American Graffiti

George Lucas's second (and somewhat autobiographical) feature film with an all-star cast, including Harrison Ford, Ron Howard, Mackenzie Phillips, Richard Dreyfuss, and Cindy Williams. It tells the story of four boys and the three girls who tag along with them on the final night of summer. The high school aged kids all are cruising around town in their now-vintage cars. It has all of the types you ever went to school with: Milner, the tough guy, Curt, the quiet thinker, Steve, the all-American class president, Terry, the nerd, Carol, the tomboy, Debbie, the bad girl, and Laurie, the good girl. This movie also had many firsts, such as: it was the first movie to have a soundtrack of contemporary music and was also the first movie to tell multiple, interwoven plotlines.

I recommend this movie for anyone who loves good, old-fashioned fun. It is not something you would expect from George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars. It has the good messages of valuing your friends, but don't look too deeply. This movie is pure fun- no great themes, messages, philosophical ideas, etc. Actually, there are more bad ideas that could come from this movie than good. Even so, I know I've said this multiple times, but it is fun. However, I feel I must warn you. Be prepared to learn who the characters are unless you want to be very confused. Please, enjoy, but don't take too seriously.

3-1/2 out of 5 stars

Rated PG

-Maddy