Review of American Graffiti (1973) by Michael B — 20 Nov 2012

There is brilliant interplaying and underplaying, of script, performers and direction which will raise howls of laughter from audiences, yet never descends on the screen to overdone mugging, pratfall and other heavy-handed devices normally employed. A successful tribute to an era of optimism and competitiveness which was bitchin' -- and now seems very far in the past. Without exception, all players fit perfectly into the concept and execution, and all the young principals and featured players have a bright and lengthy future. Some petting scenes get their point across without the patronizing voyeurisms so often found in nostalgia pix. The filmmakers' hearts obviously were with their characters all the way. Lucas has done a truly masterful job. Set in 1962 but reflecting the culmination of the 1950s, the film is a most vivid recall of teenage attitudes and mores, told with outstanding empathy and compassion through an exceptionally talented cast of relatively new players.

VERDICT: "In The Zone" - [Mixed Reaction] These kinds of movies are usually movies that had some good things, but some bad things kept it from being amazing. This rating says buy an ex-rental or a cheap price of the DVD to own. If you consider cinema, ask for people's opinion on the film. (Films that are rated 2.5 or 3 stars).