Fandango (1985)

It’s an especially fun movie from a director and cast who are clearly having a good time allowing themselves to let loose.

A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

It's a good bad... and worth a popcorn matinée. While it's easy to lament what could have been...

It's simply great fun, a winsome film and an occasionally over-the-top luxury fantasy that never flags.

"Fandango" is one of those hard films to review and rate. Half part of the footage is funny and entertaining, but the other half is just boring and pointless. How to analyze a film like that?When you're going to watch a movie involving single guys traveling around, you'd expect it to have lots of fun-- and probably parties with girls. But here things don't happen that well. The only enjoyable things these guys did was trying to get a ride from a train in movement-- which didn't work, but happened to be a funny scene-- and a parachute jump out. These, along with the car discussion scene, are the only moments that I felt entertained and interested in the story. The rest of the time I could barely pay attention to what was happening, since the plot was quite weak. There's one guy of the group of friends that doesn't even talk; her job is only drink and toast beer-- and show his big paunch. However, we have a feel good ending which reminded me of some friends I haven't seen in a while-- but that's another story.

Five University of Texas fraternity brothers (led by Kevin Costner, Judd Nelson, and Sam Robards) hit the road in 1971 to deep West Texas for one last fling before their college careers end and for some possible combat in the Vietnam War looms. Muddled and somewhat confusing effort from a very young Kevin Reynolds as "Fandango" stumbles around awkwardly from its opening scenes and all but collapses with forced attempts at humor and drama ala George Lucas' "American Graffiti". The performers seem as lost as those behind the camera with Costner doing all he can to salvage the final product. A late jolt of energy nearly saves the movie, but even the final resolution seems a bit disjointed and really does not fit in well with what was seen to get to that point. Only for die-hard Costner fans, others are advised to stay away. 2.5 out of 5 stars.

This is probably my favorite movie of all time. Kevin Costner's roll of Gardner as a carefree rebel pays homage to legends such as Marlon Brando and James Dean of past. Judd Nelson is brilliant as a young ROTC student "dying" to become a soldier of war. My favorite part is when they arrive at the parachute jumping school. Truman is a such a great character that adds great comedy to the film. And who can forget the drunk they drag along with them. What, he might have 2 lines in the entire movie!? Awesome! It all comes to the beautiful wedding they conjure up out of nothing down in Mexico somewhere. If you have never seen this movie, you must see it! It is more of a guy flick, but I think females would still enjoy it also. It is a great road trip movie! Magnifico!!!!!!

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.