Fandango (1985)

To me, this movie is perfection.

Sorry, this movie sucks

Memorable, crazy movie

This story has more twists and turns than a second-rate soap opera.

"There's nothing wrong with going nowhere, son. It's a privilege of youth": I think this quote may best summarize "Fandango", which gives much to think about, also in comparison to what is considered the first of all road pictures, "Easy rider". The myth and the out of time fashion of these road trips along US highways, still today pulsing with sense of liberty, is an element of attraction for the public of every time, mainly if accompanied by some good and emotionally powerful music. "Easy rider" was set in the 60's, when the myth of liberty was at its height, it was the celebration of the hippie era, of an ideology and watching it after 40 years, conveys a sense of tenderness towards the ingenuity of these bikers going nowhere, believing in freedom from all constrictions but unconscious of what they were really looking for. "Fandango" is set in 1971 but shot in 1985, US and universal history have taught a lot of things, and what is evident there, mainly in contrast with "Easy rider", is the deep consciousness of these mates, they perfectly know what they are looking for, they want to escape from what is hanging over their future lives, knowing that the myth of life on the road has lost all credibility. It is more a celebration of youth, of an age when you think that friendship and fun will last for ever, but you know that time must come to an end, and you need to do something, in this case an unforgettable road-trip, in order to postpone that end and escape from the forthcoming adulthood. Fandango, although extremely funny, almost irreverent, in situations and dialogues, leaves traces of deep nostalgia, and melancholia, pervaded as it is by such fear about life, in terms of responsibility, burdens, troubles. The skydiving adventure meant as the most extreme searching for life, and a desperate way to exorcise the coming of adulthood, is the most effective moment of the movie. Fandango shows some clichés, which however are part of this kind of movies, it is deeply American in the passionate way it celebrates life, freedom and the feeling of being "born to be wild", through a strong visual impact. However, it is undoubtedly entertaining, moving, thought-provoking, and emotionally engaging: really worth seeing, at least only for the wonderful locations, which frame very good performances, mainly a young and deserving Kevin Costner.

Unlike the typical and hackneyed teenage or college "losing your virginity," and party movies of the 70s and 80s, this movie has depth as well as humor and sophomoric behavior. With Vietnam looming in the near future, a canceled engagement, and the end of college, four diverse friends head out on one last "Fandango" in south Texas to have some fun on a road trip to their buddy Dom with no money, but find so much more in self discovery. The movie also boasts a wonderful soundtrack as well as a fine performance by Kevin Costner in one of his first roles. I highly recommend it to any college age film fans or anyone who remembers the 70s.

I first saw this movie as a young, nine or ten year-old impressionable kid, so there are some sentimental attachments to this. This movie is very clever. As a comedy, it's amazing; some of the ideas (the parachute scene, for example) are absolutely genius. On top of all this is an amazing soundtrack, in which each song fits each scene eerily beautifully. When I first saw this movie I had just started guitar lessons and was leaning toward hard rock. This movie turned me on to some other heavy, tear-jerker type songs in "It's too late" (Carole King) and "Can't find my way home" by Blind Faith. Beautiful stuff. One of the few Elton John songs I like, "Saturday night's alright" as well as "Spooky" are perfectly placed. But nothing is placed as perfect as Pat Metheney's "It's for you". Now, I was a hard rocker and had only heard of Metheney when I saw this. This tune is so beautiful and haunting on it's own, and where it is in the movie, I almost dare you not to cry. Someone I know thought the movie was also sad, so it'ts unique. I would still classify it as a comedy more than anything. Funny stuff.

I actually was one of the dozen or so people that saw this film at the theater. I was a senior in high school so the timing was perfect to appreciate this movie. I have probably seen the film 40 times and still enjoying letting it run n the background when I am working at home on the weekends. It is truly a guy flick but even can appreciate the interaction between the characters. With most of the boys in the film slated to be shipped to Vietnam they are looking for one last Hoorah before there push into adulthood and possible demise. If I could change one thing about the film it would be the very last 5 seconds of the film. You have to see it to understand.Definitely Costner's best performance. This was back in the day when he was still hungry and not so caught up in the business. In the film he is reckless and short-sighted and carries the movie to the very end. Judd Nelson plays the friend in the group you always wanted to punch in the nose. But his constant negativity and whining are a perfect foil to Costner and the friction between the two is great.The soundtrack is fantastic. The scenery shot in south Texas is beautiful (I am a Texan born and bred so I am partial).I think it is an amazing early film for the director and I was quite surprised to read that Spielberg wanted nothing to do with the finished product.I actually bumped into Brian Cesak, who played the comatose Lester Griffin in the film, one night at a bar. Unfortunately for him I was drunk and I cornered him with about 50 questions about the film. He is now a successful Chiropractor here in Dallas. Nicest guy you'd ever want meetHis total script went: Well, listen, l'm gonna try and catch a ride with somebody. lt's been real. Call me sometime. Arthur Andersen in Dallas.For those of you that really love the film you should check out the Script online - script-o-rama.com. If you have seen the film as many times as I have you can hear the songs start at just the right point in the script (e.g Costner - "How bout a Fandango?")As with all movies some will love this one and others will hate it. But if you have not seen it check it out for yourself.Another hard to find but cult classic film you should check out is "The 9th Configuration" with Stacy Keach. Good luck finding it.