MovieChat Forums > My American Cousin (1986) Discussion > American Graffiti

American Graffiti

posted 18 years ago by HereComesJean
8 replies | jump to latest

I enjoyed American Graffiti (how the hell do you spell this word?)....And this film is comparable in its nostalgic look at innocence of teenage culture before the 60's, American "rock n roll," fast cars, etc....except it showed it from the perspective of a 12 year old girl, and the innocence, awkwardness, and dreaminess is greater since, well, it's a 12 year old girl. Yet while I think both films are great, I wonder if American Graffiti is overrated, or My American Cousin underrated.

Also, although I think Sandy's kiss with her cousin was innocent and playful, it is a little weird in the end, when her mother (who knew about it?..) says to her, "other boys will come along..." Um....yeah, it's her cousin, mom...

[–] Full_of_Noise 18 years ago

It's good to see activity on this board. I really wish they'd put it on DVD (or have they already?) I haven't seen American Graffiti, but I really enjoyed this film. Her cousin was such a cool guy but I don't get why they'd kiss in the first place. :p

Oh, Adrian. Adrian always tells the truth.

[–] Nikon11 18 years ago

It was such an innocent movie - I can't remember much about it - but I don't think that it was anything really too bad. Not that I've ever kissed any of my cousins, though.

I think that Sandy, along with her friends, were just so caught up with Butch, that it just happened.

I can't really explain what Butch was thinking, though.

[–] dg-7 18 years ago

"American Graffiti?" No, I don't think so, but I get your point. It's a sweet and gentle little film about growing up.

BTW, if you want to see a great old Canadian film, a classic, please check out "Goin Down the Road." It will shock you.

Actually, a better coming of age film than "My American Cousin," which I also enjoyed, is a movie called "Shag." I think it's from 89 or 90 and if you liked "My American Cousin," you'd really like "Shag."

[–] Candycane12345 17 years ago

I heard that you can marry your first cousin :S

Look at me when I'm talking to you... oh no don't

[–] Nikon11 17 years ago

Yeah, maybe - but probably not if she's 13. Ha

[–] 17 years ago

[deleted]

[–] onnanob2 16 years ago

I don't think "American Graffiti" is overrated. It's a great movie, and deserves lots of recognition and repeat viewings! It probably has the greatest vintage soundtrack of any movie ever made! I do believe "My American Cousin" is underrated! I think a lot of people would enjoy "My American Cousin" if they had a chance to view it. I'm surprised it hasn't been released on DVD. As someone else mentioned, "Shag - The Movie" is another fun movie that takes place before 1964. I got to show "Shag - The Movie" during a family gathering, and it was a hit! By the way, the "shag" in the title refers to a dance called the shag, which came along in the era of the twist, the locomotion, the stroll, etc. As for the cousin to cousin kiss in "My American Cousin," it was rather innocent. I think Sandy had a crush on her older cousin because he was the kind of guy who could sweep girls off their feet. She was just a young girl, after all. I think Butch felt obliged to kiss Sandy back. I treasure all three of these movies!

[–] sirleucelot 13 years ago

I'm surprised no one has mentioned this with all the talk about American Graffiti but the scene where the two guys race one asks Butch "What do you have under the hood?" and Butch replies, "More than you can handle" is straight out of American Graffiti. Perhaps it was an homage to the great movie?