Stardust Memories (1980)

While attending a retrospective of his work, a filmmaker recalls his life and his loves: the inspirations for his films.

From memory: Highly accomplished study with great b/w cinematography and the director's good sense of humor; the result, however, is an exercise in self-adulation. 

Halliwell*: "A plainly autobiographical work which, while amusing and moving in spots, makes it doubtful that the writer/director/star can even now shake off his obsessions."

Maltin***: ""Pointed, seriocomic look at fame and success - though many viewers found it simply narcissistic.

Breaking Away (1979)

A small-town boy obsessed with the Italian cycling team vies for the affections of a college girl.

From memory: Amazingly entertaining and unpretentious teen comedy has a good cast and an excellent script.

Halliwell*: "Andy Hardy would have felt at home in this fragmented comedy of the American hinterland; 1979 audiences found it a welcome relief from the stronger brews to which they had become accustomed."

Maltin***1/2: "Winning, unpretentious film...Dooley stands out in first-rate cast as Christopher's bewildered father. This sleeper hit really comes to life with an audience."