Compared to other westerns of the 60s and 70s I don't think it's unfair to say that the production values here are, strangely, a little deficient. The image quality is especially grainy; the sound design is imbalanced, and often a bit grating on the ears. In other regards 'Vengeance,' also known as 'Kid Vengeance,' is pretty well par for the course - desolate but beautiful filming locations, swell costume design, fun stunts and action sequences, solid production design. This also maybe lacks the particular vibrancy, high notes of tension and suspense, that would truly help the picture to stand out. None of this is to say that the film is bad, or even mediocre, but only that it's not unreasonable to reflect that it's not for nothing that this isn't especially well known. It remains enjoyable on its own merits, however, so if you're looking for a western with which to spend some time, why, this is a suitably worthy one.
A large abundance of genre flicks have been made about revenge, of course. Of anything, I suppose the establishment of a juvenile as a protagonist is an aspect to help this make its mark. Relatively few are those westerns that center women or young people amidst tales of violence. With that said, the visualization of blood and death is notably more restrained than is true of many of this title's brethren, yet the writing is sufficiently strong that we don't need to be spoon-fed every last burst of excitement. The dialogue and characters are perhaps nothing extraordinary, mind you, and even the narrative at large is rather typical. It's in the scene writing, in this case, that 'Vengeance' finds its best spark, for there are dashes of cleverness in young Tom's pursuit of villains, and unexpected variety in those moments when the camera focuses on the gang. This may not be an especially remarkable picture, but it's a capably entertaining one with just enough to keep the viewer engaged.
It's always a pleasure to see Lee Van Cleef in a movie, though here he's almost unrecognizable in the design his character is given. This is the earliest I've seen of any of Leif Garrett's works, only 16 at the time this was released, and he does a fine job in the lead role. I'm much less familiar with anyone else on hand, but Jim Brown, John Marley, and the rest of the supporting cast is swell in bringing the story to life. I know Glynnis O'Connor only from her starring role in 1982's 'Melanie,' which I loved, and I'm pleased to see her here as well. Honestly, more so than not 'Vengeance' is well made in most regards. Its most notable weakness is simply the absence of any major strength, or a sense of dynamics to make the most harsh moments really leap out. For example, if young Tom were given a more significant character arc, tracing his path from struggling with death to embracing its administration - well, that would have been some hearty substance to bite into, also making the end of that journey much more impactful.
Ultimately this may not be essential in any way, but it serves its purpose. Most recommendable for diehard fans of someone that's involved, or of westerns generally, this is still worthwhile enough that a general audience might well like it. There's no need to go out of your way for 'Vengeance,' but it's not a bad way to spend 90 minutes if you come across it.
A large abundance of genre flicks have been made about revenge, of course. Of anything, I suppose the establishment of a juvenile as a protagonist is an aspect to help this make its mark. Relatively few are those westerns that center women or young people amidst tales of violence. With that said, the visualization of blood and death is notably more restrained than is true of many of this title's brethren, yet the writing is sufficiently strong that we don't need to be spoon-fed every last burst of excitement. The dialogue and characters are perhaps nothing extraordinary, mind you, and even the narrative at large is rather typical. It's in the scene writing, in this case, that 'Vengeance' finds its best spark, for there are dashes of cleverness in young Tom's pursuit of villains, and unexpected variety in those moments when the camera focuses on the gang. This may not be an especially remarkable picture, but it's a capably entertaining one with just enough to keep the viewer engaged.
It's always a pleasure to see Lee Van Cleef in a movie, though here he's almost unrecognizable in the design his character is given. This is the earliest I've seen of any of Leif Garrett's works, only 16 at the time this was released, and he does a fine job in the lead role. I'm much less familiar with anyone else on hand, but Jim Brown, John Marley, and the rest of the supporting cast is swell in bringing the story to life. I know Glynnis O'Connor only from her starring role in 1982's 'Melanie,' which I loved, and I'm pleased to see her here as well. Honestly, more so than not 'Vengeance' is well made in most regards. Its most notable weakness is simply the absence of any major strength, or a sense of dynamics to make the most harsh moments really leap out. For example, if young Tom were given a more significant character arc, tracing his path from struggling with death to embracing its administration - well, that would have been some hearty substance to bite into, also making the end of that journey much more impactful.
Ultimately this may not be essential in any way, but it serves its purpose. Most recommendable for diehard fans of someone that's involved, or of westerns generally, this is still worthwhile enough that a general audience might well like it. There's no need to go out of your way for 'Vengeance,' but it's not a bad way to spend 90 minutes if you come across it.