Flashback

Rating:
Summary: I may be young, but I've got good tastes.
Review: This is the movie that made me a huge Kiefer Sutherland fan. I saw it when I was young (age 12 or so) and it's been one my absolute favorites ever since. A lot of talent and heart went into this film and it always puts me in a good mood. Dennis Hopper is awesome as always and he and Kiefer made a great screen team. A must see, especially for any Kiefer fans out there. I'm so excited to finally have this movie in my film library.

Rating:
Summary: Wow....AWESOME!!!!
Review: This movie was really good. It has all the features of a big hit: action, soul-searching, violence, and a touch of romance, not to mention a totally great ending! I watched this movie because I am a Kiefer Sutherland fan, but I really loved the whole cast. This movie didn't let me down on the Sutherland factor, and it was just cool! The beginning with the criminal and cop is just that -- a beginning. If you like a plot that twists and turns, watch this movie!

Rating:
Summary: Flashback.. fun.. and there's a heart.
Review: While looking at the box art.. or maybe just reading on the box.. You may think this film is your stanard opposites clash, then become buddies film.. Well, you'd be right.. and, you would be WRONG. I admit, there are a few contrived scenes.. and the relationship is pretty much spelled out from the beginning of the film and the two main character's FIRST meeting.. BUT, the way it's played is definitely not the same old formula.

Dennis Hopper easily slips into the aging hippie radical.. It's no surprise that he's comic gold. The more surprising part, and it is no knock against him, is Keifer Sutherland. He plays the straight man to the crazy radical, yet also brings an unexpected depth to the character of the FBI agent who's responsibility it is to take Huey (Hopper) back to jail.

Not saying Hopper's character lacks depth.. He is very much a cardboard cut out loudmouth that also has a depth to him when he refers to his regret of having been a fugitive for 25 years after pulling off an amateurish stunt against the establishment.

BUT.. the real surprise to me is still of course Sutherland.. in retrospect.. looking over his career, even up to this point, his most effective roles (and even now, on the big screen anyway) had been of villains and people who are evil.. pure and simple, and without reason for the most part. His character of the sadistic Ace Merill (Stand by Me) was a great role.. but rather just an evil role.. but, of course, Sutherland never let his evil turn into the level of mustache twirling.. He was the bully.. Or his later turns in the small parts in "A Time to Kill" and almost invisible (a completely omniscient and almost spectrual figure, well voice, in "Phone Booth". Here he plays the straight man.. An uptight FBI agent who triest to resist the humor and charm of the aging hipster..

And he seems to have a rather good time playing the almost lack of humor FBI agent.. then he gets his chance as the antagonistic prankster.. But, the most shocking.. Were two particular scenes between Buckner and Carol Kane regarding his childhood.. When he talks about going to school for the first time.. The second was just one simple moment where his character was totally changed.. I am assuming everyone has seen the film and know to what I refer here. As Buckner (Sutherland) watches a family video, watch Sutherland's reaction.. As his character totally breaks down..

Anyway.. I can only recommend this film to anyone.. who doesn't mind the language.. It is definitely a film for ADULTS.. but there are messages for the younger generations as well. So.. it's a buddy film.. there are opposing idealogies.. there's some character depth.. and a satisfying conclusion.. You will laugh, maybe cry.. and hopefully think about the generation that was and what it means to us now and how it may be important now than ever.