5-25-77

Aggravatingly uneven. I guess that's how it struck me. I was in high school when Star Wars (no bloody 4, 5, or 6) first came out and I was a big sci-fi nerd, so this movie I felt like this movie should have resonated with me and it really didn't. Austin Pendleton was great, but he always is. Maybe I'm just too old to relate to the teenage characters, but I don't generally have a problem in that area. I was a bit put off but some of the jump-cut sequences and I get that's technique that's used much more than it was in the past. And there was a general lack of focus. Too many sub-plots were competing for screen time and as a result some of them were left unresolved. Maybe the fact that it took 13+ years for the movie to be completed had something to do with this.

It just didn't sit right with me.

Right, well I have to admit that I was definitely harboring some hopes and expectations for this 2022 comedy drama from writer and director Patrick Read Johnson as I sat down to watch it.

And now 132 minutes later, I sit here with an overwhelming sense of 'was that really it?' and of having somewhat squandered 132 minutes of my life on something that most certainly didn't live up to what I was expecting, not even by a longshot.

"5-25-77" seemed like such an interesting movie, especially for a life-long fantasy and "Star Wars" fan such as myself. And there were definitely things to identify with here in the main character of Pat Johnson. However, the script's storyline and narrative just somewhat fell short of providing me with much entertainment.

The acting performances in "5-25-77" were quite good.

Sure, the movie was watchable, but this is by no means a movie that impressed me. Nor is it a movie that I will ever return to watch a second time.

My rating of of "5-25-77" lands on a four out of ten stars.

'5-25-77' is a smart, witty and heartwarming that film every movie lover should see. In particular if you are of a certain age like myself. It's a love letter to the 70's fan culture and following your dreams. As someone who has been making short movies his whole life, it spoke to me in ways very few films ever have. Gary Kurtz, one of the geniuses behind the original Star Wars is one of the producers. Alan Parson did the music. It's a must for Star Wars and Spielberg fans.

I remember hearing about this film and waiting a long time to see it. So when I finally did you imagine my excitement at the movie being so good.

Strongest possible recommend.

After 8 year old Pat Johnson watches the film 2001: A Space Odyssey in the theater, he becomes obsessed with filmmaking. As a teen, he (John Francis Daley) has been making movies with his friends and family in his backyard in small town Illinois. With help from his mother (Colleen Camp), he sets off to meet his hero in Hollywood.

This movie is too long. It should not be longer than two hours. It's really noticeable in the third act where all I want is for him to get to the theater. At least, Bill points out that he could have walked there by then and that's a good save. Linda becomes way too complicated and I would cut down on Tony. This movie needs to trim at every opportunity. Second, Bill's constant complaining is too annoying. It's frustrating and robs his later declaration of all its power. Finally, John Francis Daley is well into his 30's. It's time that he graduates from Freaks and Geeks. Mostly, this could be better but it still some good ideas.

I honestly did not know this movie existed. Despite people use physical media less and less. I still do. I actually still use my local library to look for titles I've never seen. Something anyone who has memories of video stores remember doing and looking at the box cover and renting the movie to see for themselves if the movie was as good as the box art.

I have to say after watching this movie nearly 20 years in the making, it is a good movie. I understand others who complain it's too long. But I think its just right for what it is. It at minimum is a companion piece to "The Fabelmans" if not superior to it.

I'll end with do check out if your local library still has Blu-rays and DVDs to rent. When you do, you are supporting your local library and actually ensuring your librarians will be funded if the community is using resources they provide.

Support your local library.