Une bringue d'enfer !

I hate to sound like a broken record, but this is my favorite movie of all time. I lost track a long time ago as to how many times I have seen this movie on tape. What a GREAT MOVIE. Kevin Reynolds clearly has this nailed down. Fandango is a movie about 5 fraternity brothers in the early 1970's who call themselves the 'Groovers', who decide to take off on a 'fairwell fandango' as a college graduation right of passage. We learn that they did the same 'fandango' earlier in their collegiate years, and in part, the purpose of this trip is to dig up a relic of that first adventure as the way to close out this chapter of their lives. Along the way, they take part in some wild adventures, deal with being drafted into the war in Vietnam, and meet some unique characters, all of which become the subject of the movie.

I love this movie for a number of reasons. #1, it takes me back to my collegiate days, and the craziness that seemed to define them. #2, it allows me to appreciate the people that populated each and every moment of college, as the characters in Fandango are eerily reminiscent of the fraternity brothers, classmates and band members that I spent 4 years of my life with. #3, it makes me realize that life is fairly short, and if we do it right...we'll be the better because of it.

The music in the movie seems tailored for every scene, even though there are cuts from great artists like Blind Faith, Elton John and Pat Metheney. In particular, the Metheney works in the film stand out. I cannot help but think of the wedding and final scenes when I am listening to Metheney's cuts from his 'Wichita Falls' and 'Works' tapes.

I would highly recommend this movie to anyone who wants to strip off the baggage in life for an hour and a half one weekend, flip the pages back a few years(or more) to the days that were more innocent and raw, and think about the people that were so important to you as you grew up into adulthood. And if you happen to like the shape of Texas like I do, you'll appreciate this movie even more.(see the movie and you'll know what I am talking about) Go ahead....take this wild ride for all its worth. You will not regret it!!

"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.

Quite simply the best film I've ever seen and as someone mentioned earlier, the `perfect' film. I've never known a film to captivate me to such a degree, and by the time Kevin Costner holds aloft his farewell beer at the end, you feel as though you're saying goodbye to a lifelong friend. There are so many scenes throughout which seem so uncannily familiar that its almost eerie, yet so comforting to watch. In those final few minutes, you're treated to some of the most beautiful scores that you could possibly wish to hear, a handshake that could tell a thousand words, and a stunning landscape which is the final destination for a group of friends who make the perfect combination. This will always be more than just a film to me. It's a key to unlock all those wondrous emotions that you once experienced many moons ago.

There is something so magical about this film and how it captures a fleeting moment in every young man's life. It's sentimental in the best way, harking back to lost youth and that transitional moment into adult responsibility. Kevin Costner has never been more charming (indeed I don't think he has ever tried) and director Kevin Reynolds imbuse this with such a touching sensibility and bravura filming style it really pulls at my heart. I discovered it on TV a decade ago and have always treasured the copy I managed to make of it. Why not available on DVD? Every other piece of s**t is. Wonderful. Not for everyone, not perfect but wonderful. The final frame I even used as a background on my PC for a while and the credits song...perfect. "Have a nice life."

On one level, "Fandango" may just seem like another nostalgia piece - in this case focusing on some college students in 1971 Texas. But it certainly has its moments. Kevin Costner and Judd Nelson make the most of their roles. If the movie has any problem, it's that it paved the way for director Kevin Reynolds to direct Kevin Costner in the brainless "Waterworld" (which itself paved the way for - gulp - "The Postman").

But one can ignore those and just bask in the fun here. You just may want to experience what the movie portrays. Also starring Sam Robards and Glenne Headly.

So, Scaramouche, Scaramouche, will you watch this "Fandango"?