I need to do some research on how Apocalypse Now and Platoon were initially received upon their release. Essentially I want to analyze how they were interpreted as pictures of the Vietnam War. Any small article or headline, stats on grosses, etc. would be helpful. Especially useful would be historians’, soldiers’, or politicians’ views on the films. If anyone knows a good place to search for this type of information I would be very appreciative. Thanks in advance.

Try www.imdb.com

Peter Cowie wrote an excellent book about Apocalypse Now.

At imdb, look at "external reviews" for these movies.

Otherwise, find out the exact release dates and go to your local library and look at magazines / newspapers from around those dates.

platoon (click on the quote to get the full review
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/Platoon-1016405/
ap now.
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/ApocalypseNow-1001120/
hope that helps