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American Graffiti (1973)

Rate: 8
Viewed: 5/05, 7/12, 7/15

AmerGr
5/05: It's easy to see how American Graffiti had spawned a legion of high school pictures such as The Breakfast Club, Dazed and Confused, Can't Hardly Wait, Pretty in Pink, and The Lords of Flatbush.

But there's only one American Graffiti. What gets me into the film is the classic cars cruising along the strip. There's nothing like it. John Milner, played by Paul Le Mat, is the true Fonz, and Harrison Ford is cool as Bob Falfa with the cowboy hat on. The others, especially the sweet Mackenzie Phillips, are fun to watch, too.

All in all, American Graffiti is a perfect cinematic example of nostalgia.

7/12: There's something nostalgic about American Graffiti whether it's the cars, the cruises, the drive-ins, the rock 'n' roll music, the 50-60's feel, the innocence, or the characters.

One thing that's undeniable is it's a timeless classic. It has a great cast of characters who are engaged in random events. Take away any of them, and American Graffiti ceases to be the picture it is.

I prefer Joe, the leader of the Pharaohs gang, over John Milner because it's cute to see him taking this stuff seriously. My favorite tandem will always be Paul Le Mat and Mackenzie Phillips. They're just fun together. Ever since, many high school pictures have tried to imitate the feel and coolness of American Graffiti, but it remains unsurpassed.

All in all, American Graffiti is an all-time great classic.

7/15: Although American Graffiti is a timeless classic, it's uneven with some annoying characters who impede the flow.

Those I like the best are John Milner, Curt, Carol, Bob Falfa, and Joe. But the rest, not really. I hate Steve Bolander and his girlfriend and Debbie the most. The high replayability value is due to the classic cars cruising along the strip while the drivers are striking up conversations. That's why it's such an American classic. But some of the characters' problems eat away my full enjoyment, making it a downer at times.

All in all, American Graffiti is one of those unforgettable films that stand the test of time and provides a good snapshot of the good old days when innocence was a cherished virtue.