The Spirit of '76 (1990)

80% of critics liked it
(5 reviews)
55% of users liked it
(1,212 ratings)

Making great fun of the '70s, this lively sci-fi comedy centers on a trio of time travellers who go into the past in hopes of retrieving the Constitution to celebrate America's 300th birthday. Unfortunately, the travelers end up in 1976 not 1776. The trouble is, they don't realize it. ~ Sandra… More Making great fun of the '70s, this lively sci-fi comedy centers on a trio of time travellers who go into the past in hopes of retrieving the Constitution to celebrate America's 300th birthday. Unfortunately, the travelers end up in 1976 not 1776. The trouble is, they don't realize it. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 22 min.
Directed By: Lucas Reiner
Genres: Musical & Performing Arts, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Comedy

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1990 Wide
On DVD: Jun 3, 2003
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

Critic Reviews

Jon Niccum, Lawrence Journal-World
Uneven but fairly amusing sendup of '70s culture
David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
...the film's just not funny...
Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com
Long before Austin Powers and That 70's Show "created" the 1970's nostalgia wave there was a cheap little indie comedy that came and went before anybody noticed.
Gerry Shamray, Sun Newspapers of Cleveland
You might get a campish kick from The Spirit of '76...Where else can you find a film that has teen idol David Cassidy sharing time with new wave fave Devo?

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Featured Audience Ratings

Eric B

As if you couldn't already tell from the DVD cover, "The Spirit of '76" is a silly blast of nostalgic kitsch. The year is 2176. A trio of American scientists from a gray, cheerless future aim to travel back in time to 1776, in order to find the forgotten… More
As if you couldn't already tell from the DVD cover, "The Spirit of '76" is a silly blast of nostalgic kitsch. The year is 2176. A trio of American scientists from a gray, cheerless future aim to travel back in time to 1776, in order to find the forgotten Constitution and rediscover what once made their country wonderful. But their rickety capsule has a technical glitch, and they are sent back to 1976 instead. They soon meet up with two vapid teen brothers (played by Redd Kross' Steve and Jeff McDonald), and the plot doesn't go much further than this. Instead, we're just bombarded with a parade of campy '70s references, none of which are especially arcane or knowing. Disco, mood rings, Pop Rocks, feathered hair, smiley faces, the Bicentennial...you can guess the rest. The casting may be more entertaining than the script. Former teen idols David Cassidy and Leif Garrett have prominent roles, and there's something oddly epic about seeing them share a scene near the end. Other vintage icons playing along with the joke include Rob Reiner (his brother Lucas wrote and directed the film), Carl Reiner, Barbara Bain ("Mission Impossible," "Space: 1999"), Tommy Chong and Iron Eyes Cody, while then-trendy figures like Moon Zappa, Julie Brown and members of DEVO also turn up in cameos.
Leo L

Hilarious movie! Definitely a movie from childhood. Whoa! I just commented on this previously. Oh well.

Cast

            David Cassidy as Adam - 11

            Olivia d'Abo as Chanel-6

            Geoff Hoyle as Heinz 57

            Steve McDonald as Tommy Sears

            Liam O'Brien as Rodney Snodgrass

            Leif Garrett as Eddie Trojan

            Carl Reiner as Dr. Von Mobil

            Rob Reiner as Dr. Cash

            Barbara Bain as Hipster

            Jack Blessing
            
            Ann Block as Chris' Mom

            Jerry Carlton as Streaker

            Shelby Chong as Cashier

            Iron Eyes Cody as Himself

            Charles Dean as Chris' Dad

            Devo as Ministers of Knowledge

            Nancye Ferguson as Nurse

            Leigh French as the Future

            Lori Holt as 1st Cop

            Lisa Houston as Heckler

            Kipper Kids
            
            Jeff McDonald as Chris Johnson

            Michael McShane as Angry Driver

            Don Novello as Translator

            Todd A. Rolle as Clovis

            Brian Roth as Agent 2

            Greg Snegoff
            
            Jonathan Stark
            
            Tree as Guard

            Morgan Upton as Teacher

            Martin Von Hasselberg as Agent 1

            Gigi Vorgan
            
            Ryan Wallace as Chester

            Maud Winchester as Cyndi the Waitress

            Moon Zappa as Cheryl Dickman

            Julie Brown as Ms. Liberty

            Gerald V. Casale as Yale-44

            Tommy Chong as Stoner

            Mark Mothersbaugh as Chevron-17

            Lucas Reiner as Fireworks Barker

            David Kendrick as Ron-31

            Tracy Newman
            
            Arnold Turner
            
            Bob Casale
            
            Jeffrey McDonald
            
            Moon Unit Zappa
            
See full cast