Distant Thunder

Distant Thunder is an overlooked but impressive film. John Lithgow gives an oscar worthy performance and the cinematographty gives the film a haunting atmosphere. This film, along with John Frakenhimer's Black Sunday, is an excellent look at Vietnam vets that has, unfourtaneatley, been overlooked.

Now this is a brilliant saga of a father-son rivalry in an emotional and atmospheric drama set within the backdrops of the post-Vietnam war. I remember watching this film during the year when it was just out and for some reason it couldn't let go off my mind. John Lithgow and Ralph Macchio plays two opposite characters of a disturbed father and a lost son relationship which blends to an utmost perfect chemistry and with the slick and tight direction of Rick Rosenthal,(I wonder why is he doing only materials for TV nowdays) the film delivers some outstanding cinematography and manages to grip you until the powerful climax. Even though you are not fond of humanity dramas, this movie would still please you as you watch John Lithgow's Oscar-caliber performance and the message of Peace implicitly.I enjoyed it on the whole and I am glad its out on DVD!

The one scene that really impressed me was the point where John Lithgow's character does postal on a guy with a knife at a bar. It was many years ago since I've seen this film. I still remember that scene. The instant rage in Lithgow, the fear he had of his own actions, and how freakin big he really is. JL never really seemed like an imposing guy to me till then. Good dramatic actor, would like to see more...

This movie was really good, and yet nobody has ever heard of it. John Lithgow gave a great performance as a disturbed bush-vet, and Ralph Macchio also gave an exceptional performance as his son. At first I thought that this was going to be stupid because Lithgow wouldn't be able to pull off a dramatic roll, since he is so funny in 3rd Rock, but I was proven wrong! He did a great job. The only problem I had was the stories of why the other two bush-vets were there, it barley explained Harvey and it didn't explain Mark's other "Amigo" (if you haven't seen it, that's what they call each-other); other than that, it was great!

It's ashame that Lithgow's next movies were him playing a snooty British accent (thank God he found 3rd Rock!). 8/10

From the dark misty jungles of Viet-Nam comes this true life story written by Robert Stitzel and directed by Rick Rosenthal. It concerns Mark Lambert, (John Lithglow) a Viet-Nam Vet who returned from the war with more black memories than he could handle. Upon his return to the states, he realizes he cannot deal with his home life and thus deserts his wife and infant child. While living in the wooded highland of his state, he and several other veterans, (Reb Brown) exist day to day with their nightmarish memories in hopes of understanding them. During the same time, life continues and with it Jack (Ralph Macchio) his eighteen-year-old son who decides to locate his father. With the help of a friend Char (Kerrie Keane) the two meet and thus begins the search for who they once were. The film is brutal with explosive emotions and pent-up rage from both Father and Son who expect much, but realize time has become both an an enemy and an ally. Lithglow, gives a fabulous performance and Macchio holds his own. Together, theirs becomes a memorable moment in film history. Easily recommended for those seeking a good understanding of the Viet-Nam era and the souls it devoured. ****