I'm amazed at some of the comments I've read concerning this movie. From all standpoints (acting, production values, plot line, etc.) it ABSOLUTELY stinks!! I think the only redeeming thing about this movie is to view it from a standpoint of the time (hippie days, etc.) it was made. A sick and twisted social commentary of that time. Other than that, forget about it!!
shareI think saying this terrible is an unfair assessment. There are a lot of problems with the movie--such as very uneven plot lines, unnecessary experimental editing and cinematography, and often laughable dialogue. However, to say this is terrible probably stems from unfair categorization. This movie is typical fair for late 60's productions from American International pictures, and actually, some of the storyline is actually prescient and deep relative to other movies this company put out. The movie is somewhat complex in terms of presenting the youth movement, celebrating it while at the same time mocking its extremism and naivete. The movie is at its best when exploring the Hal Holbrook dynamic, particularly the dialogue with his son and Max Frost.
I think assessing the movie on its own terms--its excesses, its laughable campy elements, and the time it was made--merits a better review than "terrible." Sure, pitting this up against a classic would merit such a review, but the movie is watchable, funny, and provides some thought provoking satire.
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Well, I certainly hated it when I saw it when it came out.
On the other hand, thinking back on it, I'm amazed at how much
of the movie I can remember.
Whatever I can say about it, it wasn't boring.
On the other hand, I have no desire to see it again.
Sam Tomaino
This is what dogs are dreaming when they start wuffing in their sleep. I like this movie because of how bad it is, but it's still not as bad as "Skidoo", so I like "Skidoo" more... so does my dog.
shareIt was a drive in movie. Also it was a big change from Beach Blanket Bingo movies.
We're gonna need a bigger boat.
I loved it when it came out and love it even more when I see it today. Reading all the objections here, I get the feeling that most of you miss the point. An interesting point, too. An AIP movie that makes fun of the cultural turn toward youth. Here's a movie that comes out in 1968 that's saying rebellion is more often than not a self serving, personally motivated stance; a cycle that turns in time, and no one actually wins.
shareSaw this when first released. I was about 18. I enjoyed it but can't remember the last time I saw it. MGM channel is supposed to run it in the next couple of weeks.
I have the soundtrack album somewhere.
I was a fan of Michael Margotta.
Short Cut, Draw Blood
I really liked this movie, warts and all. I thought it was an excellent satire! It started out making a mockery of all the old people in society, then ended up making a huge mockery of the young people who were supposedly so much better than the old farts that they had just rid society of.