RevRonster
I never heard of this film until my college roommate told me to check it out. I didn't find the movie overly hilarious in its humor department or overly dramatic in its drama sections BUT I really enjoyed this movie. It's entertaining enough where I didn't feel robbed watching it and it will definitely be a movie I will watch again.The story is fun and interesting, Kevin Costner is great in his role and, for a directorial debut, it's pretty damn fantastic.The movie has its obvious problems but I never found them to be to distracting from the heart of the story that involved some friends trying to escape the reality of being drafted into a war that will forever be remembered as the one where Lt. Dan lost his legs.Despite some issues, the movie is fairly decent and even has some pretty cool airplane stunts in it that would, in today's age, probably be achieved with computer effects. Overall, I enjoyed this one.
Rodrigo Amaro
Touching, funny and bittersweet like those good memories of a time we know it'll never come back, "Fandango" is one of those small films who greater in experience and in creating delightful and enjoyable moments, rewards us with valuable lessons and fun sequences together. A movie with all those virtues should be more known. Even if the path traveled by writer and director Kevin Reynolds isn't one so original and very reminder of memorable classics from the 1970's (there's so much of "The Deer Hunter" and "American Graffiti" in this), it's still a great film to be seen time and time again.In 1971, a bunch of good friends is trying to have one last blast before going to Vietnam and deal with the unknown that surrounds their lives, not only when it comes to go to a war but also with their relationships, their friendship, and the hardest transition of growing up, leave college and the crazy days of parties behind, facing responsibilities and set a goal for themselves. Led by the wild and rebellion Gardner (Kevin Costner, in one his earliest leading roles), the group - composed with the serious Philip (Judd Nelson), Kenneth (Sam Robards), Dorman (Chuck Bush) and the stoned/practically absent Lester (Brian Cesak) - heads down to Mexico where it was decided that at least two of them will desert from their military duties. While they don't get there, it's time for having fun, doing stupid things (as evidenced by the title right at the beginning, Fandango not only is a Spanish dance but also a foolish act) or thinking about the haunting future that awaits for them. Above all enjoying, as they say, the privileges of youth. One of the craziest ideas revolves on a proof of courage where Philip, the most whining and frightened member of the group, will have to participate, which is skydiving, supported by an airhead pilot (Marvin J. McIntyre). Not only this part is the most thrilling and the most unforgettable of the whole film but it's also was the one that took this project way up high when it was presented on a short film directed by Reynolds in 1980, seen by Steven Spielberg, who green-lit and expanded the idea for a feature film. Genial move but too bad he wasn't patient enough to see what the film would become (Spielberg, for whatever reasons, asked to have his name removed from the film). I think this has a heart and soul that overcomes its problems, its heavily clichéd moments, managing to be one great and beautiful project. Similar contemporary films don't have the touch this had in presenting all of its analyzed themes. They're too loud, ridiculous and overworked. Reynolds and his team of actors seem to be offering little but that's not the case; it's small things that become greater, rich and expansive in our hearts and minds. More than just one view is recommended, trust me, you'll get different reactions and sensations while seeing this. A tiny and somewhat pointless complaint of mine is that "Fandango" should go a little longer, developing a bit further the relationship between Kenneth's girl (Suzy Amis) with Gardner (seen through flashbacks or dreams, it's not quite clear that). A special mention must be made to the fantastic soundtrack, both Alan Silvestri themes and the selection played throughout the boys adventures with classics from Cream, Carole King, Elton John (Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting in the opening titles when the group starts their trip - though it suits well the scene it's quite a goof this music inclusion in it), Steppenwolf and Blind Faith, just to mention a few. Memorably impressionable, a true underrated gem from the 1980's that must be seen. This is special. 10/10
Raul Faust
"Fandango" is one of those hard films to review and rate. Half part of the footage is funny and entertaining, but the other half is just boring and pointless. How to analyze a film like that?When you're going to watch a movie involving single guys traveling around, you'd expect it to have lots of fun-- and probably parties with girls. But here things don't happen that well. The only enjoyable things these guys did was trying to get a ride from a train in movement-- which didn't work, but happened to be a funny scene-- and a parachute jump out. These, along with the car discussion scene, are the only moments that I felt entertained and interested in the story. The rest of the time I could barely pay attention to what was happening, since the plot was quite weak. There's one guy of the group of friends that doesn't even talk; her job is only drink and toast beer-- and show his big paunch. However, we have a feel good ending which reminded me of some friends I haven't seen in a while-- but that's another story.
bestrauss
I actually was one of the dozen or so people that saw this film at the theater. I was a senior in high school so the timing was perfect to appreciate this movie. I have probably seen the film 40 times and still enjoying letting it run n the background when I am working at home on the weekends. It is truly a guy flick but even can appreciate the interaction between the characters. With most of the boys in the film slated to be shipped to Vietnam they are looking for one last Hoorah before there push into adulthood and possible demise. If I could change one thing about the film it would be the very last 5 seconds of the film. You have to see it to understand.Definitely Costner's best performance. This was back in the day when he was still hungry and not so caught up in the business. In the film he is reckless and short-sighted and carries the movie to the very end. Judd Nelson plays the friend in the group you always wanted to punch in the nose. But his constant negativity and whining are a perfect foil to Costner and the friction between the two is great.The soundtrack is fantastic. The scenery shot in south Texas is beautiful (I am a Texan born and bred so I am partial).I think it is an amazing early film for the director and I was quite surprised to read that Spielberg wanted nothing to do with the finished product.I actually bumped into Brian Cesak, who played the comatose Lester Griffin in the film, one night at a bar. Unfortunately for him I was drunk and I cornered him with about 50 questions about the film. He is now a successful Chiropractor here in Dallas. Nicest guy you'd ever want meetHis total script went: Well, listen, l'm gonna try and catch a ride with somebody. lt's been real. Call me sometime. Arthur Andersen in Dallas.For those of you that really love the film you should check out the Script online - script-o-rama.com. If you have seen the film as many times as I have you can hear the songs start at just the right point in the script (e.g Costner - "How bout a Fandango?")As with all movies some will love this one and others will hate it. But if you have not seen it check it out for yourself.Another hard to find but cult classic film you should check out is "The 9th Configuration" with Stacy Keach. Good luck finding it.
