Genres

Visitors Review

Scott Weinberg 2012-05-23 01:37:00

Surprisingly engaging drama with a few great performances.

Paul Weissman 2012-05-22 11:25:21

**

Mediocre film about two young men coming of age in the title year. Theacting is fine, obviously, considering the cast, but the script anddirection pummels every point home with all the subtlety of a good PeteTownshend guitar smash. P.S.- - any scene in any film that uses theopeningstanzas of the Hendrix version of "All Along the Watchtower" gets youradrenaline flowing. Didja ever notice that? (It happens oncehere)

2012-05-19 06:10:53

1969- A Time Capsule

Robert Downey Jr., Kiefer Sutherland, Bruce Dern, Winona Ryder, Mariette Hartley star in a movie about the Music, The Anger(Remember Riots & Revolution in the streets), and The Innocence of a generation who believed they could change the world!At the end of the 1960s, Scott and Ralph, two college kids from a stuffy, upper-middle class suburban town, decide to spend the summer on the road, living out of their van and experiencing all the freedom the counterculture(Hippie)has to offer. Family conflicts and the harsh realities of the war in Vietnam, however, interfere with their idyll. Scott's older brother, who Scott self-rightously criticized for going to war, is reported missing in action and then comes home in a casket. Then Ralph is arrested for stealing his file from the draft board to avoid duty. Before their "last summer of innocence" is over, Scott and Ralph learn that there's more to being radicals than just drop out and tuning in.If you were there or wish you had been 1969 is the movie for you!96 minutes, Rated R

karmacoupe 2012-05-18 19:04:37

the buddy road film meets the TV mini-series

i can see why some people dislike this movie, but i enjoyed it.good stuff: music (CSNY, Canned Heat, Creedence), costumes, subject,issuesdealt with, cast! young Winona, Keifer & Robert Downey Jr., plus the vanand 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 lotlikethis. ie; it's more a TV movie than an Easy Rider or Platoon. If you goinwith the 'TV' mindset i'm sure you'll enjoy it if you like this subjectand/or era -- the Vietnam War and its effects on American families.i only knew of this era thru documentaries and books, but living inAmericain 2003, there are real war-tearing familial similarities that are onlylikely to get more exaggerated. seeing a portrayal, even a 'TV movie'version, just helps a little bit.

haildevilman 2012-05-13 15:56:59

Please....

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

2012-05-13 10:00:34

1969

great movie, very emotional at times..long list of stars and music that brings back a flood of memories...good movie to watch for what was happening in the late 60's not only with vietnam but on the homefront to all the families.

Jack Gattanella 2012-05-13 14:56:59

A movie poorly executed by and for the hippie culture, made nineteen years after the title year

I only watched 1969 late night one night because the title indicated tome that it might be a film dealing with the issues of the time in theyear with sincerity or promise, or even as a documentary. I didn't knowhow the film would go after the first couple of scenes I saw, but BruceDern seemed formidable enough to keep a watch. When the credits startedto roll though I thought to myself, "what a cliché ridden disaster thisbecame, why did I stick with it?" I guess I stayed tuned because the actors seemed promising enough- Dernin a supporting role as a hard-nosed father, his son in the lead playedby Kiefer Sutherland, his cocky best friend played by Robert DowneyJr., and his beautiful sister played by Winona Ryder. Sutherland'scharacter, Scott, decides he doesn't want to go to Vietnam like hisbrother, so he enlists into college with Downey's character, Ralph, andthe two begin to discover what they've been sheltered from- free-love,drugs, and soon enough sex. Some of these early scenes seemed to look kind of silly, but I enjoyedthe (partly obvious) soundtrack and thought if I stayed with picture(instead of flipping to a different, better movie) it might pay off inthe second or third act. I got proved wrong, as line after line andmoment after moment seemed to lower my expectations, and the charactersheaded towards an last scene that made me want to puke in my lap.The probable cause of the pits in this movie come from writer/directorErnest Thompson. I don't know who he is really, and I haven't seen anyof his other efforts as a filmmaker, but it looked as though he waseither tapping into his own by-the-numbers first account of the turmoilthat went with coming of age in that year, or was tapping into thememories of other baby boomer yuppies who still try to think back towhen they wanted freedom before gluing themselves into the "me"generation. The players tried to do what they could, a couple of scenes had somelaughs, and I grinned at a line or two from Downey Jr. Yet I couldn'tget over how much the movie hit its well intentioned points home withnear propagandizing techniques. To sum it up, this is absolutely thesoapy, "made-for-television" version of what life was like in 1969. Ifyou want the truer, earthy version(s) see Woodstock or Easy Rider -those two may be folklore at this point for that generation, but atleast they work as being entertaining thirty-four years later to thefollowing generation. Grade: D

2012-05-12 17:49:05

Excellent soundtrack/solid cast

By now, we're used to the coming-of-age theme in movies about this era. But what makes ''1969'' special is its subtlety, in recognizing the differences in the way we reacted to news, gestures, comments in 1969 as compared to now. The term ''innocence'' is overused; it was simply one of fewer dimensions... no internet, fewer TV channels, when newspapers and radio took on a far greater role in forming our decisions. In the hitch-hiking and driving scenes through scenic Maryland, we remember that travel wasn't always comfortable, that we didn't take for granted getting from point A to point B.Keifer Sutherland, Robert Downey Jr. and Winona Ryder are all fantastic, but Mariette Hartley really does a stellar job as a mom that keeps a family together through incredible strife.And the soundtrack is really what'll have you hooked. There are the usual 60's staples like Blind Faith (''Can't Find My Way Home''), but also some songs younger viewers might be unfamiliar with or older ones might've forgotten (like the underrated, powerful ''When I Was Young'' by the Animals).Not a definitive look at an era, but a likeable cast of characters that will have you coming back to watch again.

Zoe-18 2012-05-04 07:12:11

Relive the excitement of the 60's . . . Enjoy!!!

If you've never experienced the turbulence and confusion of the 60's . . .this film gives a good "feel" . . . the music alone captures theexperienceand "feel." . . . I couldn't say this is a great movie . . . but, I cansaythat this gives one a "great" feel for the 60's and the confusion duringtheVietnam war . . . one that exemplifies the reasons why we protestedagainstthis war. Watch this movie . . . you wouldn't be disappointed . . . youmaybe enlightened.

2012-05-03 23:31:16

1969

This review is from: 1969 (DVD) The DVD very good shape. The story wasnt too bad. it was a good film about that time period.

2012-04-28 08:25:18

Classic Movie / Awesome Soundtrack

Greetings,This was a classic movie with a feel close to home, even though in the movie they delt with Vietnam its a real good movie today with the war in Iraq. The soundtrack brought back memories of the late 60's and the story balances out the music. If you enjoy Winona Ryder and Kiefer Sutherland than this is the movie for you..

JawsOfJosh 2012-04-27 19:06:38

Well-meant but lighthearted look back on the 60's

For a directorial debut, "1969" is better than average, but for an overallcoming-of-age movie, it misses its mark somewhat. Ernest Thompson tells thestory of two college freshmen, Scott and Ralph, who are coming to terms withthe grips of the world at present (Vietnam, family, patriotism, drugs) whiletheir smalltown home, and their own parents, remain buried in the ideals ofthe flag-waving 50's. Scott is naive, idealistic and hopeful; Ralph iscynical, careless and wild. Although opposites, they complement each other. Scott wishes to become another human catalyst to help change a world hesees as having limitless possibilities. Ralph just wants to get high,ignore his studies and stay out of Vietnam. In between them is Beth,Ralph's younger sister whose also coming into age and also in conflict withthe world at hand. Both guys have trouble with recognizing Beth as a newwoman and not just a kid anymore. Although the story centers on Ralph and Scott, all three of them are at odds- in different degrees - with their parents. Scott is in most turmoil. Hisbrother has just been shipped off to Vietnam and their father beginsprojecting hostility towards Scott for objecting the war. Truthfully,Scott's father has deep fear about the fate of his son in Asia, but clumsilyhides it under a blanket of patriotism. One misused character was Beth;whose personality was equal parts of her brother and his best friend; shehad Ralph's sense of reality and Scott's optimism. I thought she wouldserve as the bridge between Scott and Ralph but she is used rather as thecause of a rift when Scott and Beth become romantically involved. I liked this film just for the energetic performances by Robert Downey Jr.,Winona Ryder, Bruce Dern, and most of all Kiefer Sutherland as the wide-eyedwishful. The film score is totally corny (especially in the finale), butThompson puts good 60's tunes to fill in the scenery. The film does have arealistic vision of smalltown life and effectively creates those varioushippie hangouts like angry college campuses, head shops, and nude beaches.Its not "The Doors", but it works.

Jim 2012-04-26 11:22:56

Doesn't really capture the period...

I graduated from high-school in 1968. Guys in the neighborhood, my friends,cousin, older brother, everybody it seemed, was being drafted. I joined theArmy Reserve in 1969 to dodge the draft. (I wasn't college bound at thetime.) Most everyone I knew made it back okay or didn't go to Vietnam. No onereally close to me died, but I knew some that did. Some who did go toVietnam, came back a little screwed up, some a lot. Many laughed aboutkilling civilians or atrocities against the enemy. It alway seemed like anexaggerated, overly macho, nervous king of laugh. But it was okay, it was'pay-back' in their minds.I was in basic training during the walk on the moon and Woodstock in 1969. I'm glad I didn't go. I wish that some of the guys I went through basic andadvanced training had not gone. I met some really great guys there (I hopethey're all okay.) I still can't understand why so many volunteered. My father was a World War II veteran with a purple heart who fought inEurope. He didn't believe in the Vietnam war and he wasn't ashamed to sayso (maybe because he was a father). I watched the death counts on the 6o'clock news with him, through my junior and senior high school years. Iknew it would be over soon and I wouldn't have to be involved, but itwasn't, and it was possible that I would be. I listened to the A.M. radio stations each night before I went to bedlistening again to the death counts, and to dedications from young girls totheir boyfriends and young husbands. They always played 'Soldier Boy' and'Mister Lonely' as they read the dedications. It made you feelsick.I've yet to see any movie that really conveys the true feelings of thattime, but I do see a lot of parallels to what is going on today in theMiddle East today. A lot of young guys that are being convinced of the sameconcepts of 'my country, right or wrong', 'love it or leave it', and ofcourse 'pay-back'.This movie did try. At least it made me think about making a comment. Itsends a good message, but lacks the true feelings of the times, i.e., totalconfusion and desperation.

2012-04-25 19:30:45

Very good movie!!

Thank you for the movie. Kiefer Sutherland is a great actor and always enjoy to watch his work. The movie 1969 is a good movie to watch.

2012-04-25 09:08:25

1969

This review is from: 1969 (DVD) Sweet movie about family, society and relationships during a time of dynamic change. Even at this early stage of their careers, Kiefer Sutherland and Robert Downey Jr. clearly demonstrate the acting ability which will make them future stars.

Colin748 2012-04-24 12:07:57

Odd movie good cast.

This is a very strange movie but not in a very bad way.Some of the actingispoor and could have been much better.I liked most of the movie but thestoryis off the road and rather "drunk".1969 is a good movie to view byyourself.A lot of 80's films such as this one are corny but good at thesametime.

WolfMan-21 2012-04-20 00:47:32

Shallow perhaps but meaningful

Granted there wasn't much of a plot to 1969 and the acting was fair,but nevertheless I thought the film did accomplish something important.It made you realize that this kind of "drama" - coping with theaftermath of a Vietnam KIA - played out in tens-of-thousands of homesthroughout the country during the '60s and '70s. The sum of all thatpain and anguish makes me cringe. I served in South Vietnam from thesummer of '68 to the summer of '69 in the USMC and I am glad to seethis kind of message portrayed in a movie. It keeps alive the sufferingendured by family and friends from that time. Maybe that sounds morbidbut I think it's important for the here and now to acknowledge andremember that suffering. We can use it to give us perspective on howfortunate we are to be able to flourish and live to a ripe old age. Forme of course it has special meaning. I could have ended my life at 19and would have missed so much.But that's what happened to so many. A horrible shame.

ga-bsi 2012-04-19 07:39:42

Good Film

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

2012-04-09 18:58:07

bad acting

This review is from: 1969 (DVD) not a very good movie at all, people claim good soundtrack, not really. a couple pieces of the typical 60s anthems.Winona Ryder is terrible, makes you wonder how she ever got more work, oh thats right she's good looking. about the same sentiments for Kiefer and Robert. Subpar.Nothing in the movie seems very believable. Let's see 2 friends graduate high school in late 60s, head out on the road to find themselves, vietnam draft, brother killed in action, bad acid trip, fall for friends little sister, run away to Canada, have change of heart, return home to lead fight against the war, the end. not to original of a story line and very poorly carried out.you might want to consider renting instead of buying. I think I would have been better off never watching this.

2012-04-09 13:10:07

Surprisingly good and timely anti-war "period piece"

1969 is very special to me. I graduated from high school, went to Woodstock, and attended every anti-war event I could find. I would be inclined to watch any movie about this period, but when this one came on "Tivo" as a suggestion, I was skeptical. The Tivo guide gave it two stars and suggested that it was about nothing but a couple of guys doing dope on the road.It is actually a pretty powerful anti-war movie, with fine acting from Winona Ryder, Keifer Sutherland, and Robert Downey, Jr., who were big stars in the '80s and I am surprised this was not more of a box office hit for their presence in the cast.The scenes are realistic, portraying the happy-go-lucky yearsof hitchiking, campus protests, "sensitivity" and all that, andthe music is well-chosen for the most part. I thought that there was a gratuitous homophobic scene early on, when the boys are picked up by a not-so-creepy slightly older hippie type and go ballistic, but even that scene is saved by the gay guy yelling out to them as they run away, "I didn't know you were married!"Scott (Sutherland) is a thoughtful individualistic boy, very typical for the time, and you get the sense that his older brother, headed for Vietnam as a Marine, is not that different, but timing is everything. Bruce Dern as the WWII veteran father is surprisingly convincing (I thought he could only play creepy types) The story is fairly predictable but well done.Ryder is great playing "Beth" younger sister of the Downey character. And what is it with these early Downey roles? Art imitates life or is it vice-versa? We see him here flipping out on LSD, running around almost naked, etc., same thing we see later in his performance as "Julian" in "Less than Zero".He's probably the finest of the actors in this film, but this is not his best role. I thought Sutherland did better and, what's more, looked better. He is the star of this movie.Too bad he is wasting his talent these days on Fox's tacky "24".Anyway, in any period piece, I am always on the lookout for realism in scenes, props, characters, hairstyles, clothes, you name it. On first viewing, I thought this film did very well on most of those counts.Only the final scene is unrealistic. This is supposedly set inMaryland in the early and late summer of 1969. That is too early for the kind of consensus to develop about the war that is depicted, especially in a small town where only one kid has died in Vietnam. (As I write this, the same kind of feeling about the Iraq war is only apparently developing in Vermont)I would have liked to see these characters attending Woodstock,as that would have fit into the story well. Also, as in the NBC television series "American Dreams", some depiction of what the older brother was seeing going on in Vietnam would have helped immensely. So this is not quite up there with such brilliant and moving Vietnam films as "Platoon" and "Born on the Fourth of July" or "Forrest Gump", but it's a fine movie and if you are anti-war and a child of the '60s, you will love it.