Dogfight

Edward Birdlace says his birthday, November 26, is coming up "next Monday".

In 1963 - when the scene was set - November 26 (four days after JFK's assassination) was on a Tuesday.

Right after Birdlace sticks the note to Rose's window, he loses his balance and falls, however in the next shot, as he is jumping over the fence to avoid Rose's attack dog, the window is empty and the note is nowhere to be seen.

The picture of American musician 'Bob Dylan' (qv) that Rose points out to on her wall was taken in 1964, while the scene takes place in 1963.

Through the rear window of a bus can be seen a "do not enter" traffic sign (red circle with a white bar).

European style traffic signs were not approved for use in the U.

until the late 1960s and installations began in the 1970s.

While the characters that were created for Taylor and Phoenix to play were (IMHO) two-dimensional, the performances by both took these roles above and beyond and turned them into something that, while at times bordered on cliché phrases used by either a girl into the music of the 60's, or a jarhead, as it were, were utterly believable and seemingly natural.Also, on a different note, I was taken aback by how River slipped into this role so seamlessly.

Truth be told, when i first came across this movie, River Phoenix was already a name i knew. His legacy, continuing.

This movie benefits from its sweet and sensitive approach and mainly from Lili Taylor's incredibly likable performance. I absolutely root for this girl and wish I could have a real-life friend like her.

Sometimes films just click - and this is a film that had everything right - the right actors cast in the right roles, the right screenplay, the right direction and the right story line. The result is an absolutely unforgettable film that takes you on a delightful roller-coaster ride of emotions that you will want to experience again and again.

Liked that restaurant cursing scene a lotit's a good time, this movie. not too romantic, not very unromantic either.

This movie is so wonderful and such a feel good movie! So simple yet perfect.

Forgot how good Lily Taylor is. Do more please.

In November of 1963, four Marine buddies, just out of boot camp, spend their two-day pass and $50 a head setting up a dog fight-- everyone brings the ugliest girl he can find to a party, and the one who is ugliest wins her date the pot. River Phoenix brings Lili Taylor (she gained 12 pounds for the role and wears padding).

This is such a great movie it is set right before and during Vietnam. The name of the movie represents a pretty messed up bet the soldiers do during their leave.