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Distant Thunder (1988)

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Average Rating: 5.2/10
Reviews Counted: 6
Fresh: 3 | Rotten: 3

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Average Rating: N/A
Critic Reviews: 1
Fresh: 1 | Rotten: 0

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Average Rating: 3.1/5
User Ratings: 310

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Movie Info

Discharged from Vietnam, John Lithgow and his army buddies have trouble fitting into a hostile home-front society. Rather than endure dirty looks and taunts of "baby killer," Lithgow and his friends wander aimlessly all through the Pacific Northwest. Several years pass, during which time Lithgow's estranged son Ralph Maccio grows to manhood. Finally emerging from his self-imposed exile, Lithgow begins searching for the son he's never known. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

R, 2 hr.

Drama

Directed By: Rick Rosenthal

In Theaters: Nov 11, 1988 Wide

On DVD: Dec 7, 2004

Paramount Home Video

Distant Thunder Trailer & Photos

Cast

John Lithgow
Mark Lambert
Ralph Macchio
Jack Lambert
Kerrie Keane
Char
Reb Brown
Harvey Nitz
Janet Margolin
Barbara Lambert
Denis Arndt
Larry
Jamey Sheridan
Moss
Tom Bower
Louis
John Kelly
Andy
Michael Currie
Coach Swabey
Hilary Strang
Jane
Robyn Stevan
Holly
David Longworth
Sheriff
Gordon Currie
Billy Watson
Walter Marsh
Principal
David Glyn-Jones
Waiter
Allan Lysell
Buddy
Kate Robbins
Waitress
Denalda Williams
Jeanette
Rick Rosenthal

Critic Reviews for Distant Thunder

All Critics (11) | Top Critics (4) | Fresh (3) | Rotten (3) | DVD (1)

Cliched film about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, but with surprisingly strong performances by Lithgow and Macchio.

March 19, 2003 Comment

Brian Mckay

eFilmCritic.com

Lithgow's raw performance helps to counteract the run-of-the-mill plot.

July 25, 2002 Comment

Chuck Rudolph

Matinee Magazine

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Audience Reviews for Distant Thunder

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88% "It said 'no tresspassing'"-Harvey Nitz (Reb Brown)

November 7, 2011

FilmGrinder Stone

5.5/10. Not too bad, the main problem being it is all too familiar. It's been done many times before in one shapoe or form. The cast is good and it is professionally made. A little too long, but not terrible so.

March 9, 2007