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Kevin Costner, Judd Nelson, Sam Robards, Chuck Bush, Brian Cesak ... see more see more... , Marvin J. McIntyre , Suzy Amis , Glenne Headly , Pepe Serna , Elizabeth Daily , Robyn Rose , Bill Evridge , Stanley Grover , Dana Halsted , Jane A. Johnston , Margaret Nelson , Bill Warren , Karl Wickman , Manley Adams , Don Brunner , Michael Conn , Ken Fagen , Ben Graham , Michael Maxwell Katz , Allen Keown , Bill Silver , Michael M. Vendrell , Jewel Watson

The still unknown Kevin Costner carries this film that involves five college roommates on a last "fandango" before they separately face the harsh realities of an unpredictable future. It is 1971, and ... read more read more...the Vietnam War has not yet ended. Gardner Barnes (Costner) has extended his college years by six semesters in an attempt to stave off the rapidly approaching future, Kenneth (Sam Robards) has just canceled his wedding in a drunken look at reality, Lester (Brian Cesak) loves alcohol and tags along with the group just to have a good time, Dorman (Chuck Bush) is devoted to existentialism and flights of poetic fancy, and Phil (Judd Nelson) is barely a member of the group because he is consorting with the enemy: he is a member of ROTC. This unlikely mismatch cavorts through several classic college pranks, among them taking bets on daredevil acts like skydiving into the middle of nowhere. As their high jinks continue, it becomes apparent that their real desire is not to live a wild life for its own sake, but to postpone the moment when they will have to leave school and its lifestyle behind them. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, Rovi

Flixster Users

72% liked it

5,476 ratings

Critics

50% liked it

6 critics

PG, 1 hr. 30 min.

Directed by: Kevin Reynolds

Release Date: January 25, 1985

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DVD Release Date: February 15, 2005

Stats: 284 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (284)

  • DrBenway
    May 2, 2009
    DrBenway
    A refreshing coming of age film dealing with college graduates in 1972. This is an ideal movie for a lazy sunday afternoon with Kevin Costner coming off as completely charming and Judd Nelson in one of my personal favorite roles. Nice soundtrack and hilarious scenes evenly balan... read moreced with drama concerning the journey to visit their old friend, Dom.

    Fandango is reminiscent of American Graffiti on a smaller scale but with the same sense of nostalgia and impending lost youth. It's definitely worth renting for a special moment at the beginning of Costner's and Reynolds careers when they were both young unknowns. It's refreshing to be reminded at how subtle and flexible Costner could be then, and at how good a debut the film was for Reynolds.
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  • bbcfloridabound
    January 3, 2009
    bbcfloridabound
    I was amazed at how you this all star cast was, One thing wasn't 1985 a little late to be filming movies about going off to the Vietnam war, I mean we pulled out of there in 1973, so what was the real point of this movie. It was funny, like the sky blue Cadillac with the truck fr... read moreont clip. I watched it because I am checking out all of Suzy Amis Movies and this was her first after he start on Miami Vice Episode 2 or 3 1st Season (She played penny). Anyway she was the girl in this movie and still very pretty. I'd rent it and save the $3.00 its only worth.
  • kenstachnik
    January 28, 2008
    kenstachnik
    Easy Rider meets Animal House with Kevin Costner and Judd Nelson.

    What's not to enjoy?
  • kylemydude
    July 21, 2010
    kylemydude
    Kevin Reynold's first film is a good effort. The ending seemed crammed trogether way too fast, like the last 10 minutes or so, besides that, it's a 7 star film.
  • HeroPK
    February 10, 2011
    HeroPK
    Another review I read sums this up "Easy Rider meets Animal House" with Kevin Costner and Judd Nelson.
  • hcbieler73
    April 28, 2008
    hcbieler73
    This is an awesomely funny movie starring a very young Kevin Costner and Judd Nelson... What makes this movie so great is that is does not have to go over the top to be funny. And the music just makes the film.....the best scenes in the move are set to such great songs as Carol K... read moreing's 'It's too late' and Steppenwolf's 'Born to be Wild'
  • owhitneygirl
    September 4, 2007
    owhitneygirl
    This movie was a bit hard for me to get into. On the bright side, you can tell it's one of Costner's first movies and he really stands out.
  • savatom
    August 9, 2007
    savatom
    I saw this a long time ago and forgot how good it was. If you haven't seen it, check it out, very entertaining.
  • LiliVonShtupp
    June 8, 2007
    LiliVonShtupp
    A truly great comedy/ buddy movie set in the Vietnam era. A bunch of college grads go on one last road trip together to find their buddy Dom. One of Kevin Costner's early roles. It also features Judd Nelson. Great soundtrack!
  • brons0n81
    May 25, 2007
    brons0n81
    After Giant this is the greatest film ever made about Texas. Also a wonderful look at the changes we go through in life.

View All Fandango Reviews

Critic Reviews

Christopher Null
March 9, 2005
Christopher Null, Filmcritic.com

you might dismiss the movie as filled with cliches, but cliches have to get started somewhere, and for my money Fandango is that start Full Review

Clint Morris
March 4, 2004
Clint Morris, Moviehole

A shining moment for Costner....A Warm, amusing flick

Brian Mckay
March 18, 2003
Brian Mckay, eFilmCritic.com

Kevin Costner's Breakout Role, and the Road Trip to end all Road Trips. Full Review

March 26, 2009
Variety

Click to read the article Full Review

Janet Maslin
May 20, 2003
Janet Maslin, New York Times

Click to read the article Full Review

Lori Hoffman
March 16, 2007
Lori Hoffman, Atlantic City Weekly

No review available.

Emanuel Levy
July 26, 2005
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com

No review available.

Nell Minow
November 1, 2003
Nell Minow, Movie Mom at Yahoo! Movies

No review available.

January 26, 2006
Time Out

Click to read the article Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Fandango Trivia

  • What actor starred in the movie Fandango.  Answer »
  • What movie is this quote from? "There's nothing wrong with going nowhere, son, its a privilage of youth."  Answer »
  • Which Brat Packer starred in these movies? Fandango New Jack City Cabin by the Lake Making the Grade  Answer »
  • The movie's wild stripper-thon is all boozing, brawling, and booty-shaking, plus a pimpish cat named Fandango.  Answer »
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