'American Graffiti' Review

What a classic. 70's movies are the best movies and no other decade comes close. Still baffles me that George Freaking Lucas directed this four years before his first Star Wars with a little help from a one Francis Ford Coppola. This film follows several teenagers/young adults for a night as they go out on the town. We really come to know the California town they roam around and it almost becomes a character in itself. I definitely see where Tarantino gets some of the ideas for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. The whole movie is basically just cruising around with the accompaniment of local pop radio.

At parts a bit racy for that era of 'PG' film, and especially considering the film is set in 1962. But, I think that adds to the realism of the times...a little West Side Story...some Easy Rider...this saga is a true masterpiece. This movie just works for me and I feel immersed in the time period.

We also see a young Harrison Ford portrayed as a badass loner-type. Ford sees his opportunity to pick up vulnerable girls looking to take their minds off something. Spoiler alert, he gets his in the end as his car explodes in a drag race attempt gone wrong.

This movie also explores youth in sort of a unique and interesting way. Richard Dreyfuss' character, 'Curt,' is about to have his farewell night with his old pals, before heading back off to college on the East Coast. He's also tired of the female situation in town and spots a young dame giving him the once over in the car next to his, is enthralled, and rolls down the window just as she veers off in the other direction. Maddened, Curt seeks to find adventure elsewhere by enlisting in a local street gang for the night, robbing pinball machines, and destroying cop cars. Still unsatisfied, Curt goes to the local radio DJ, Wolfman, to send out a message, in hopes that the same young dame will hear it and call him up. The girl hears the message, calls the number provided and reveals herself to be a prostitute, only curious to see if Curt would use her services...but of course his flight leaves that same day.

To me, this film in whole is an attempt from Coppola and Lucas to signify the longing to recapture youth, even though we know it's fleeting. Ron Howard is also in this movie and plays the part well, and probably drew from Happy Days to capture the essence of the era.

Overall a really fun watch. A movie oft not talked about anymore, but I really think it set the standard for the whole young adult dramadey genre. Saw aspects of Eighth Grade, Superbad, and The Breakfast Club.

Streaming: HBOMax, Amazon Prime Video, or available to rent

Matt's Rating: 9.3/10