Rating: 
Summary: A movie about the past that was ahead of it's time
Review: Just think. If this film had tanked, we would have never experienced the pleasures of Laverne and Shirley, Joanie Loves Chachie, and JarJar Binks. Hmmm. Maybe it was not such a good thing this movie was successful.Take two. Just think. If this film had tanked, we probably would have never had the TV show Happy Days, or the whole Star Wars phenomenon. Now Happy Days had it's share of stupidity, but it also grabbed our cultural attention for many years. And the Star Wars series grabbed this country like nothing before or since. It all came about because George Lucas's rememberances of his youth earned such a big bundle of money that he was allowed to make his little space epic. It made a lot of money because it captured the way we want to feel about a certain part of our history. Maybe it's a little more romanticized than reality, but that's the movies for you. And no matter how old we are when we watch it, we want to be the age of the characters when this all occurred. The movie is a classic because it lets six distinct stereotypes be fleshed out as living human beings: the intellectual, the class president, the greaser, the nerd, the good girl, the not-so-good girl. We get to see all of them express their best and worst behavior, and in doing so, got to understand why it is they act this way. Compare that to the portrayals of teenagers in most movies. Of course, the movie wouldn't have been anywhere near the classic it was if it weren't for the virtual wall-to-wall soundtrack. In this case, I don't mind at all that established hits were used (vs. an original soundtrack). This is the music they were listening to at the time, and each song was chosen correctly for the mood of the movie at the time. This is a movie that has respect for it's young characters. I can't say that about most of the movies I see these days.
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Summary: Rock around the clock.... again.
Review: Before George Lucas took us to a galaxy far, far away he took us to California, 1962. AMERICAN GRAFITTI is easily one of the greatest and most successful nostalgia trips on film as Lucas made the film extremely personal. It even shares many elements with his ongoing space epic. We've got Ronny Howard as a youth who feels that, if there is a center to the universe California is in the corner farthest from... And of course, we have young men who constantly tinker with their vehicles like Han Solo. In fact, the greatest of these mechanics/drivers takes on an incredible threat when he races... Han Solo. But, there the similarities run thin. GRAFITTI is an ensemble piece with a group of young adults dealing with the end of an era. Scenes were designed and paced to match with classic 50s music that fills the film soundtrack. Four intertwining stories rock around the clock. Kurt (Richard Dreyfuss) spends his screen time pining for an elusive blonde beauty played by Suzanne Sommers. His quest leaves him to the company of a group of hoodlums, then in the reach of Wolfman Jack and finally, alone. Steve and Laurie (Ron Howard and Cindy Williams) struggle to straighten out the status of their relationship before he heads off to college. He has more problems handing off her then he did giving his car to Toad (Charles Martin Smith). Toad spends his first evening with serious wheels cruising the strip and getting involved with Debbie (Candy Clark) who drives him to his limits and a greatness of sorts. John Milner (Paul LeMat) also picks up a girl while cruising, but Carol (Mackenzie Phillips) is too young for his ego and works on his sanity. All of this is done with very little adult intrusion. AMERICAN GRAFITTI is a gorgeous film and this wonderfully remastered DVD makes it even more special. Plus, the documentary is pretty cool, even if it is a bit self-congratulatory. A forgettable sequel, MORE AMERICAN GRAFITTI, followed this film.
Rating:
Summary: This is the way it was!
Review: Having gone to high school at the same time as the teenagers in this movie classic, I can tell you with some authority that it rings true. All of the classic characters are there--the popular class president, played by Ron Howard; the cheerleading captain, Cindy Williams; the nerd; the tough guy with the heart of gold who drives around in his souped-up car looking for a race; the young wannabe who acts tough just to fit in, MacKenzie Phillips; the young man who can't make up his mind as to what he want out of life, Richard Dreyfuss; and the challenger for other guy's girls and their bragging rights while drag racing, Harrison Ford. Half of the fun is the classic rock 'n roll music played in the background, along with the clothes and hairdos which are defintive early 60's. Come cruisin' with the great cast of "American Graffiti" and see what life was really like back then.
Rating:
Summary: An classic comedy film about the coming of age.
Review: On the last night, when friends, which some won`t never see eachother again. Which most of time on that night, they spin on Cruising in the Night, for Possible Adventure, anything before Dawn. Discover that thier lives will be changed, something for the better or worse in one unforgettable night in thier Coming of Age. Directed by George Lucas (Star Wars) has made an entertaining coming of age film. Terrific Performances by Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard, Paul Le Mat, Cindy Williams, Charles Martin Smith, Candy Clark in a Oscar Nominated role and Mackenzie Phillips. Watch for Radio Host:Wolfman Jack (In a Cameo) and actors:Bo Hopkins, Kathleen Quinlan and Harrison Ford in small roles. Watch quick for Suzanne Sommers cast as a extra. Written by George Lucas, Gloria Katz and Williard Huyck were Oscar Nominated for Best Original Screenplay. This film was also Oscar Nominated for Best Director, Best Film Editing and Best Picture. DVD has an clean anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1) transfer and an good digitally remastered Dolby Stereo 2.0 Surround Sound. DVD include:An 80 minuted documentary with interviews from the Cast & Crew, Production Notes, Cast & Information and Tralier. This is a lighthearted, likable film has become a instant classic. Digitally Remastered in THX Picture Quality and Sound. Techniscope. Grade:A.
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Summary: Joyride back to 'Cruisin' '62' -- First and Best in Genre!
Review: This multi-layered DVD version of "American Graffiti" is the best trip back to the summer of 1962 Hollywood ever had to offer! The eventful night when freshly graduated high school friends contemplated their futures while immersed in small town America's car-hops, drive-in movies & doo-wop music (the soundtrack is one of the best featured in ANY film!), is shown in "real time". Richard Dreyfuss is perfect as the smart kid, ready to drive off to college the next morning, but wondering if he's doing the right thing. Ron Howard and Cindy Williams get some practice for their soon to follow "Happy Days", while Charles Martin Smith and Candy Clark are wonderful as the goofus who wants to show a pretty girl a good time. Wolfman Jack plays himself (and cupid) when he plays a very special request going out from Richard Dreyfuss to his dream girl Suzanne Sommers. Look for a pre-teen McKenzie Phillips and a young Harrison Ford in minor roles. This film is a big winner in my book!*****
Rating: 
Summary: How to be really cool without trying
Review: There was a huge cultural confusion in the mid 1970s. A great many people thought we were still in the 1950s. This was no bad thing, because the forces that brought us Showaddywaddy, Shakin' Stevens, Mud, Darts, and the television revivals Oh Boy! and Lets Rock! were also responsible for Grease, Happy Days, and American Graffiti. We are so used to seeing George Lucas's name associated with Blockbusters, that it's easy to forget what a good director of actors he is. Despite this film containing a couple of great set pieces with hot rods and chicks, attention is never diverted from the good performances, particularly of Richard Dreyfuss and Ron Howard. Paul Le Mat also stands out here as someone who could have gone on to become a big star, but appears to have concentrated mainly on character parts. The other major star here is the Soundtrack album, which sold very well at the time, being one sure way of getting hold of those difficult to come by Rock 'N' Roll hits. Pride of place goes to the one which started it all Rock Around The Clock by Bill Haley And His Comets, the song that caused cinema goes to rip up seats when it was used in 1950s films Blackboard Jungle and Rock Around The Clock. The remainder of the tracks have an air of quality about them that few other films can match. Despite being set nearly twenty years before it was made, American Graffiti still holds up well nearly thirty years after it was made, and is an invaluable document of what we were all doing in the 1970s!
Rating:
Summary: A Genuine American Classic
Review: This is where George Lucas' brilliant Hollywood career really got started. This is a magical film that is still fresh today as it was many years ago. The storyline is pretty much about a bunch of California teens in the summer of 1962 who are on the verge of impending adulthood. Everybody can relate to that story in some form or another. The greatest thing this film has going for it is the incredible cast : Ron Howard, Richard Dreyfuss, Harrison Ford, Cindy Williams, Paul LeMat, Mckenzie Phillips, Candy Clark, and, of course, the hilarious Charles Martin Smith. I don't know anybody who hasn't laughed til it hurt at Charles' opening scene with the motor bike. Hilarious. This is a feel good and very nostalgic film that can be viewed over and over again. Watch out for a cameo by Suzanne Sommers too. A great teen classic.
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Summary: Suitable for Repeat Viewing!
Review: During the 1970s there was a tremendous interest in '50s nostalgia, and American Graffiti hit the target dead-on. It has been stated many times, but this film's soundtrack is without a doubt the finest collection of '50s/early '60s songs. Those who were immersed in the '70s muscle car scene simply salivated at the romantic portrayal of cruising and street racing. While this film is most often remembered today as a springboard for several future super-stars, it is much more than that. The key story element centers around high school friends going their separate ways, leaving the lifestyle they love behind. Anyone with fond memories of high school will be touched by the confusion and doubts that each character experiences when facing an uncertain future. This is a truly great film by any measure...highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: George Lucas's film making talents get started.
Review: After making THX-1138, Lucas decited to make his next film as a tribute to his early teenage/young adult years in the 1960's, and this movie, about a group of young friends who bid goodbye to being teenagers and are about to enter the world of adulthood is told through great acting, a good screenplay, and music provided by radio DJ, Wolfman Jack. Many leading actors got their start with this movie including Ron Howard, Cindy Williams, Harrison Ford, and Richard Dreyfuss. this movie was also the last time Lucas worked within the stuido system, after 10 minutes of footage he thought were important to the movie were removed at the stuido's urging. Something that Lucas could not restore to the final print until several years after he had become a successful film maker. After that all of his movies that he ever made afterward (including the STAR WARS movies) were done entirely by his film company, Lucasfilm LTD.
Rating:
Summary: Perfect in every way
Review: This is a must-own DVD, perfect in every way. This is the Lawrence of Arabia of late 50's California. The director perfectly captures a rite-of-passage night with incredible texture and integrity. This is one of those films where disbelief is immediately suspended and the viewer is drawn in - without protest. What makes it work particularly well is the music. Its a perfect backdrop and perhaps for those of us who remember sounds more than many other things its the critical factor in involving us. Its also a hoot seeing young Ron Howard, Richard Dreyfuss, McKenzie Phillips, Harrison Ford, and others. In some ways, I wonder if it wasn't some of their finest performances.
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