Rodrigo Amaro Touching, funny and bittersweet like those good memories of a time we know it'll never come back, "Fandango" is one of those small films who greater in experience and in creating delightful and enjoyable moments, rewards us with valuable lessons and fun sequences together. A movie with all those virtues should be more known. Even if the path traveled by writer and director Kevin Reynolds isn't one so original and very reminder of memorable classics from the 1970's (there's so much of "The Deer Hunter" and "American Graffiti" in this), it's still a great film to be seen time and time again.In 1971, a bunch of good friends is trying to have one last blast before going to Vietnam and deal with the unknown that surrounds their lives, not only when it comes to go to a war but also with their relationships, their friendship, and the hardest transition of growing up, leave college and the crazy days of parties behind, facing responsibilities and set a goal for themselves. Led by the wild and rebellion Gardner (Kevin Costner, in one his earliest leading roles), the group - composed with the serious Philip (Judd Nelson), Kenneth (Sam Robards), Dorman (Chuck Bush) and the stoned/practically absent Lester (Brian Cesak) - heads down to Mexico where it was decided that at least two of them will desert from their military duties. While they don't get there, it's time for having fun, doing stupid things (as evidenced by the title right at the beginning, Fandango not only is a Spanish dance but also a foolish act) or thinking about the haunting future that awaits for them. Above all enjoying, as they say, the privileges of youth. One of the craziest ideas revolves on a proof of courage where Philip, the most whining and frightened member of the group, will have to participate, which is skydiving, supported by an airhead pilot (Marvin J. McIntyre). Not only this part is the most thrilling and the most unforgettable of the whole film but it's also was the one that took this project way up high when it was presented on a short film directed by Reynolds in 1980, seen by Steven Spielberg, who green-lit and expanded the idea for a feature film. Genial move but too bad he wasn't patient enough to see what the film would become (Spielberg, for whatever reasons, asked to have his name removed from the film). I think this has a heart and soul that overcomes its problems, its heavily clichéd moments, managing to be one great and beautiful project. Similar contemporary films don't have the touch this had in presenting all of its analyzed themes. They're too loud, ridiculous and overworked. Reynolds and his team of actors seem to be offering little but that's not the case; it's small things that become greater, rich and expansive in our hearts and minds. More than just one view is recommended, trust me, you'll get different reactions and sensations while seeing this. A tiny and somewhat pointless complaint of mine is that "Fandango" should go a little longer, developing a bit further the relationship between Kenneth's girl (Suzy Amis) with Gardner (seen through flashbacks or dreams, it's not quite clear that). A special mention must be made to the fantastic soundtrack, both Alan Silvestri themes and the selection played throughout the boys adventures with classics from Cream, Carole King, Elton John (Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting in the opening titles when the group starts their trip - though it suits well the scene it's quite a goof this music inclusion in it), Steppenwolf and Blind Faith, just to mention a few. Memorably impressionable, a true underrated gem from the 1980's that must be seen. This is special. 10/10

biggar57 A friend recommended this movie shortly after its release. It was and still remains one of my favorite movies of all time. The musical score combines perfectly with each scene, making it the story flow from one emotion and memory to the next. Being from that era, it was like living snippets of my life all over again. From my perspective it has some of the funniest scenes I have ever seen. My friends and I have lived much of this movie! The graveyard scene, the wedding scene and the reunion with DOM, are etched forever in my mind, as they epitomized certain realities that all of us go through. I recommend this movie to everyone over the age of 45. It doesn't have the 3D effects and in your face conflicts that the youngsters require to enjoy a movie. "There's nothing wrong with going nowhere son, its the privilege of youth" Truer words have never been spoken.We must be raising our son correctly, at the age of 11, he loves the movie too!

john-sigmon Never written a review on a movie before, but Fandango definitely breaks the mold. The characters, music, scenery, locations, and plot are absolutely spectacular.In a nutshell, Fandango is story of friendship, camaraderie, loyalty, lost love, overcoming fears, taking responsibility, growing up, and saying goodbye.I never get tired of seeing this movie, it contains life lessons applicable to all of us. Buy the DVD and share it with others - they will thank you for it.Also, sometime in your life I highly recommend you take a road trip through West Texas (Midland/Odessa, Monahans, Pyote, Marfa, Alpine, Marathon, San Elizario, El Paso, and Big Bend National Park) - you'll be glad you did.

Bob_Zerunkel If you like movies about a man in turmoil, acted by a man with little expression, then this is your movie. Keanu Reeves could take lessons from Costner about how to shout and keep your voice at a conversational volume. If you're one of those people who finds deep meaning in anything Costner says, then boy, oh boy, will you be happy with this poorly written American Graffiti knockoff about 5 guys who choose to be losers for no apparent reason. On a positive note, the aging post-hippies are right: the music is exceptional. Costner, once again, in a movie about a man with conflicted emotions. What a stretch!