Reviews
A Simple Plan (1998)
A study in desperation
A Simple Plan is certainly not a simple film, as some reviewers here had hoped it would be. The point is not how simple life is, but how horribly wrong and out of control things can get. This film takes you to the absolute depths of human greed, desperation, and frailty. It is amazing how many evil deeds one can rationalize by believing "and then it will all be over." A Simple Plan is a great character study which makes you think of what you would do in the same situation. At what point would you draw the line? How far would you go to keep millions of dollars all to yourself? The excellent photography adds to the sense of desperation that permeates the whole film. The vast, snowbound landscape is the perfect image for the feelings the main characters have for their station in life: cold, silent, lifeless, unending, and unrelenting.
Don't watch this movie unless you are prepared to see a group of people reach the end of their rope and make a series of life-changing decisions.
Fandango (1985)
Beating a dead horse
It appears that I am beating a dead horse here, but I had to add my comments. I discovered this film in the late 80's and thoroughly loved it. I have recommended it several times and introduced my wife to it long before we were married. She loves it as well - proof that it is not just a male-bonding flick. I am pleased to see that there are no negative comments about the film (at least that I have noticed). It does a great job of dealing with the issues of leaving the college cocoon and accepting the responsibilities of adulthood, particularly during Vietnam. The characters are great, the story is great. The whole idea that this Grail-like quest to find Dom has such significance in their lives will ring true with most viewers.
Some of my favorite moments: Dorman leading them through the desert like Moses; lassoing the train; all of Judd Nelson's ranting and raving. I loved the fireworks in the cemetery. Excelent cinematography - the allusion to Vietnam is very powerful, as is the contrast between the innocence of the group and the violence of war. Judd Nelson's parachute jump is classic. Best of all is the wedding where Kevin Costner convinces the whole town to fully outfit the event, complete with live music and home-made desserts.
This is one awesome film. Judd Nelson and Kevin Costner are at the top of their game, but the rest of the cast holds their own. You'll want to see it again and again.