Fandango

I've been sitting on this movie for weeks, almost a month, literally. (Actually I just checked my Netflix queue, and I've had it for more than a month!) It was recommended by some coworkers a few years ago, but when I actually got it, the prospect of a stereotypical college road trip comedy didn't really grab me, so I kept putting off watching it...

Well, I am an idiot, because it turned out to be much more than a road trip movie. It weaves in themes of coming of age and loss of innocence, among others, but mostly without getting too preachy or heavy. If anything, it has several places (mostly in the middle) where it tries a bit too hard to be funny, just plain laying it on thick. But I find it easy to forgive this because it gets it right overall, and wraps up in an interesting and satisfying way.

It also has a rather young Kevin Costner whom I actually like for once; it turns out he can actually act! I wouldn't call this movie excellent or great, but it is good, especially if you like comedies that mix in some thoughtfulness, like The Breakfast Club...