Ron Howard, Cindy Williams, Charles Martin Smith and Paul Le Mat return in More American Graffiti, the follow-up to George Lucas' original coming-of-age classic. Set a few years later, the film traces the continuing hopes, dreams and romances of a group of high school friends. Gone are the sock hops, cruise nights and make-out spots. Now it's all about campus parties, love-ins and peace rallies - as these friends find themselves in the midst of the amazing era that was the mid-60s. Featuring a timeless soundtrack loaded with the period's greatest hits by Bob Dylan, Donovan, Simon and Garfunkel, The Byrds, The Doors and more, it's a story sure to evoke memories of a time when becoming an adult meant laughing, crying and savoring old friendships.
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?
Everyone sees themselves in this movie. I have to admit I do also. That sees all the others as, of course, I am above that sort of thing. This is one of the closest depictions of life without me having to pull out the 8mm and film. 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 parts of the US.
I am more surprised that George Lucas 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 hindsight. Everyone looks so young. I never noticed Harrison Ford until Star Wars.
Getting away from memory lane, the film is so smooth that you forget that you are watching a movie, and the actors do not overwhelm the characters that they play.
Starting, you notice a song or two and think Where was I. Then a few more songs, and you soon are more wrapped up in the music than the story. Having Wolfman Jack (XERB) there added a touch of reality. I cannot 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.
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