American Graffiti

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American Graffiti

78% Liked It
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American Graffiti

Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard, Paul Le Mat, Charles Martin Smith, Cindy Williams, Candy Clark, Mackenzie Phillips, Wolfman Jack, Bo Hopkins, Manuel Padilla Jr., Harrison Ford, Suzanne Somers

A summer night in 1962 becomes the focal point in the lives of four small town California teenagers as they face decisions, both immediate and long term, about the directions of their lives. Steve, wa...( read more  read more... )nts to break up with Laurie, his devoted high school sweetheart and pursue new experiences away from home. Curt, is hesitant about going away to school and leaving the comfortable, familiar surroundings of family and friends. John, tries to maintain his too cool for school image as a hip guy, but can't seem to shake a nagging awareness that life is somehow passing him by. Finally, there's Terry, the nerdy wannabe trying to fit in but who still manages to screw up. During the course of the evening, their individual stories intertwine and separate. By the next morning, their lives will be changed, some only temporarily and some for a lifetime.

Id: 10906585

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Recent Reviews

American Graffiti Recent Reviews
  • QueenCityFilms
    January 3, 2009
    QueenCityFilms
    Great coming of age tale...kinda slept through part of it.
  • Deano78
    September 6, 2008
    Deano78
    A very cool film set in the 50's with some cool car's of the time. A good coming of age drama.
  • irisheyes686
    August 30, 2008
    irisheyes686
    Good movie! It was fun to see a movie that didn't have to have bad language or sex in it to be a hit. Lots of stars too!
  • dreamfaeries
    August 6, 2008
    dreamfaeries
    It was an okay film.
  • PvtCaboose91
    May 16, 2008
    PvtCaboose91
    "We're finally getting out of this turkey town, and now you wanna crawl back into your cell, right? You wanna end up like John? You just can't stay seventeen forever."


    All and sundry can recollect a teen flick that reflects accuracy in its depiction of the existing t

    ...( read more)een generation. American Graffiti was made during the 1970s but was set in the 1960s as we scrutinize the lives of the youths from the period. When this film was initially released George Lucas hadn't yet made a name for himself. For those of you familiar with Star Wars you will never recognise that this is actually George Lucas grasping the reigns.


    Although American Graffiti was made several decades ago, very little of its influence and poignancy has degenerated. In fact this is still one of the greatest teen films ever made. Even if filmmakers used contemporary technology and was given a large budget, nothing would come close to the atmosphere or the accuracy of George Lucas' classic film gem. With this film Lucas proved that he was able to create an outstanding film on time and on budget (the film costed exactly $777,777.77 to make).


    American Graffiti was released with the tagline "Where were you in '62?" and, logically enough, is set in 1962. This year was on the eve of the loss of American innocence - marginally preceding Kennedy's assassination and the Vietnam War. The focal characters of this comedy/drama movie are a group of high school graduates who spend their last night in town before heading off to college in the morning. We follow their exploits throughout the entire night as they cruise around town while listening to popular radio personality Wolfman Jack.


    In creating American Graffiti Lucas learned a number of valuable lessons about filmmaking that proved useful when he went on to create the Star Wars movies several years later. Star Wars fans should be grateful of this film's existence.


    With this film, Lucas has created the essential addition to the coming-of-age genre. These teenagers have to overcome hindrances to accomplish the shared objective of reaching adulthood. They cope with the predestined bereavement of innocence and their apprehension towards change. American Graffiti is not only a wonderful piece of entertainment even in this era of cinema, but it also marks a historical milestone in filmmaking and one of the most accurate non-Hollywood portrayals of the era it is representing.


    The film also launched the careers of several people; Harrison Ford's acting career, Ron Howard's acting + directing career, Richard Dreyfuss' acting career, and of course George Lucas' versatile career in the industry. The central characters of this film are filled by Ron Howard and Richard Dreyfuss. This was far before any of them become famous and much-loved actors.


    Because it has been several decades after American Graffiti first hit cinemas people always wonder what the appeal is for this classic. To address this query you can only watch the film. Honestly, you cannot describe the film's appeal using words. Needless to say it's an enthralling film with interesting characters and an intriguing plot.


    It's a landmark in cinema and catapulted those involved to almost immediate stardom. Within the script you'll find outstanding humour, clever dialogue, hilarious situations and a suitable 1960s setting.


    George Lucas purposely used a number of outtakes (including fluffed lines and actions done incorrectly) to create more of a realistic effect...and of course for the sake of an on-set laugh. American Graffiti embodies all the qualities of life as a teenager during the '60s. This doesn't focus on the parties, drugs and alcohol: instead it's a story about the fun that teenagers can have with a set of wheels and some interesting people. This is truly one of the most important films in cinematic history. Followed by More American Graffiti.
  • electradelioncourt
    December 8, 2009
    electradelioncourt
    I do understand how important this movie is, but I can't say that I love it. I mean, it makes me feel as if I'd never been a teenager, even more than the others teen movies O.O I was only interested in it because it was George Lucas before those ten great movies - and I gotta say...( read more), I really prefer Star Wars and Indy by far, even when there are ewoks or irritating stalinists. But the actors were great (my, what was young cowboy Harrison Ford?! \o/), and the songs, as cute as any other those days produced - though I really prefer what comes after. And, oh! "Since I don't Have You"! Just writing the song's name makes me cry! lol
  • citawijaya
    November 29, 2009
    citawijaya
    the good thing about this movie is the soundtrack. for the movie itself, I think it's kinda overrated. I just dont get that excited after watching it.
  • iconjunkie
    November 22, 2009
    iconjunkie
    A really entertaining film with a lot going on. All of the story lines were interesting topped off by some very famous actors.
  • Phonex
    November 21, 2009
    Phonex
    Over the course of one hot, summer night, four teenagers are forced to deal with issues that will affect the rest of their lives. Steve (played by Ron Howard) and Curt (played by Richard Dreyfuss) debate leaving the small town to go to college. Milner (Paul Le Mat) wants to stay ...( read more)and keep his position as king of the road. And all Toad (played by Charles Martin Smith) wants to do is get drunk and laid; foreign soil for the young and inexperienced kid. Together they cruise the streets of Modesto, California for the last time as a group.
  • ythelastman89
    November 20, 2009
    ythelastman89
    A great anthology of teenage life in the 60s. It has a lot of great early performances from now well known actors. The cinematic style is amazing and puts you into a suspension of disbelief. While I feel that the individual stories never closed properly, it wasn't bothersome to t...( read more)he overall plot.
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