American Graffiti- Review

A hoppin' and beautifully captured film. Designed for a upbeat and entertaining viewing, American Graffiti is an all round American classic that takes its audience members on a ride through drag-racing, teen romance and general 1960's nostalgia.

Directed by George Lucas, it features the talents of Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard, Paul Le Mat, Charles Martin Smith and Cindy Williams.

In this coming-of-age comedy, four high school friends who have recently graduated meet up to plan out their last night before heading for college the next morning. In what appears to be such a short night, these friends face new strains and challenges, last minute decisions and spur of the moment choices that may potentially open doors of opportunity for their new lives.

Unlike most teen films, this wasn't at all heavily clichéd. The characters were lively, unique and didn't have to rely on each other as much for character building. Different segments of this film focussed on individual characters. For instance, they all meet up in the beginning of the film, separate for the most part of the night (leaving opportunity to see pieces of individual character lives) and then allowing all characters to meet up again at the end. I found this particular order very well constructed as it enabled me to get to know the characters on a personal level and follow their thoughts, feelings and actions without multiple characters being overshadowed.

This film is listed on the IMDB top 100 movies of all time list. Why? Because it's an important film that shows some struggles in the early 60s, but also a time where people could feel free to go where they wanted, do what they wanted. In a pre-JFK assassination society, pre-social media and the seemingly inevitable antisocial behaviour, American Graffiti aims to speak to its audience about how it's okay as a teenager to not know the exact direction of the future, that it's okay to live in the moment or explore last minute adventures before departing for a new chapter. It never once expresses negativity towards teenagers and how their behaviours are ruining their surroundings. For that, it's a very likeable film that is sure to be enjoyed by many.

For a cruisin' good time in the swinging sixties, look no further than this beautifully tasteful and exciting gem.

Score: 8.5/10.