Every once and a while, a movie comes out that gives us a sense of understanding. In the case of NBC's miniseries "The '60s," our generation is given the opportunity to partly understand that of our parents. "The '60s" examines the entire decade by blending history with fiction through news footage and fictional characters. The series focuses on two families, one white and one black, and their interactions during the turbulent time. The transitions between the fiction and history are beautifully done, and the four hours fly by as you become mesmerized by the dynamic images and engaging plot.
The year 1960 foretells change for the right-wing ex-Marine Bill Herlihy, portrayed by "Life Goes On" dad Bill Smitrovich. His favorite son Brian ("Sliders" star Jerry O'Connell) joins the Marines, daughter Katie (Julie Stiles) makes out in a closet and his other son Michael (Josh Hamilton) promotes left-wing ideals.
Changes are also in store for the family of Reverend Willie Taylor (Charles "Roc" Dutton). The Reverend, along with his son Emmet (Leonard Roberts), organize non-violent lunch counter sit-ins, bringing within the first half hour enough clips of police brutality to last a lifetime.
While Reverend Taylor fights against social inequalities, Brian comes home to tell his parents that he's off to Vietnam. It's distressing watching Brian tell his parents, "I have good news, I'm going to Vietnam." Brother Michael begins attending peace rallies, where he meets radical rally organizer Kenny Klein ("Clueless"'s Jeremy Sisto) and Barnard student Sarah Weinstock, played by "Faculty" vixen Jordana Brewster. From here, the miniseries highlights student protests involving stand-ins in front of speeding military trains, sit-ins and a take-over of Columbia University.
The strongest part of "The '60s" rests in its absolutely amazing photography. The scenes shift from color to black and white implying that the media was always watching, and making the fictional characters seem to be part of the actual footage. While authentic footage is also shown to give a sense of the time frame, it is interesting to see the character's reactions to certain historical events. The movie brings new meaning to the questions "Where were you when JFK was shot?" or "What did you really think about man walking on the moon?"
"The '60s" shows a nation in turmoil, one glued to the television set waiting to see what will develop. Though the characters are very stereotypical, it helps to show the varying aspects of the time. "The '60s" presents the decade through the eyes of an American values father, a flower child, a Vietnam soldier, a student protestor and a civil rights activist. Somehow the characters take part in major historical events, which although slightly unbelievable, further progress the story.
The acting and characterization lacks in parts as the interactions between Smitrovitch's Herlihy and his wife are very forced. Hamilton looks too old to be playing O'Connell's younger brother and it seems odd that he is a chick magnet. Brewster's Sarah is confusing because she speaks of independence and having her own voice, but lusts after any man who stands up to the authority. As "The '60s" continues, though, the acting improves with Stiles' perfect flower child and the surprisingly good Sisto as the arrogant revolutionary Klein.
Overall, "The '60s" is very attractive, intelligent and engrossing. Although some parts seem unconvincing, it gives you the essence of the '60s. If you've ever wondered about your parent's generation, here is your opportunity. If you want to experience the peace, love and rock-and-roll, "The '60s" has it all, from draft dodgers burning bras to a distorted screen indicating a bad acid trip and all of the Vietnam War being fought behind the same bush. NBC is correct in saying "The '60s" is "the movie event of a generation." You don't want to miss it.
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THE '60s