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thomas_tate1950
Reviews
American Graffiti (1973)
A coming of age masterpiece
A 1973 coming of age classic that is remarkable in the fact that it contains no box office draw talent, but was a huge hit . The time period was a hook for baby boomer's who were asked " where were you in '62?" The film follows a group of teenagers at the last throes of summer who must make the choices we all must make about the future. Ron Howard leads the cast as a guy who has broken up with his girlfriend and his story intertwines with a hot rod enthusiast, a nerdy type who has a chance meeting with a hot girl, and a young Richard Dreyfus who encounters hoodlums that at first menace him, but eventually respect his cool nerve when challenged. The film is enhanced by some great rock and roll hits of the era. Before Star Wars made George Lucas a household name , this gem is in my mind one of his finest works. Rated PG for mild language. I would recommend this movie for those who enjoy nostalgic themes.
Kelly's Heroes (1970)
Another war satire
THIS MOVIE, WHILE HIGHLY ENTERTAINING CAN BE CONFUSING TO ANYONE STUDYING THE HISTORY OF WW2. Movies like this and "Mash", that also starred Donald Sutherland were very popular with the general public in that it portrayed military life based on the politics of the times. No one could make a movie about the Vietnam war in a negative light back in 1970.Hollywood skirted around this by making movies about the Korean war and World War 2. The only way to understand this attempt is to treat it as satire. Those opposed to the Vietnam war were the target audience for this prime example of manipulation. Donald Sutherland as a hippie tank commander is, in my opinion , one of the most absurd characters to grace the screen in many years. It is a pleasant diversion, but not to be taken seriously. Lots of fine character actors round out this interesting but not accurate war movie. I would recommend this movie for fans of Clint Eastwood, though. Myself included Starring Clint Eastwood, Telly Savalis, Don Rickles
No Time for Sergeants (1958)
Hilarious Andy Griffith Vehicle
Before Andy Griffith the movie star/ TV actor, there was Andy Griffith the stand up comic. Doing the naive hick routine was part of his comical act. One notable bit was entitled "What It Was, Was Football." In this bit he was very much like Will Stockdale explaining football . Naturally he was perfect for "No Time For Sargents." This movie showcased what a comic genius Griffith really was,and was also notable for being Don Knott's first movie. Later they would star opposite each other on the extremely popular "Andy Griffith Show." This is a very well done comedy about military life and I would highly recommend it for all ages. Co-starring Nick Adams.
The Girl He Left Behind (1956)
Comedy drama
A lot of fine character actors make up quite an entertaining film about army life during peace time. Tab Hunter gives a plausible performance as Andy Sheaffer, jilted boyfriend of Natalie wood's character Susan, who joins the army after flunking out of college. He has commitment issues with his girl friend as well as the army. Although he shows some promise, he feels disdain toward authority of any kind. Fans of Bill Murray's Stripes may see some similarities in this film. Particularly the fight scene between Shaeffer and his platoon Sgt. played by great character actor Murray Hamilton. Look for an early performance by James Garner as a bunkmate along with Jim Backus,Alan King and David Janssen. Directed by David Butler.