No film better portrays the transitional period from High School graduation to the onslaught of life thereafter. Modern coming of age films tend to dwell on the popular and the beautiful, often dismissing the ordinary yet fascinating lives of common individuals. This film spins a complex web interlocking four boys making their progressive shift into manhood.
Dennis Quaid, who used to be the town's High School quarterback, portrays the groups leader. His most difficult obstacle is the fact that Indiana State University receives a new hotshot quarterback each year, and each year Quaid realizes it's not going to be him.
Dennis Christopher plays the central character whose hopes and dreams are the basis of the film. As a bicycling enthusiast he pedals his way throughout the film to the tunes of a classic musical entourage. His life is totally encompassed by the anticipation of the of racing with the Italian cycling team in an upcoming visit to Indiana.
His father like most fathers at this time is one whose understanding of his son is completely limited. When his son speaks Italian he informs him he's not Italian, when his son calls him "Papa" he informs him that "He's his God D**n Father!" Their relationship is one filled with tension, but two devastating circumstances cause them to realize their importance to each other.
Daniel Stern plays the clown of thegroup, in one of his most hilarious performances. Jackie Earle Haley of "Bad News Bears" fame plays the tough spirited survivor whose obstacles represent those of the challenged outcast.
Unfortunately they all represent the challenged outcast to some extent, since they are all "townies" or as the college kids call them "Cutters." Outsider in their own town, overshadowed by the college students who represent the future. The cutters are the sons of old quarry workers who cut the original stones for the university. They represent the foundation of the college who's viscous ignorance to them is what drives them to rebel. The film represents the overwhelming drive to be accepted and succeeds in it's representation with utter brilliance.
This charming Academy Award winner (1980, Best Screenplay) cycles high on comedy as four friends come to terms with life after high school. When top-n...More at Buy.com Marketplaces
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