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Special Features
- Theatrical trailer
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com essential video
An unknown Kevin Costner is magnetic in this entertaining road picture that bypassed most theaters when it was released in 1985. On the eve of their college graduation in 1972, five students go off for one last road trip together to righteously celebrate the privilege of youth. Kevin Reynolds expanded his grad-school film to make this one, which he also directed, and it caught the eye of Steven Spielberg, who made Fandango one of his first projects at the newly formed Amblin. Costner's charisma is undeniable in his first lead performance as Gardner Barnes, the free bird of the group. Barnes applauds buddy Kenneth's (Sam Robards) decision to cancel his wedding and now is talking him into dodging the draft. But lost love drives Gardner, too, and we see dreams of an abandoned beauty (Suzy Amis). Others in the car include stick-in-the-mud Judd Nelson (in his best performance), who is gung ho for fulfilling his duty in Vietnam, and the soft giant Dorman (Chuck Bush). Reynolds's aggressive camera style and great use of music (Elton John's "Saturday Night's Alright (for Fighting)" and Blind Faith's "Can't Find My Way Home" bookend the picture) make this film zing along. Reynolds and Costner went on to film (and fight off-screen) two more pictures, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and Waterworld, but they were never better together than in this first film. Being hungry Hollywood unknowns does have certain advantages. --Doug Thomas
Product Description
Winning comedic drama follows "the Groovers," a group of five recent college graduates in 1971. Led by the enigmatic Gardner, the buddies decide to take off for a final weekend "road trip" across the Texas badlands. Facing uncertain futures, the pals enjoy their final voyage through youthful frivolity before getting on to the long highway of adulthood. Kevin Costner, Judd Nelson, Sam Robards, Suzy Amis star. 91 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital 5.1, French Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, Spanish, French; theatrical trailer.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
34 of 34 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Five graduate college students, calling themselves the Groovers set out on their last road trip together to dig up Dom before going their separate ways. One a loner, one a ROTC, one confused, one a minister, and one passed out. Gardner Barnes played by Kevin Costner is the loner that will realize he should not have been so distant. Phil Hicks played by Judd Nelson is the ROTC that begins to appreciate life rather than constantly complain about it. Kenneth Waggener played by Sam Robards is confused about giving up a chance at marriage and whether he should show up for duty in the service. Dorman played by Chuck Bush studied for ministry but is not sure how to approach it. He finds that supporting those around him is the answer. Lester Griffin, played by Brian Cesak, is passed out for most their journey but will wake up just in time for their last night together. The directing, acting, sets, and music are all great.
This movie was never a big hit, but it strikes a chord with most people that recall graduating from High School or College and spending a short time with their friends before going their own way. The journey in this case is to dig up a bottle not a friend. The journey is what makes this movie great because we realize that life is a journey and the trip is what makes it, not getting to the destination. Some scenes are hysterically funny like the Parachute School jump with pilot Truman Sparks played by Marvin J., McIntyre. Other scenes like the wedding are truly poignant. Don't miss the movie, it is one of Kevin Costner's and Judd Nelson's best. Fans of the 80s movies will definitely enjoy it. Although the timeline for the movie is 1971, the message is the same today. Life moves forward, so embrace it. The picture and sound quality on the DVD is excellent and it includes some extras. The soundtrack for this is wonderful if you are fan of rock and new age. Pat Metheny's "It's for you" is a nice touch.
This movie was never a big hit, but it strikes a chord with most people that recall graduating from High School or College and spending a short time with their friends before going their own way. The journey in this case is to dig up a bottle not a friend. The journey is what makes this movie great because we realize that life is a journey and the trip is what makes it, not getting to the destination. Some scenes are hysterically funny like the Parachute School jump with pilot Truman Sparks played by Marvin J., McIntyre. Other scenes like the wedding are truly poignant. Don't miss the movie, it is one of Kevin Costner's and Judd Nelson's best. Fans of the 80s movies will definitely enjoy it. Although the timeline for the movie is 1971, the message is the same today. Life moves forward, so embrace it. The picture and sound quality on the DVD is excellent and it includes some extras. The soundtrack for this is wonderful if you are fan of rock and new age. Pat Metheny's "It's for you" is a nice touch.
14 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape|Amazon Verified Purchase
This little coming-of-age flick is a real gem. All of the comments of hungry actors, hungry directors, etc., etc., etc., are correct. And, perhaps, the wonderful script, the genuine enthusiastic acting, the flying stunts, the hundreds of moments we can all identify with (You've got to love the bottle rocket battle, and the broken down car scene), the soundtrack which is arguably one of the best uses of classic cuts by Blind Faith, Elton John, and the wonderful Pat Metheny ballad at the wedding, all pull this little cinematic adventure together.
Read all the reviews, see the movie, and then do us all a favor. With the myriad tons of junk released on DVD these days (and re- and re-released, with more "features", second disks of the director's brothers commentary, and on and on, ad nauseum), write a note to Warner, and maybe WB could do us consumers a small favor and release this on DVD. Hey, I'll buy the first. Maybe the second and third, too, as gifts.
This movie is one of those wonderful reasons to have a home theater, and share moments with family and friends, and maybe just sit around and have an evening to yourself, and cherish what the big screen can do. How about a little help, eh WB?
Read all the reviews, see the movie, and then do us all a favor. With the myriad tons of junk released on DVD these days (and re- and re-released, with more "features", second disks of the director's brothers commentary, and on and on, ad nauseum), write a note to Warner, and maybe WB could do us consumers a small favor and release this on DVD. Hey, I'll buy the first. Maybe the second and third, too, as gifts.
This movie is one of those wonderful reasons to have a home theater, and share moments with family and friends, and maybe just sit around and have an evening to yourself, and cherish what the big screen can do. How about a little help, eh WB?
13 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
Have you ever taken the ultimate road trip? Have you ever traveled that glorious byway of youth toward some pointless destination? And did you take all those detours down the side roads headed to grand new adventures promising endless fun? Do you remember those special people you left behind in their youth who are still very much a part of you today? Have you ever wondered what might have been had you not parted with that special girl who once you may have loved? And could you ever have imagined how your new beginnings would often cause such abrupt and melancholy endings?
Have you ever taken the ultimate road trip? You know, the one from yesterday to tomorrow, from childhood to adulthood, from high school or college to responsibility. Did you tarry along the way? And all the while, did you notice the direction home behind you was vanishing? Do you ever wish you could go back to those crossroads in your life, if only for a few moments, knowing what you know today? Do you cherish your choices? And most of all, do you cherish those unforgettable memories of your youth?
Or do you just like the shape of Texas?
If your fancy dances to any of these themes, then you should consider dancing this Fandango.
For almost two decades a Kevin Reynolds' classic has remained the best kept secret in Hollywood. It simply beggars belief. Fandango deserved better. Yes, I know . . . it's a bit sophomoric and far-fetched at times, but behind all the "Animal House" humor lies "Big Chill" substance. If you give it a chance, Fandango will do what it does best. It will take you home again, if only for a while. In a perfect ending, Fandango blends incredible music with such sweet sadness, it cannot fail to stir both heart and soul. So, don't miss this dance. It's a privilege of youth, and it's for you.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Well Worth the Watch
Pure and simple, I really enjoyed the movie. I cannot see giving it five stars as that would put it on par with the greatest films ever made (i.e. there is no six star rating). Read more
Published 1 month ago by Gregory L. Dauria
Fandango
Fandango is a coming of age movie set in Texas (Austin), in 1971. The main problem with the movie is the song "Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting". Read more
Published 3 months ago by Slick1984
Ok but a bit tedious at times
I don't get the love for this little known pic. I thought it got off to a woefully slow start - in fact, I fell asleep - but then picked up a bit for the big parachute sequence. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Brad Smith
What a Fandango
I love this movie....I had watched it a few years ago & thought
It was really cool,but the best thing about it I got to go to some
of the movie sites, Chata Ortega's was... Read more
It was really cool,but the best thing about it I got to go to some
of the movie sites, Chata Ortega's was... Read more
Published 9 months ago by subhuman
Great Movie
This is a great movie. I loved the great west Texas scenery. Kevin Costner and Jud Nelson were great. Read more
Published 10 months ago by EGR
Hilarious
This movie was a great surprise. I hadn't seen it but it was so funny and well worth the time to watch it! Try it, you'll like it!!
Published 14 months ago by staylor59
Fandango
A cool movie about friends who take one last road trip together after college and before going off to vietnam.
Published 17 months ago by joe majchrowski
This is a fantasic movie
I love this movie and have been waiting for it on DVD. The story, cast and music are great, especially Pat Metheny's music.
Published on May 18, 2010 by Brian J. Almeter
A good short movie
A enjoyable short movie with humor about the later sixties and early seventies, see a young Kevin Costner.
Published on April 2, 2010 by Robert H. Neria
Coming of age
One of Kevin Costner's early movies and one of his best. Rates high on my top twenty-five list. A coming of age movie for "The Groovers," five graduating college roommates in the... Read more
Published on December 9, 2009 by William J. Ostrander
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