This is a very interesting kind of film. On the one hand, I enjoyed watching it and think it's a pretty solid and entertaining film. On the other, I actually think the overall themes and messaging of the film is actually the best part, and the story is kind of slow. American Graffiti manages to be both of these things at once, never really becoming a truely slow, meandering art film but also never truly embracing the fun coming-of-age adventure. Instead it strives to do both, showcasing ideas of Americana and nostalgia alongside some teenagers romping around town. Not that films haven't managed to do this before, see Florida Project, but I feel like this film doesn't really dive deeply into either one and it ends up coming out flat. Don't get me wrong, this is a positive review. I really enjoyed the film and its themes, the beautiful visuals, the meandering and almost non-linear story, the mysterious characters, and almost everything else. I just wish Lucas had committed more to showcasing the darker parts of America at the time, which were some of the best parts of the film. I really liked the range of characters as well, they really complete the film, especially the underappreciated women.