Fandango

Starring: Kevin Costner, Judd Nelson, Sam Robards, Chuck Bush, Suzie Amis
Written by: Kevin Reynolds
Directed by: Kevin Reynolds
Year: 1985

Rating: * * * 1/2 Stars    +   (Fan Bonus - )   Total: * * * 1/2




A poignant coming of age story cleverly disguised as a road trip picture. Fandango is a film that reflects the joys and woe's of young men about to take their first steps into adulthood, and their last moments of youth.

The story is set in 1971, and focuses on five college graduates from the University ofTexas who decide to live up to a promise made years ago to "dig up" an old friend named "Dom" in the desert near the Mexican boarder. Facing the draft, marriage, and the military, they decide to have one last go at the privileges of youth.

Kevin Costner plays Gardner Barnes, a grifter at heart with the instincts of a seasoned con man. He convinces the others to come with him to find Dom, but has an agenda of his own. That being to dodge the draft by skipping off to Mexico. Judd Nelsen plays Phil Hicks, an ROTC student eagerly looking forward to going into the military, with its promise of a career and future. Sam Robards plays Kenneth Waggener, who also gets his draft notice. He panics, and breaks off his engagement with his fiancee. Chuck Bush plays Dorman, who remains mostly mute throughout the film. Dorman aspires to joining the monastery upon graduation, and seems to be guided by a moral compass, and beer.  The fifth student is essentially passed out drunk and doesn't get involved in the story. This may seem a bit unbelievable, someone unconscious for so long. But than again, I think we all knew someone like this back in college.

What we're treated to is one comedic scene after another as these guys, broke, hungover, and hungry, get involved in one wacky situation after another. However, the subtext is thought provoking and heartwarming. The more they try to forget their problems, the more they each have to personally face them. Flashback sequences are executed very well. They contain no dialog and are more metaphoric than pure memory.

Finally, they do come to terms with themselves, their future, and each other. This leads up to a touching conclusion that leaves audiences as uncertain about the character's futures as we've all been about our own. It perfectly illustrates that moment in our lives when we have to say goodbye to our past, and the people in it. Ultimately, Fandango is a wonderful comedy that will leave you with a tear in your eye.

SEE THE TRAILER: Fandango