ga-bsi This isn't the best anti-war/ Vietnam film that I've watched, but it's a good solid effort that keeps you entertained and holds your attention for an hour and a half. The cast gives good steady performances with the exception of the actress who plays Sutherland's mother, her character comes across as weak and vaguely vacant. Robert Downey Jr is brilliant as usual, with comic yet tragic and self destructive portrayal of Ralph. Keifer Sutherland is gentle and romantic in his role, a perfect match for Downey's dysfunctional eccentricities. The scene in which Downey takes two LSD tablets then has a seizure is very powerful, especially after Ryder's tremulous speech at her graduation. The film's end is satisfying and manages not to be over the top or sappy, but rather a good emotional moment with a powerful end voice over from Sutherland.

haildevilman This would have been better titled "1988 with 1969 fantasies." The opportunity to re-do the sixties idealism to a new crowd was squandered here by stereotypes. It was clear the writers and/or producers got their ideas from nothing but a few library books.While the attempts to not go OTT with the fashions was honorable, they didn't go far enough. A few short dresses didn't cut it.And the older brother becoming an MIA was so predictable it was pathetic.The best thing about this flick was the soundtrack. I could listen to Cream's "White Room" all day.I kept waiting for Keifer to repeat Daddy Don's line from "Kelly's Heroes." "Give me those positive waves." Shaky at best.

karmacoupe i can see why some people dislike this movie, but i enjoyed it.good stuff: music (CSNY, Canned Heat, Creedence), costumes, subject, issues dealt with, cast! young Winona, Keifer & Robert Downey Jr., plus the van and cars, conflict btwn generationsbad stuff: melodramatic, simplistic, like a TV movie or Walt Disney.there was a 1999 'mini-series' (2-part) on cbs i think that was a lot like this. ie; it's more a TV movie than an Easy Rider or Platoon. If you go in with the 'TV' mindset i'm sure you'll enjoy it if you like this subject and/or era -- the Vietnam War and its effects on American families. i only knew of this era thru documentaries and books, but living in America in 2003, there are real war-tearing familial similarities that are only likely to get more exaggerated. seeing a portrayal, even a 'TV movie' version, just helps a little bit.

Paul Weissman Mediocre film about two young men coming of age in the title year. The acting is fine, obviously, considering the cast, but the script and direction pummels every point home with all the subtlety of a good Pete Townshend guitar smash. P.S.- - any scene in any film that uses the opening stanzas of the Hendrix version of "All Along the Watchtower" gets your adrenaline flowing. Didja ever notice that? (It happens once here)