1969

After having success on stage and screen with his script for On Golden Pond, writer Ernest Thomspn decided to jump in the director's chair to helm his screenplay for 1988's 1969.

The film follows Scott and Ralph, Keifer Sutherland and Robert Downey, Jr. from their high school graduation up to the titled year as they emerse themselves into the counter culture and try to avoid the Vietnam War draft, much to the displeasure of Scott's dad, Bruce Dern.

Thompson has assembled a top notch cast that includes Winona Ryder, Mariette Hartley, and Joanna Cassidy. It doesn't help matters that Downey's character is the most interesting and when he isn't on screen, which is a lot during the last half, the film begins to drag. Thompson also makes a common mistake with a film like this by trying to cram too much into two hours. I'm surprised the boys didn't visit Woodstock.

That being said, this is still an effective film with some great performances all around.

It's available on dvd and blu ray.