack,but that's all. I also hear it's funny and sad at the same time. I'll have to be the judge of that,I'd imagine.
I cannot wait to order it tomorrow! Hope there's plenty of copies left!
36 Lucas' masterpiece
George Lucas' nostalgic look at the last "innocent" years of America is a great film, loved by critics and audiences alike. Lucas' clever approach to the realism shots adds a certain quality that everyday filmmakers miss. It's the flubs and mumbled lines that make the classic films like this one what they are. Happy Days star Ron Howard and Richard Dreyfuss and Harrison Ford (all pre-famous) are all excellent in their cavellier roles, cruising around the streets while listening to
Wolfman Jack.
The endless line of great songs from the early 60s like "Rock around the Clock", "16 Candles" and "Surfin' Safari" are as memorable as the film itself. One of my all-time favourite films, this is a must-have movie with some great extras on the DVD. Features include an in-depth and fascinating doco by Laurent Bouzerau, a lengthy trailer, production notes and web links. Excellent.
37 More real than reality it's self
There are several overlaying plans and plots with many independent scenes from the era (1962). Is it wiser to go off to school or stay local? What are the consequences of your intent and then final action on friends and loved ones.
Yep everyone sees themselves in this movie. I have to admit I do also. That is see all the others as of courses I am above that sort of thing. This is one of the closest depictions of life with out me having to pull out the 8mm and filming. I spent some time in L.A. around the era and moved to Texas to find that distance changes something's but not that way of life. While in Vietnam I was even able to exchange the same urban legends with people from different part of the US.
I am more surprised that George Locus could capture this so well. I am also amazed at the crew they were able to assemble for this film. Most of them went off to do bigger and better parts and it is fun to watch this film in hind sight. Everyone look so young. I really never noticed Harrison Ford until Star Wars.
Getting away from memory lane, the film is so smooth that you forgot that you are watching a movie and the actors do not overwhelm the characters that they play.
Starting out you notice a song or two and think where was I. Then a few more songs and you soon are more rapped up in the music than the story. Having Wolfman Jack there added a touch of reality. I can not put my finger on it but there was something more than formula in this particular movie.
I am not that sensitive but the ending hits you hard as you realize it will never be the same. This is true of any group in any era. I can almost forget that.
By the way the original T-bird styling is back. All in all this is one film that will not collect dust.
38 the best movie about the 50's ever made
this is one of my favorite movies, this film really reminds you of being back in the 50's, this movie has an outstanding soundtrack, i bought it on dvd, the songs rock around the clock and sixteen candles are great with other great songs, and we can't forget fanny mae.
39 We love this movie!
I'm 34years old woman. I used to live in NY when I was college
student. The most people of our generation love America and adomire american life and culture.
This movie make us so. Thats why I went to America when I'm in
a adolescent.
For us, this movie is real dazzling and until now, it charmed.
and so on forever!
40 A more innocent time
Believe me, it was fun being a teenager in the late '50's and early 60's, and this movie captures that relatively innocent fun. Sure, the older generation complained about the "wildness" of the teenagers, but that has been true back to ancient times. But for the average teenager, life just was not really that serious. The sound of the music, the activities, the joy of cruising, all were part of teenage life.
Lucas did a terrific job of capturing the mood and spirit of the times. He had a great cast of young actors to work with, great oldies for the musical background, and the movie shows that considerable work was done to bring it all together. This is one truly enjoyable movie.
However, most of these reviews seem to miss one important point and that is the rather jolting return to everyday reality provided by the ending in which we're told what happened to each of these happy teenagers. And that ending helps give this extremely entertaining movie a little more meaning.
Personally, I just can't put this movie into the realm of "greatest all time movies". It misses that plateau, but it still is prime movie making and well worth seeing.
41 Superb!
I just watched the DVD the other night and I thought that they did a great job of preserving this American classic on the DVD format. It is a must own and I hope to be purchasing it soon. The best thing about the film is that it is so human and even the filmmaking depicts a certain roughness, as explained in the "Making of the movie" section included on the DVD. The film is brilliantly cast and offers a poignant look at the era that was the early 1960s, the end of innocence. I love this film and if you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it!
42 A movie about the past that was ahead of it's time
Just think. If this film had tanked, we would have never experienced the pleasures of Laverne and Shirley, Joanie Loves Chachie, and JarJar Binks. Hmmm. Maybe it was not such a good thing this movie was successful.
Take two.
Just think. If this film had tanked, we probably would have never had the TV show Happy Days, or the whole Star Wars phenomenon. Now Happy Days had it's share of stupidity, but it also grabbed our cultural attention for many years. And the Star Wars series grabbed this country like nothing before or since.
It all came about because George Lucas's rememberances of his youth earned such a big bundle of money that he was allowed to make his little space epic. It made a lot of money because it captured the way we want to feel about a certain part of our history. Maybe it's a little more romanticized than reality, but that's the movies for you. And no matter how old we are when we watch it, we want to be the age of the characters when this all occurred.
The movie is a classic because it lets six distinct stereotypes be fleshed out as living human beings: the intellectual, the class president, the greaser, the nerd, the good girl, the not-so-good girl. We get to see all of them express their best and worst behavior, and in doing so, got to understand why it is they act this way. Compare that to the portrayals of teenagers in most movies.
Of course, the movie wouldn't have been anywhere near the classic it was if it weren't for the virtual wall-to-wall soundtrack. In this case, I don't mind at all that established hits were used (vs. an original soundtrack). This is the music they were listening to at the time, and each song was chosen correctly for the mood of the movie at the time.
This is a movie that has respect for it's young characters. I can't say that about most of the movies I see these days.
43 Rock around the clock.... again.
Before George Lucas took us to a galaxy far, far away he took us to California, 1962. AMERICAN GRAFITTI is easily one of the greatest and most successful nostalgia trips on film as Lucas made the film extremely personal. It even shares many elements with his ongoing space epic. We've got Ronny Howard as a youth who feels that, if there is a center to the universe California is in the corner farthest from... And of course, we have young men who constantly tinker with their vehicles like Han Solo. In fact, the greatest of these mechanics/drivers takes on an incredible threat when he races... Han Solo. But, there the similarities run thin.
GRAFITTI is an ensemble piece with a group of young adults dealing with the end of an era. Scenes were designed and paced to match with classic 50s music that fills the film soundtrack. Four intertwining stories rock around the clock. Kurt (Richard Dreyfuss) spends his screen time pining for an elusive blonde beauty played by Suzanne Sommers. His quest leaves him to the company of a group of hoodlums, then in the reach of Wolfman Jack and finally, alone. Steve and Laurie (Ron Howard and Cindy Williams) struggle to straighten out the status of their relationship before he heads off to college. He has more problems handing off her then he did giving his car to Toad (Charles Martin Smith). Toad spends his first evening with serious wheels cruising the strip and getting involved with Debbie (Candy Clark) who drives him to his limits and a greatness of sorts. John Milner (Paul LeMat) also picks up a girl while cruising, but Carol (Mackenzie Phillips) is too young for his ego and works on his sanity. All of this is done with very little adult intrusion.
AMERICAN GRAFITTI is a gorgeous film and this wonderfully remastered DVD makes it even more special. Plus, the documentary is pretty cool, even if it is a bit self-congratulatory. A forgettable sequel, MORE AMERICAN GRAFITTI, followed this film.
44 This is the way it was!
Having gone to high school at the same time as the teenagers in this movie classic, I can tell you with some authority that it rings true. All of the classic characters are there--the popular class president, played by Ron Howard; the cheerleading captain, Cindy Williams; the nerd; the tough guy with the heart of gold who drives around in his souped-up car looking for a race; the young wannabe who acts tough just to fit in, MacKenzie Phillips; the young man who can't make up his mind as to what he want out of life, Richard Dreyfuss; and the challenger for other guy's girls and their bragging rights while drag racing, Harrison Ford. Half of the fun is the classic rock 'n roll music played in the background, along with the clothes and hairdos which are defintive early 60's. Come cruisin' with the great cast of "American Graffiti" and see what life was really like back then.
45 An classic comedy film about the coming of age.
On the last night, when friends, which some won`t never see eachother again. Which most of time on that night, they spin on Cruising in the Night, for Possible Adventure, anything before Dawn. Discover that thier lives will be changed, something for the better or worse in one unforgettable night in thier Coming of Age.
Directed by George Lucas (Star Wars) has made an entertaining coming of age film. Terrific Performances by Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard, Paul Le Mat, Cindy Williams, Charles Martin Smith, Candy Clark in a Oscar Nominated role and Mackenzie Phillips. Watch for Radio Host:Wolfman Jack (In a Cameo) and actors:Bo Hopkins, Kathleen Quinlan and Harrison Ford in small roles. Watch quick for Suzanne Sommers cast as a extra. Written by George Lucas, Gloria Katz and Williard Huyck were Oscar Nominated for Best Original Screenplay. This film was also Oscar Nominated for Best Director, Best Film Editing and Best Picture. DVD has an clean anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1) transfer and an good digitally remastered Dolby Stereo 2.0 Surround Sound. DVD include:An 80 minuted documentary with interviews from the Cast & Crew, Production Notes, Cast & Information and Tralier. This is a lighthearted, likable film has become a instant classic. Digitally Remastered in THX Picture Quality and Sound. Techniscope. Grade:A.
46 Joyride back to 'Cruisin' '62' -- First and Best in Genre!
This multi-layered DVD version of "American Graffiti" is the best trip back to the summer of 1962 Hollywood ever had to offer! The eventful night when freshly graduated high school friends contemplated their futures while immersed in small town America's car-hops, drive-in movies & doo-wop music (the soundtrack is one of the best featured in ANY film!), is shown in "real time". Richard Dreyfuss is perfect as the smart kid, ready to drive off to college the next morning, but wondering if he's doing the right thing. Ron Howard and Cindy Williams get some practice for their soon to follow "Happy Days", while Charles Martin Smith and Candy Clark are wonderful as the goofus who wants to show a pretty girl a good time. Wolfman Jack plays himself (and cupid) when he plays a very special request going out from Richard Dreyfuss to his dream girl Suzanne Sommers. Look for a pre-teen McKenzie Phillips and a young Harrison Ford in minor roles. This film is a big winner in my book!*****
47 How to be really cool without trying
There was a huge cultural confusion in the mid 1970s. A great many people thought we were still in the 1950s. This was no bad thing, because the forces that brought us Showaddywaddy, Shakin' Stevens, Mud, Darts, and the television revivals Oh Boy! and Lets Rock! were also responsible for Grease, Happy Days, and American Graffiti.
We are so used to seeing George Lucas's name associated with Blockbusters, that it's easy to forget what a good director of actors he is. Despite this film containing a couple of great set pieces with hot rods and chicks, attention is never diverted from the good performances, particularly of Richard Dreyfuss and Ron Howard. Paul Le Mat also stands out here as someone who could have gone on to become a big star, but appears to have concentrated mainly on character parts.
The other major star here is the Soundtrack album, which sold very well at the time, being one sure way of getting hold of those difficult to come by Rock 'N' Roll hits. Pride of place goes to the one which started it all Rock Around The Clock by Bill Haley And His Comets, the song that caused cinema goes to rip up seats when it was used in 1950s films Blackboard Jungle and Rock Around The Clock. The remainder of the tracks have an air of quality about them that few other films can match. Despite being set nearly twenty years before it was made, American Graffiti still holds up well nearly thirty years after it was made, and is an invaluable document of what we were all doing in the 1970s!
48 A Genuine American Classic
This is where George Lucas' brilliant Hollywood career really got started. This is a magical film that is still fresh today as it was many years ago. The storyline is pretty much about a bunch of California teens in the summer of 1962 who are on the verge of impending adulthood. Everybody can relate to that story in some form or another. The greatest thing this film has going for it is the incredible cast : Ron Howard, Richard Dreyfuss, Harrison Ford, Cindy Williams, Paul LeMat, Mckenzie Phillips, Candy Clark, and, of course, the hilarious Charles Martin Smith. I don't know anybody who hasn't laughed til it hurt at Charles' opening scene with the motor bike. Hilarious. This is a feel good and very nostalgic film that can be viewed over and over again. Watch out for a cameo by Suzanne Sommers too. A great teen classic.
49 Suitable for Repeat Viewing!
During the 1970s there was a tremendous interest in '50s nostalgia, and American Graffiti hit the target dead-on. It has been stated many times, but this film's soundtrack is without a doubt the finest collection of '50s/early '60s songs. Those who were immersed in the '70s muscle car scene simply salivated at the romantic portrayal of cruising and street racing. While this film is most often remembered today as a springboard for several future super-stars, it is much more than that. The key story element centers around high school friends going their separate ways, leaving the lifestyle they love behind. Anyone with fond memories of high school will be touched by the confusion and doubts that each character experiences when facing an uncertain future. This is a truly great film by any measure...highly recommended.
50 George Lucas's film making talents get started.
After making THX-1138, Lucas decited to make his next film as a tribute to his early teenage/young adult years in the 1960's, and this movie, about a group of young friends who bid goodbye to being teenagers and are about to enter the world of adulthood is told through great acting, a good screenplay, and music provided by radio DJ, Wolfman Jack. Many leading actors got their start with this movie including Ron Howard, Cindy Williams, Harrison Ford, and Richard Dreyfuss. this movie was also the last time Lucas worked within the stuido system, after 10 minutes of footage he thought were important to the movie were removed at the stuido's urging. Something that Lucas could not restore to the final print until several years after he had become a successful film maker. After that all of his movies that he ever made afterward (including the STAR WARS movies) were done entirely by his film company, Lucasfilm LTD.
51 Perfect in every way
This is a must-own DVD, perfect in every way. This is the Lawrence of Arabia of late 50's California.
The director perfectly captures a rite-of-passage night with incredible texture and integrity. This is one of those films where disbelief is immediately suspended and the viewer is drawn in - without protest. What makes it work particularly well is the music. Its a perfect backdrop and perhaps for those of us who remember sounds more than many other things its the critical factor in involving us.
Its also a hoot seeing young Ron Howard, Richard Dreyfuss, McKenzie Phillips, Harrison Ford, and others. In some ways, I wonder if it wasn't some of their finest performances.
52 It stinks.
American Graffiti is no different from any other 50's movie ever made. The only thing different is that it was directed by George Lucas (the creator of the miserable Star Wars saga). Nothing about this film appealed to me. 10 min. in I was checking my clock. It went on and on yet I somehow got through it. After I took the disk out of my DVD player I vowed never to watch it again. And I haven't and don't *ever* plan to. American Graffiti was the worst film of 1973, the best film that year was the immortal Exorcist.
53 Lucas' best film.
'American Graffiti' is easily George Lucas' best film. Not because of poor direction verging on the sloppy, killing any momentum with inept editing and boring compositions. Not because of a leaden script with no sense of structure, that prevents some decent actors from even thinking about characterisation, and which places the burden of period atmosphere and emotional resonance on the soundtrack. Not because of Lucas' usual preference for machines over people, or his misguided assumption that a string of tedious anecdotes makes a compelling, 'real' and nationally symbolic story. No. 'American Graffiti' is George Lucas' best film because it is 11 minutes shorter than 'Star Wars'.
54 It is more like a dream than a movie!
Please believe me! I was 17 during the summer of '62, and this excellent movie seems more like a dream than an actual film. It captures the feelings, the personalities, the innocence better than any film of this type. George Lucas' lighting and pacing throughout this wonderful film casts a surreal, dreamlike feeling. The characters are believable, despite a cast of future all-stars. There's the common guys like Ron Howard and Richard Dreyfuss, the nerds, the hoods, and the local hot-rod legend. Even Harrison Ford makes his debut as a redneck hotrodder named Bob Falfa. McKenzie Phillips plays the typical 13-year-old. The music soundtrack features many of the 50's and 60's great hits with a hint of reverb adding to the dreamlike atmosphere. A poignant film, that leaves you emotionally drained at the end. Anyone who doesn't like this film must have no romance in their soul. Stick to WWF. This is one of the all-time greats!
55 What a Stinker
George Lucas is a great director, but this is not his best work. I found it tedious and maudlin. Far too disjointed, and slow paced. I have NO idea why this is so highly acclaimed. A real dud. A much better film of the same 60's genre is "The Hollywood Knights." Funnier and with better music.
56 THE BEST NIGHT OF CRUISIN' IN MOVIE HISTORY
Teenagers cruise a Calfornia town, comtemplating the future, wondering if they should leave their nest to go away to go to college. One of my favorites, saw it several times in the years when it first came out. A few years after it was originally released, the movie was re-released with new footage of a car salesman having fun with Terry the Toad. The feeling this film generates, its like a dream, I want to go back, if only for a night. George Lucas wrote and directed a movie, THX 1138, a few years before he wrote and directed American Graffiti. John Milner's license plate in Graffiti was THX 138.
57 A truly incredible movie
I'm not sure what it is, but alot of films that deal with the past and nostalgia (Back to the Future, Forrest Gump) have held a fascination with me. Just the differences, no information age, cars that looked cooler, and the styles and music weren't as grained down and commercialistic as today. American Graffiti was a film I had heard about quite a bit (being a Star Wars fan), and it was last fall during the early morning hours that I sat down and watched it. Well, the people who love it are not kidding: it really is a great film!
Taking place in Modesto, CA (a nod to George Lucas's hometown), we begin at sunset (redone for the special edition, the once overcast sky is now ablaze in orange and blue) at Mel's Diner. Here, we meet Terry, Steve, Curt, and Curt's sister Laurie. Tonight is the last night before graduation, and some of them are wondering what the future holds for them. As the sun sets, Steve and Laurie begin to question their future together (Steve wants to go to the East Coast for college, and Laurie is unsure of their relationship), Terry is loaned Steve's car, and picks up a cute blond (he manages to convince her that the car is his, and that he is of legal age to buy alcohol!), and Curt spends the entire night, tracking down a girl in a white Ford T-Bird(one of the most intriguing plots of the movie!), as well as getting into some fun trouble with a gang of teen punks. The plot also includes John, almost the image of the teenage rebel, who cruises down main street in his bright yellow hot rod (with his THX1138 license plate), and Carol, the only girl out of a carload next to him that wants to ride with him. However, John did not know that she was 13! But, the play off of John's toughman compared to Carol's "I know everything, I'm 13!" attitude is great dialogue. In a slightly cameo role, Harrison Ford plays cowboy hat-wearing Bob Falfa, driving a 56 Chevy, cruising for a drag race with John. Lucas does an incredible job piecing these teenager's stories together, with everything taking place from the dusk of one day to the dawn of the next. As you watch, you almost wish the night would never end. The town seems so small and almost intimate, it's an entitiy in itself, from the downtown crusing streets, all the way out to Mel's Diner. Right now, there are some parts that words just can't describe what I mean about the film.
But, I can't say enough about the soundtrack. I hadn't enjoiyed a timeline soundtrack since the 2-CD set of Forrest Gump. All the music is great, not a bad song in the bunch. The music fits in the entire film's continuity, being croadcast by The Wolfman, a radio entity that almost everyone has an interpretation of who he is (but only one of our teens finds out, but I'm not going to say which one). The film was Lucas's first major hit, and it almost did not get made. If you can believe it, Lucas worked like a dog on this film on the tightest of schedules and budgets (the same type of mood on Star Wars almost led him to a total breakdown). But, out of the complexity of his work came this hit. Almost none of the studio executives had confidence in it, except for Lucas, his friends, and Francis Ford Coppola (a man who is credited for helping Lucas in his early days). DVD is the best way to experience this film. In terms of teen movies, I'd choose this hands down over the 90's films being released today. Instead of a picture cranked out by studio execs leaning to make a buck, Lucas made Graffiti with his past and nostalgia in mind. It truly deserves to be seen and heard.
58 Where Were You in 1962?
This movie helped George Lucas move onto bigger and better things (like the Star Wars saga) and helped make stars out of Paul LeMat, Mackensie Philips, Harrison Ford, Candy Clark, and Richard Dreyfuss (I didn't include Ron Howard since he was already well-known from the Andy Griffith Show). In this movie, the viewer is treated to the era Lucas grew up in. It takes place in September, 1962 (all in one night) in Northern California.
Steve (Howard) and Curt (Dreyfuss) are debating whether or not to go off to college. Steve is eager, though he realizes he and his girlfriend Laurie (Williams) must split if he does. Curt is reluctant, since as he says "It doesn't make sense to leave home to find a home and say goodbye to people I love". Steve generously loans his wheels to the nerdy Terry the Toad (Charles Martin Smith) who picks up a flirtatious blonde (Candy Clark) and spends the entire night trying to impress her with his tall tales (until the car gets stolen). John Milner (LeMat) tries picking up women and winds up with the obnoxious 13-year-old Carol (Philips). Meanwhile, Laurie gives Steve the cold shoulder and tries to lure him back. Curt in turn goes from trying to find an attractive blonde in a T-bird (Suzanne Somers) to nearly joining the Pharoahs (a gang of hoodlums) to asking the Wolfman to play a request (all in the same night!). Milner later meets up with Bob Falfa who challenges him to a drag race.
The soundtrack features such classics as "Rock Around the Clock", "Come Go with Me", "Surfin' Safari", "Maybe Baby", "At the Hop", "Johny B Goode", "Green Onions", "Since I Don't Have You", "Teen Angel", and "Only You". This edition also features interviews with Howard, LeMat, Philips, Williams, Smith, and Lucas, explaining the making of this classic movie.
59 Lucas' Nostalgia
American Graffiti was the movie that broke George Lucas into the mainstream. The movie is based on his teenage days growing up in the early 60's in a small Northern California town. The movie starred virtual unknowns who went on to big Hollywood careers. Ron Howard was the only well known actor and the role of Steve was his first chance to play a more adult role. The film takes place over the course of one night where Mr. Howard's Steve and his best friend Curt are preparing to leave town and head off to college on the East Coast. Richard Dreyfus plays Curt and Cindy Williams plays his sister and Steve's boyfriend. Paul LeMat plays John Milner who is the cool guy in town with the fastest car around. He gets tricked into picking up the 13 year old MacKenzie Phillips and spends the night driving around with her. Charles Martin Smith plays the nerdy Terry the Toad. Steve entrusts him to watch his car while he's away. he cruises around and picks up Candy Clark and through a series of elaborate lies, gets her to park by the lake. The car is stolen, but they get it back with the help of John. The movie closes out with a drag race between John and Harrison Ford's Bob Falfa. The movie is spiced up by its soundtrack which helped bring back the 50's nostalgia that permeated the 70's. The film also introduced the infamous DJ Wolfman Jack to the country. The film is an unapologetic feel good, warm movie and its major success allowed Mr. Lucas to make another little movie by the name of Star Wars.
60 Great Movie!
I'll love and protect this movie until death do us part. "American Graffiti" is one of my all-time favorite movies, if not most favorite. It's just so great that it's incredible, it's just about perfect. It's one of the most honest unpretentious depictions of youth in the history of the movies or of any other art form. All of the characters in the movie are almost too real to even be in a movie. George Lucas really is a genius without a doubt, even if he had never done "Star Wars". I love this movie so much that I have to see it at least once or twice a week. It's filled with fun, confusion, conflict, cars, girls, hamburger joints, high school, dancing, music, etc. Also, I have to say that the cinematography by Haskell Wexler and the cameramen is beautiful, the acting by the entire cast Ron Howard, Harrison Ford, Paul Le Mat, Candy Clarke, Cindy Williams, Richard Dreyfuss, Charles Martin Smith, and everybody else. The soundtrack is also incredible and revolutionized the way sound and music is used in the movies, sound supervisor Walter Murch, using more than 40 rock'n roll songs to guide the movie instead of a conventional composed score. Only Martin Scorsese used rock music in a similar way in "Mean Streets" the same year of 1973, however, not to extent of "American Graffiti". The "Collector's Edition" DVD is great, I highly recommend it to everyone who loves the movies and has a DVD player. The picture and sound could have been a bit better, but, overall it's very good especially since it's presented in it's original aspect ratio in widescreen so you can see the entire picture. Also, it has a great making of documentary that includes a wealth of information on all aspects of the movie's production, as well as interviews with George Lucas, Francis Ford Coppola, Walter Murch, and all of the stars of the movie, and more great stuff. There are also some other bonus information on the people involved and the production, and the theatrical trailer. Get this DVD, if you're not sure about putting up a few bucks, than rent it first and decide for yourself afterwards. This movie is a genuine gem and a blessing, I'd like to thank everyone involved in making "American Graffiti" and for the priveledge of being able to see it on DVD as many times as I want to. It's too bad that all of the movies that tried to copy and immitate this movie ever since aren't even half as good.
61 Pual Lemats best
A great movie, It's defenatly my favorite,ive seen it about 10 times so far. My dad told me about it, it was his favorite show. My favorite charachter is John Milner(Paul Lemat), he is the best. The music is great, it's The old time of rock and roll. Not any of that new rap or heavy metal stuff. Its a movie that just lights you up. I think all the actors did a awsome job. It was probaly Paul Lemats best. I think another great part of the movie is that some famous stars today were just starting out, like Harrison Ford or Richard Dreyfuss,and Ron Howard. The plot is basicly teenagers after graduation just staying out and having a fun time, like all night. Is it exciting you ask? Are you kidding! Fighting ,fast cars, custum hotrods,dancing, true love, drag racing, freindship, hold ups. A lot of good stuff. It's a realy entertaning show. I thank every one who made it or helped make it. I would like to see another sequel.
62 Pual Lemats best
A great movie, It's defenatly my favorite,ive seen it about 10 times so far. My dad told me about it, it was his favorite show. My favorite charachter is John Milner(Paul Lemat), he is the best. The music is great, it's The old time of rock and roll. Not any of that new rap or heavy metal stuff. Its a movie that just lights you up. I think all the actors did a awsome job. It was probaly Paul Lemats best. I think another great part of the movie is that some famous stars today were just starting out, like Harrison Ford or Richard Dryfus,and Ron Howard. The plot is basicly teenagers after graduation just staying out and having a fun time, like all night. Is it exciting you ask? Are you kidding! Fighting ,fast cars, custum hotrods,dancing, true love, drag racing, freindship, hold ups. A lot of good stuff. It's a realy entertaning show. I thank every one who made it or helped make it. I would like to see another sequel.
63 American Graffiti
The first movie to have an ambient musical soundtrack (there is perhaps a word for that), much like the sound that would later announce the arrival of the storm troopers in Star Wars, Lucas makes a very funny film. The best scence is when the nerd in the movie is trying to steal some beer and is shot at by the store owner; perhaps what makes it so hilarious is the complete disparity between the act and its punishment. In the end, the greaser dies and Richie Cunningham lives and stays in Modesto, and Richard Dreyfuss flies away on a plane, still searching for that blond in the convertible. The greaser is reborn, however, in Happy Days as Fonzi, but Richie Cunningham gets to play himself again. How old is Fonzi? If he is old, then he is a very creepy, and if he is young, then he is terribly miscast. Either way, the working class greaser gets magical powers in his Happy Days afterlife: he can snap his fingers and the girls come running, or turn on the jukebox by hitting it just right. Otherwise he would just be a sad figure of pity, living upstairs in Mrs. C's attic, the greaser glory just so much motor oil. Better to die in a not-so-tragic accident at the end of the movie.
64 Those Were The Days
This film has a little bit of everything in it. The acting is great - Richard Dreyfus is superb. The cars are fantastic and the soundtrack is practically unbeatable.
The story is about how four school friends spend their last night in town before going off (or not as the case may be) to live the rest of the their lives.
Often funny, sometimes sad, but always very watchable. If you love class acting, the film's a must; if you love classic American cars, the film's a must and if you love rock n'roll why are you still reading this - you should be watching the film!
Any Harrison Ford fans out there should keep an eye out for him as the man in the cowboy hat who's out to beat one of the four guys in a road race.
65 For the Younger People Out There . . . Not Quite the Ticket
I tend to adhere to the Amazon-recommended interpretations of the star ratings, which means that my three stars are not an indication of my hateful relationship with "American Graffiti" but rather an average assessment of an average movie. I don't understand why people overuse the fours and the fives.
So, as you may infer, I wasn't ecstatic about George Lucas's "down-to-earth" effort. I sort of could see the predecessor of the likes of "American Pie" and "Road Trip" in the way the film was made, but it has obviously aged and might not hold the same old appeal to the younger generations; say, me, for example.
In my opinion, the best feature of this film was the soundtrack. You know, there are some oldies that are very recognisable, although you don't have a clue who sings them. Well, "American Graffiti" is jam-packed with them, and I bet a single CD couldn't possibly hold them all.
As to the plot, if you're into post-war American cars, or rather, teenagers (one of the more mature ones featured was Harrison Ford) driving them up and down the streed doing little else but some rather infantile antics, it's your type of movie. The same goes for the profundity of the relationships: it's all about hookups, attempts to get laid, sweetheart swapping, and other senseless high-school goings-on. To be fair, not much has really changed since then, except for the obscenity count in the language used.
To me, it's one of those "so-what" movies, although I could see its significance in the development of the American cinema of this particular genre. Unfortunately, I don't hold George Lucas in too high an esteem as an artist; to me, he's the ultimate commercial director, even worse than Spielberg. With this prejudice in place, I can't possibly imagine any noble artistic intentions before the making of "American Graffiti," any sort of statements that may be attempted to be conveyed therewith, nor any sort of ingenuity of the plot.
It's a truly average movie, and with my three stars, I affirm that I've no reason to hate it, but it wasn't anything special either. Maybe good entertainment.
66 as faraway as mars
was any place in the world actually like this? I graduated from high school in 1972, and things may have changed a lot in 10 years, but these kids are as foreign to me as would be teenagers who lived in 1500. so, as a person to whom this is not loved for its nostalgia value, it's just plain boring. no story, just cruisin'. you could delete all dialogue and not lose much; its like a long, early pop video.
67 Epitomy of the cinematic art form
George Lucas, despite his recent Phantom Menace woes, is truly an artist of amazing sensitivity and accomplishment, as can be seen in this nostalgic look back at the summer of 62. Unlike most films of this genre, "Graffiti" is much more than a sentimental look back at the happy days past. It is a serious look at different people coming of age and making choices in a closing era. John Milner (played by Paul LeMat) quips that he hates the surfing music as he turns off the Beach Boys on the radio, just one of the many fine touches Lucas manages to fit in the movie. Every scenes seems to celebrate youth while at the same time lamenting its inexperience and lack of wisdom...slowly unraveling the philosophical threads that are woven.
The acting is brilliant and personally I have not seen a movie more believable. The documentary style filming that Lucas uses with great skill contributes to this effect.
The extra features on the DVD are also top rate. The interviews with Lucas and the cast members about the making of "Graffiti" is a movie in itself... You must know about all the struggles that preceded the release of the film to fully appreciate everything that Lucas manages to do with limited resources. The recorded screentests of the cast members is a great bonus. It is so easy to see why each actor/actress was perfect for his/her role.
68 A Classic!
American Graffiti is an excellent film.It's both funny and moving.The plot is very simple:a group of friends having one last night of fun before entering adulthood.The soundtrack of oldies rock is absolutely amazing.The cast is almost like a who's who of stars to be.The film was made on a very low budget and it's much better than many films with much larger budgets.I'd recommend it to anyone.
69 Evocative Tribute to 1962
This film is packed with wonderful moments that reveal a yearning for a time gone by and innocent metaphors.
Richard Dreyfus is the soul of the film as events seem to revolve around his character. How many times has anyone walked down the hallway of their old High School past their old locker?
The emerging hormonal energy of the teens that populate the film are on display..with comedy, hi jinx and regret. My favorite scene is where Dreyfus encounters the Wolf Man in the studio. The Wolf Man does not admit to being himself and tells Dreyfus that the Wolf Man is on tape. After a sticky handshake Dreyfus leaves only to see the Wolf Man carry on through the glass (Rock On ).
If you are of that era then you are also in this film of Universal Language. Unique
70 No matter how old you are...
I wasn't fortunate enough to be around when cruising was at its prime, but after this movie, I wish I could have been. The cars and the atmosphere are something to behold. DVD does the movie justice with high quality sound and clear film. The bonus materials are also a pleasure with a surprisingly long making of the film. No matter how old you are, I think there is something for everybody in this film.
71 A Cinematic Treat
Where were you in '62?
AMERICAN GRAFFITI is a classic from George Lucas, made before STAR WARS it's a warm tale of a group of friends on their last night before they go their separate ways: to University, work, etc.
This movie was a roaring success, and it's not hard to see why. The story's many plot strands work well despite their apparent non-connection to each other. The characters are richly acted and written, providing for some memorable comic moments. By contrast, the serious moments of thinking about the future are handled well with believability making them all the more powerful.
The ending (I'm giving nothing away) also manages to pack a punch. This is the type of movie you'll sit around reminiscing about for weeks after you've seen it. A classic.
72 Where were you in '62
I think this movie is one the all greatest movies in history, it is funny, and serious at times but it is always good. The music is superb, and the acting is great. I think Mackenzie Phillips does a really good job in this film, she is funny and kinda cute in it too.
73 American Grafitti-Excellent(And Don't Knock the Sequel!)
I am glad that Lucas remastered this one for THX Digital sound because the old time rock 'n roll has never sounded better(also rent the THX version of Animal House-same effect!), and there is a THX sighting in this one. This film boasts a cast-of-thousands, but when it was released(I did see this on big screen) these players were unknown. Interesting film unfolds on screen as we our treated to one night in the life of high school buds(for some it is their last night in town as they prepare to go off to college)in 1962 California. The most important character is John(Paul Le Mat)Milner. Milner is like the patriarchal "father" figure to the kids, and what he experiences on this night is an awareness that maybe it is time to make a change in his life(maybe the catalyst was the challenge by Falfa(Harrison Ford) to a drag race, which comes near the end of the film. He remarks in one scene"I ain't goin' off to some GD fancy college!I'm stayin' right here!Havin' fun as usual! "
What makes this film work is the way it is done. We are not just treated to the adventures that centers around one central character.There is a plot and then there are subplots throughout the film. The film winds its way back and forth past each character's adventures into the night with the haunting echo of Wolfman Jack who, if you listen closely, seems to have a song or a quote for each scene! By the end of the film, you have just realized you have seen reality unfold before your eyes. Nothing in this is fiction. Everyone who has been through High School can relate somehow to this picture. End captions before ending credits roll is a chilling sequence.An excellent sequel follows(MORE AMERICAN GRAFFITTI).
74 Greatest Movie Ever Made
"American Graffiti" is so great because it is a movie that doesnt age. Its simply timeless. Teens of today can relate to this motion picture just as well as they could 27 years ago when this movie was released. "American Graffiti" is a nostalgic movie that will bring viewers back to the happy days of America, even if you weren't even alive yet. Another great thing about this movie is that it was the start independent film in America. This movie introduced to the world a bold new un-orthodoxed style in film making.With no one main character, and a story for each charactar, this movie had influences on movies such as "Dazed and Confused" and "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" And it has a great soundtrack.
75 Get the DVD for one picture
This is an awesome DVD. Best money I spent for a vid yet. Its worth the whole price tag just to see the documentary, and see the picture of the Modesto Newspaper where George Lucas ran his old drag car into a tree. I can't believe the crash that guy had. Awesome movie, awesome quality, a must buy for any kind of fan of this movie.
76 A DEFINING MOMENT
George Lucas, who later dazzled us with a science fiction opus worthy of the ages, first dazzled us with this intimate movie about a generation of Americans at the end of the innocent 50s. Though the soundtrack, performances, set design and art direction are perfectly realized, it is the tender-hearted direction and superb script of this movie that make it so lasting. Each time I see it I found it more powerful; like all good, evocative pieces of history, this one holds up, and details a moment in time with sensitivity, humor and a literal horde of excellent young performers, including the rascally Harrison Ford, a bombshell mystery woman in Suzanne Somers, a warm and melancholy Cindy Williams, and an excellent Ron Howard. If you have never seen this movie, it is time.
77 A trip back in time to the glory days of rock 'n' roll!
"American Graffiti" has to be one of my all-time favorite movies. I'm only 12 years old, but I know my mom knew what it was like back in '62. I saw this movie 5 times, and I got the picture how it was. I loved the hot cars (especially John Milner's cute deuce coupe), and the sizzling soundtrack. My favorite actor and/or actress(s) is Paul Le Mat, Ronny Howard, Candy Clark, and Wolfman Jack. This movie was nominated 5 Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director (George Lucas), and Best Screenplay (Story), If you loved living in the glory days of rock 'n' roll, get this movie! I know you'll love it!
78 The "Making of" Documentary is Fantastic
Let's assume that since you're reading this, you already love the movie, and you're wondering whether to buy the DVD. I bought it because I love the movie, but was expecting the documentary to be only 10 minutes (which is what it is on the VHS version). Just so you know, the documentary on the DVD is not an anemic little 10 minute infomercial like the one on the VHS tape. Imagine my delight when it kept going for 75 minutes! It is a very insightful documentary by Laurent Bouzereau. Unfortunately, on the back cover of the DVD case they don't give any specs which might help you realize that the documentary is different than the one on the VHS tape (that's why I'm giving you the heads up). That's my two cents: a great movie, and an excellent supplemental documentary. This disc is a great bargain (albeit poorly marketed). Have fun!
79 American Graffiti = American Classic
Wait a minute--didn't I go to that school? I'm ten years younger than the characters but the cliques are the same: the nerds, the greasers, the respectables, the vo-techs; and cruising the strip is the only thing that unites them. This is a marvelous story about hitting life at that exact moment when its possibilities seem endless. Curt's ambition is to shake President Kennedy's hand. Steve wants to go East to college. Big John wants to stay king of the highways. And Terry wants a woman. Their plots and destinities collide in funny and heartbreaking ways.
"American Graffiti" was an important movie, too. It made stars of Richard Dreyfuss, Cindy Williams and Mackenzie Phillips, and introduced Wolfman Jack to a new generation of fans. And all those movies with music playing in the background that forms a commentary on the action? We have "Graffiti" to thank (or blame) for that technique. Not to mention the fact that this movie was the financial stoker for "Star Wars."
"Graffiti" is best seen and enjoyed in widescreen. George Lucas filmed the movie in widescreen and used grainy color film stock in homage to the Universal-International films of the late fifties and early sixties.
80 American Graffiti
A great movie. Candy Clarke should have won an Oscar. A period piece for all time. It captures the innocence of the 60's and youth for all time.
81 American Graffitti: An American classic
American Graffiti is probably one of my favorite movies. It is also one of my mom's which brings me to my point. This movie is an enduring classic that will carry on through the 21st century. Not only is the acting brilliant, it also tells a compelling teenage story. I believe teenagers can still relate to some of the issues: going away to college, relashionships, and dealing with growing up. Two other criteria accent this movie: the music and the scenery. The nostalgic city life in the 60's and the killer soundtrack. It also hs some sweet looking cars in it as well. This is a definite must-see movie.
82 Terrific Two Thumbs up A groovy Classic
Ron Howard was great in this movie played a real dramatic roll and sort of like Richie Cunningham at times. Cindy Williams Was real great also. Her best movie she has done yet. Harrison Ford I thought i would never see him in a cowboy hat except when he was in Indiana Jones
83 TELLS IT LIKE IT WAS
THAT'S THE WAY IT WAS WAY BACK THEN. I SHOULD KNOW, WHILE I WASN'T IN CALIF AT THE TIME, I WAS IN NE ILLINOIS. AND THAT'S THE WAY IT WAS THERE TO. MADE MY HEART ACHE TO BE BACK THERE. WHERE'S MY "BACK TO THE FUTURE" MACHINE. I WANT TO GO HOME!
84 The Way It Should Have Been
If you ever sat through study hall reading Hot Rod surrepticiously while the sleet pounded against the windows, and dreamed of California, nice looking girls and 6 carbs on a deuce coupe, this one is for you.
Siskel and Ebert made the point that this movie shows the different cliques in high school crossing over into new groups for just one wild night,and getting to know each other. In many ways, this is the blue collar complement to Animal House. They are both set in that same era.
The tunes, the cars, and then that ending...
85 A Classic
Great tunes, cool dudes. An all out classic ride through the sixties
86 Definitely one of the greatest movies ever made!!!
This movie is a masterpiece that perfectly and nostalgically recreates 1962! This movie has it all, superb acting, an incredible soundtrack, a perfect balance of humor and drama, and a whole lot more. The movie features the coming of age of a group of teenagers on their last summer night. Discover (or rediscover) drag racing, drive-ins, and the most memorable rock 'n' roll hits of the era in this must-see classic. "American Graffiti" is a classic for any age, and we highly recommend it for all to enjoy. We love it!!!
87 one of the best !!!
What can you say about a movie classic??This movie captures a time in America that probably will never exist again.The music is great;the cast of actors is one of the best.One only wishes we can relive that fabulous time of our lives again.
88 Top film in the Uk
This film went down very well with all of the custom car addicts in the UK, it has become a cult film for all. Well done to all actors and behind the scene staff including the coach builders who built such loving cars
89 A Great Film
Words cannot describe how wonderful this movie is. Lucas gives us nostalgia without beating us over the head with it (i.e. Woody Allen's Radio Days). Harrison Ford's performance is certainly one of his best. Mostly because he does not act like Harrison Ford.
90 Just a Simple Correction
Not to offend Tasha (the reviewer below who wrote "A Boss Film"), but American Graffitti takes place in Northern California. To be fair, she did have interesting insights! Thanks, Tasha!
91 Where were U in '62?
Great songs. Great cars. Great movie. (Make sure you order "Animal House" at the same time as this one. They're a pair.)
92 A Really Boss Film
American Graffiti was a view into a past that many could actually say they know nothing about. George Luca's potrays Southern California's pre-hippie day with such flare and good time Friday night fun. Ron Howard and Cindy Williams characters as teenage lovers being tested for the rate of maturity and wanting to stay young forever. Candy Clark truly deserved her Oscar for her role. Great film debut for Macinzine Phillps.
93 Through Hours of Troubled Sleep...
I've seen this movie so many times. If you liked Happy Days, you'll love it! No words of mine can express how great this movie is. You have to see it for yourself!
94 No matter what your age is a must see
America was a different place in 1962 and with a great script,acting, and directing this movie takes you back there to that time.But to think its just about 1962 would be a mistake.it's more about lost youth and how, at even a young age, Life can change so fast.Does anyone really understand what Suzannes Somers, the girl in the white t-bird, really represent? Does anyone understand why Richard Dreyfus can never meet her? How she becomes so unattainable? We can never forget our past and the people and events that made it so memeorable.
95 If you want a real movie, but this one!
American Graffiti is the type of movie not made anymore. While some argue a lack of plot, it's the lack of a defined future that makes the characters up, they just travel from adventure to adventure, just like real teenagers did and do. The quests for girls, racing, and that magical elixer, liquor. It's just a great movie, what more can you say?
96 "The best movie made, that describe my life as a teenager"
I saw American Graffiti in 1973. It left a lasting impression. When the home video became available in 1985, I began watching it over and over. I became addicted to the film. The screen-play became just as hard to put down. I had to realize that my life a disabled person, found its nitch. George Lucas captured my life, before I became disabled, through many characters in the movie. I believe there is a bit of American Graffiti in all of us.
97 Truly Moving..
I am 25 years old and I first watched this movie in the summer of 1982 and never tire of it. Wolfman Jack's part is truly moving and makes this a classic. Richard Dreyfuss' first major role is truly incredible. The rest of the cast is just as believable. This classic timepiece spurred the entire 50s retro movement in the 1970s.
98 Great Movie--Then, Now, and Forever
I saw this movie for the first time in 1973. I was 9 years old, and I wasn't happy about seeing it. I quickly changed my mind, and I envied my mother for having lived in 1962 as a teen, and also for having lived in Central California too! I recently bought this movie, and I enjoyed just as much as I did back in 1973. A must see movie, and as my mother said, very real, very true, pretty much just the way she remembers it.
99 See this movie if it is the last thing you do.
American Graffiti is about a group of teenagers coming of age and this is their last night on the town before they go off to college. It takes place back in 1962, and is a great movie. I don't care how old you are, or where you're from. This movie was a great film, it is easily one of the best that I've ever seen in my life and I promise you that you will not be disappointed. And for you kids out there who think it will suck because it is old, you will be in for a big surprise. Teenagers and middle-aged adults will appreciate this movie more than other age groups. It is a great movie to see with your girlfriend/boyfriend, and it has one of the best soundtracks I've ever heard. Rent it, watch it, then buy it.
100 A great, true to life look at yesteryear!!
I am only 22 so I unfortunately wasn't around during the 50's (born in the wrong decade.), but if this is what it was like it must have been great.Story involves high school seniors who are going their separate ways, but not before one last night on the town. Early look at future stars, such as Howard, Dreyfuss, Ford, and the lovely Suzanne Summers. You'll have a ball with this one. First film for director George Lucas, who has since brought us a few more notable films...
