jcohen1 Reviews

The Mechanic (1972)

JV versus Professional

[7/10 · 17 June 2011]

If you are a Bronson fan you will enjoy The Mechanic. Arthur Bishop is seemingly a chess playing Paladin type with thinner mustache, a journeyman plotting and mapping his hits while sipping his wine and living in his estate. Next minute he is in a seedy part of down dressed as Bronson typically dresses and living in a dump.The dump has a pretty good view of his target. The target a guy I could kill in two minutes. Yet the kill is so elaborate you may never drink English breakfast tea again.

We see that Bishop is a mess and is lonely. He relieves his loneliness by visiting a call girl who acts out a sad fantasy. Bronson is vulnerable in this movie like never before.

JMV is great looking and annoying to be the perfect foil. Educated types will tell you this is "the sorcerer's apprentice". I just enjoyed most of the movie and seeing Bronson off his A game. I will see the remake with Jason Statham but I'm not drinking any Italian red.

The Seven-Ups (1973)

French Connection Lite

[4/10 · 30 April 2011]

Any fan of The French Connection and Bullitt would be duty bound to see The Seven Ups. I saw it back in the day and again today. Seven Up only flattens with age. Scheider doesn't have any standout lines and the best I can say is I like his leather jacket. He can't carry a picture like Hackman or McQueen They say his squad is an elite unit but they operate out of a gym locker. This movie is three grades down from The French Connection and Bullitt. Yes the car chase scenes are good but not as impressive as the earlier versions. There are no women in this flick I guess they didn't want to take the #5 uptown. LoBianco is somewhat interesting. This is a movie I wanted to like for all the history it brings and the Bronx locales including Tracy Towers & DeWitt Clinton High School. I graded on a curve for the old neighborhood.

Mr. Majestyk (1974)

Not Majestic but Not Bad

[6/10 · 15 January 2011]

As noted this is Bronson's sole Elmore Leonard title. Too bad, as Bronson is perfectly cast as the toughest farmer since Van Heflin or Alan Ladd. The cap on his head is a nice touch. Majestyk is pitted against an organized crime hit man presumably at the rank of The Mechanic and played by the quirky Al Lettieri. Al had already completed The Godfather and The Getaway. The latter role of Rudy was fine preparation for this one. In the battle of the tough guy killers, Bronson is by far the best. He physically bests Renda in every one on one battle. He also out maneuvers him every time. Renda needs a gang of support to deal with this Viet Nam ranger and ex-con.

This role was the perfect prep for Bronson as he moves from Colorado into Death Wish territory.

True Grit (2010)

Semi- True Grit

[8/10 · 2 January 2011]

This is a very good movie and much "Truer" to the 1969 original than say the 3:10 to Yuma remake was. I like the leads Bridges and Miss Steinfeld but sorry, neither can compare with the Duke & Kim Darby. The little touches of the original have been tossed aside. Even super lawyer J Noble Daggett doesn't appear in TGII. Cogburn's Indian cook/servant General Lee is awol (too politically incorrect); yet some nasty treatment to all the Indians in the film. I'm glad the Coen's have tipped a cowboy hat to the Duke & Darby but it seems Josh Brolin as Tom Chaney has been reduced to a near cameo. The role is beneath him. One of film's best negotiations- beteween Darby & Strother Martin has been diminished in the remake. Too bad no worthwhile score, I'm sure Robert Earl Keen could have done the film very proud. Adios.

Lonely Are the Brave (1962)

Best Man of the West

[9/10 · 19 July 2009]

This is one of my favorite movies and now that I own the DVD I've seen it all the way through. I'd never given much thought to Burns' war record as it is detailed by Sheriff Morrie Johnson late in the movie. Burns was a rebel- a contrarian early in life but no doubt his character has been shaped by his service to his country in Korea. He returned to the states looking for a lifestyle that made some sense.

Douglas' performance is outstanding. One minute he is trying to avoid a fight in an unfriendly bar- is he a pacifist? The next minute he tells the one armed man- Bill Raisch that he is prepared to kill him for the bad name he has called him- presumably something in the coward family. Burns is no pacifist and any fears he has, he conquers. He keeps distinguished Korean War service (Purple Heart/Distinguished Service Cross) from the WWII Veteran one armed man.

My favorite scenes- Burns looking in on Seth, the son he might have had if life had gone differently. Then Burns as the noble man telling Gerry (another wonderful performance) how much Paul loves her and their family.

I know Douglas has said John W . Burns is up there for him-- maybe his favorite character. Its' a natural from Matt Morgan in Last Train to Gun Hill.

Lastly there's some great humor in the film- "Who'd be calling me this time of night'?" Matthau and Schallert give Abbott & Costello a run for the money too.

Man of the West (1958)

Not the Best of the West

[6/10 · 4 March 2009]

I'm familiar with the work of Director Anthony Mann and have read that but for a dust-up with Jimmy Stewart, it would have been Jimmy's lead. I for one don't see Stewart in the Coop's role. Link is a man of very few words nearly the predecessor of the Eastwood spaghetti character. Stewart is much more talkative, although he can certainly show emotion with his eyes and mouth. I don't think Link has 50 words of dialogue. Maybe he was competing with Royal Dano for fewest words. Lee J. Cobb is great in an almost over the top/biblical patriarch performance. The father of some bad boys now badmen. No mother/woman around until Julie London arrives. Arthur O'Connell with the most dialogue he's had as a traveling salesman/cardshark. Jack Lord before he upped to Hawaii is interesting as a cowardly piece of trash. Much as I like Cooper, I think this would have been an interesting role for Randolph Scott.

The Great Escape (1963)

Works for me!

[9/10 · 9 January 2009]

I first saw TGE as an eight year old boy in the Bronx. Key was the very wide screen; the way this film should be viewed. Steve McQueen was larger than life on that motorcycle and certainly influenced many young men of the time. Motorcycle, haircut, sweatshirt or ball off the wall. To this then eight year old, Virgil Hilts was a hit and the center of the movie and the escape. Since that time I have seen the movie a half dozen times on television and recently on DVD. Post 1963 we had Steve and Attenborough together again in my favorite McQueen movie- The Sand Pebbles. I have seen all of Steve's later efforts and even went to the earlier POW film- Stalag 17.

Looking at TGE as an adult I see the themes of duty, loyalty, friendship & sacrifice. These to me are the takeaway and not the motorcycle action and the countryside, enjoyable as it is. James Garner's performance is perhaps under-appreciated and his relationship with The Forger/Donald Plesence is fascinating.

I definitely recommend the movie and encourage viewers to look not just at McQueen's performance, but to the host of excellent performances by the above and everybody.

"Your German is quite good".

Buchanan Rides Alone (1958)

Maybe it's his cologne

[7/10 · 12 December 2008]

I'm familiar with Scott's work and am a fan. This film doesn't quite fit in with films like The Tall T, Ride Lonesome, Decision at Sundown etc. Scott shares the screen with lots of supporting characters- LQ Jones, Craig Stevens and all the Agry men. The film opens with Scott happily heading to West Texas via Agry after a profitable Mexican run. He just wants food, probably something of a binding nature and drink. What no women? Only one woman here of interest- Barbara James uncredited as Nina the judge's Mexican housekeeper. Scott has barely any interaction with any females-Jennifer Holiday. Our Scott stands for loyalty, bravery, a fair fight, love of your belt, gun and Texas. I'll give him that. There is no compelling villain here as the Agry's are a bunch of double dealing B movie bumblers. Amos Agry reminds me of a young Andy Devine. Scott is good as a very relaxed murder defendant in a back barroom courtroom. This flick therefore falls toward the lower rung of the RS canon IMHO. I'd see it again, but I'd be riding lonesome.

Decision at Sundown (1957)

Reverse shotgun wedding

[8/10 · 5 December 2008]

Hey I'm not ashamed to admit I enjoy Scott's movies. This one is different from the rest. Here Scott's character Bart Allison is dead wrong in his core assumption about the man he hunts, one Tate Kimbrough. That role is played by John Carroll who is neither the typical villain nor merely a Clark Gable wannabe. The under-appreciated Noah Beery returns as dare I say Scott's sidekick. I don't recall another Scott film with Randy having a sidekick. The vivacious Karen Steele is here but as usual there is no hint of sexual tension between her and Scott during this her virgin performance in the Brown/Scott/Botteicher canon. Some minor ancillary highlights include Scott's incredibly cool leather jacket- reminds me of Paul Butterfield's in The Last Waltz and his lengthy foamy self- shave. According to Bob Boz Bells it was Colgate. The movie steals a little from High Noon, but which western made after 1952 doesn't? We get a lecture to the towns barfolk from Bart Allison about doing right and standing up. Also rare here Scott's refusal to have his whiskey paid for. Class to the glass.

Credit Scott for allowing Beery to get the best lines but no Beer. If you like The Tall T, Ride Lonesome, Comanche Station etc. then you'll make the right decision, to watch.

The Fastest Gun Alive (1956)

Ford Crosses Creek

[7/10 · 29 July 2008]

Elements of High Noon here as a town must decide whether to put its safety ahead of a citizen's. Lots of character actors. We have Beery, Dehner, Tamblan and the guy who played Aaron Edwards (Walter Coy) in The Searchers, etc. I like Ford better in 3:10 to Yuma and Cowboy. However, he is perfecting his craft in this earlier effort. Movie is also reminds me of that Fred MacMurray flick (At Gunpoint) where store owner accidentally kills an outlaw and earns a reputation. Ford's got a lovely lady but he's not able to concentrate on her. He's playing a role that maybe Stewart or Scott might have tried. Isn't that the kid (Chris Olsen) who loved candy sticks from The Tall T?

On balance worth the watch.

The Tin Star (1957)

Rising Star

[7/10 · 3 May 2008]

A solid entertaining movie different from earlier Mann films like Winchester 73,Bend of the River, Far Country The Naked Spur, Man from Laramie etc. Morg Hickman(Fonda) is never in any serious on screen danger,or in great physical pain here, so deduct one star for that. Jimmy Stewart would never have gotten off this easy. Early Tony Perkins role as a rookie sheriff who's got everything to learn but has the right teacher in Hickman. This film predates Face of a Fugitive, a 1959 film with Fred McMurray & Lin McCarthy has similar theme of older experienced outlaw teaching a novice sheriff. Gold star here to TS. Some other random thoughts. John McIntire(Winchester 73 and The Far Country) in a rare role as a noble country doctor who makes housecalls. Betsy Palmer- What's Her Line? She's a beautiful widow with an overactive half breed son. A young Robert Blake (Treasure of Sierra Madre) would have been less annoying as her son but I guess he was too big for the part. Lee Van Cleef sans moustache appears as a doctor's worst nightmare patient.

I liked Fonda's relaxed demeanor and the gravitas he brings to the tale. Just needed him to be in real danger at some point to be a real Mann flick.

Shane (1953)

They Call me Soda Pop

[9/10 · 29 March 2008]

I picked up the DVD for $7.99 the other day at Harmon, but I've seen the movie once or twice before. In the past I've come away impressed with the characters and the scenery. Van Heflin, pre 3:10 to Yuma and of course the character actors Ben Johnson, Elisha Cook, Jack Palance & Edgar Buchanan. Costar Jean Arthur is a standout.

This viewing leaves me thinking about all the contradictions you find in Shane, Joey & Joe. Shane is a gunslinger, but very slow to anger or fight. He can work a farm if he has to. Starrett is a farmer but is very able with his fists and nearly fearless. Joey is faced with two fathers and initially leans to the gunfighter side. Marion is also torn between the two men or two sides of a man.

The law is nowhere to be found in this film. Rare for a western with no Sheriff or US Marshal. Gunslingers obviously fill the void.

Last unique element in this film is seeing a badguy- Chris (Ben Johnson) changed to good guy on the basis of a barfight. Sounds hard to believe but it works.

This movie could generate a flood of masters theses. Bottom line, a great movie. Didn't mean to ramble. :-0

Night Passage (1957)

I'll Take the Bus'

[6/10 · 20 March 2008]

If you caught Western fever as I did in good measure due to Jimmy Stewart's Winchester 73 (1950), Bend of the River, Naked Spur (1953) , The Far Country (1954) and Man from Laramie (1955) then the last of the wild bunch , Night Passage (1957) is a weak swan song. Dan Duryea lampoons his Winchester 73 role and Audie Murphy doesn't really fit here as the bad brother. Would have been more interesting to make Duryea the older brother. None of the supporting players really add much punch (no Walter Brennan) and there is no truly compelling villain. Couldn't John McIntire try Jimmy for not havin his train ticket? Stewart manages to get hurt bad (a trademark ) but he recovers quickly. Bottom line I'll probably watch it again as I bought the DVD, but unless you like accordion players, take the next train. That's the train that has a wreck with Stewart wearing clown makeup.

The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)

Tampico Trauma

[9/10 · 7 March 2008]

The above caption is the title of a song Jimmy Buffett included in his best known 1977 album Changes in Latitudes/Changes in Attitudes(Margaritaville). He tips his sombrero to Treasure. I had always wondered about mystical Tampico.

An incredible movie that I saw for the first complete time last nite on TCM. Jeffrey Osborne carelessly omitted the important cameo appearance of director John Huston as the man in the white suit who banks Dobbs at least three times. "Can you help a fellow American out with a ..? I love this movie because of the great acting by all three amigos. Dobbs degeneration into total madness is well played. I'd heard from interviews with Robert Blake how he enjoyed working with Bogie and now I understand how he must have felt like he hit the lottery.

This movie is a careful study of what's in men's souls and whether your character determines your fate. Is goodness rewarded, and to what degree? If for no other reason it's legacy is Dobbs q&a with the Bandits. "If you are Federales then where are your badges"? " Badges, we have no badges. We don't need no stinkin badges!" Well, Holt & Huston get badges of honor. Fred C. Dobbs gets a shave, a ride and a promotion to the U.S.S. Caine. :-)

Winchester '73 (1950)

The Mann Makes the Gun

[8/10 · 9 February 2008]

Saw this flick on ENCW last nite for the third or fourth time. Enjoyed it so much I ordered the DVD. This really is a standout and of course the first of the Mann-Stewart pairings. More here than the usual oater, although not quite as powerful as The Searchers. Lots of obvious symbolism about achieving manhood but mainly it's the acting by Stewart, his partner Millard Mitchell, Shelly Winters and the Waco Johnny Dean- Dan Duryea. Steve Miller (not The Joker) is interesting as a handsome would be hero who's interested in Lola but too yellow . Like Stewart in The Man Who Killed Liberty Valance, he's practically reduced to putting on an apron and serving his enemies coffee. Decaf no doubt. Tony Curtis from the Bronx Cavalry and Rock Hudson behaving like no Indian I've seen on screen have interesting cameos.

Special performances by John McIntire as a too lucky card dealing/gun trader who hangs out at a very low grade Western version of Rick's American Cafe. Nobody wants to spend the night there. Jay C. Flippens out over a kiss from Lola (Winters) and has some nice scenes with Stewart before he gets to Bend of the River and Far Country. Will Geer as Wyatt Earp and the Indian Chief who takes Walter Brennan's teeth from him in Red River are pleasant sightings. This is the kind of western that only Stewart, not Wayne nor Scott could have pulled off. Worth the shot, I repeat. :-)

The Man Behind the Gun (1953)

He's a Son of a Gun

[6/10 · 8 February 2008]

Hey I liked this flick more than I would have thought given it's from Scott's earlier block of films. An interesting plot with lots of characters, many of who standout. I liked Alan Hale as Olaf and sidekick Monk (Dick Wesson). They provided comic relief not usually present in a RS flick. Scott is his usual coxcomb, cool self. Romancing two lovely ladies (a first?) and not too shabbily. He takes his uniform off to provide a look at his less than ripped (but not too shabby frame) The film unfortunately lacks a compelling villain. Some nice California scenery (not as good as One Eyed Jacks) They kinda threw the kitchen sink into this B movie. Hey it even has a catfight where the two kittens in question manage to do no damage. Lina Myway per favor.

Enjoy.

Colt .45 (1950)

Better than a Sharps

[6/10 · 13 December 2007]

Colt 45 is certainly a lite western for RS but nevertheless is worth a shot. What I found most interesting are how many familiar actors from later big movies make their lesser screen appearances here. Ruth Roman is the only female in the picture and has everybody's attention. She even manages to throw some dirt at and a knockout of RS. Probably the only time this has happened to Scott on screen. She is a few years ahead of Far Country with Jimmy Stewart. Walter Coy, Aaron Edwards in The Searchers, has an uncredited role here that you'd have to Search for. Lloyd Bridges predates his paranoid role in High Noon with a complete weasel of a character here. The catch of the day is Ian McDonald playing Miller here, a member of Zachary Scott's gang; later as Frank Miller in High Noon.

As for the flick, Scott looks clean shaven even after forty days of soft time in jail. Brother Zachary looks like a very light weight Clark Gable. The sexual symbolism is a little too obvious here but for young kids it was all surely missed. Just relieved that RS is clearly interested in Roman with Ruth more than his colts. This is one western where the Indians (unnnamed tribe) are the good guys. It's not The Tall T or Commanche Station but if you are a fan of RS, and I certainly am, you can't miss with a Colt 45.

The Searchers (1956)

Worth the Search

[10/10 · 7 December 2007]

While obviously no comedy, this classic's still has lots of humor in it yet doesn't gets enough credit for the sarcasm and smiles in it. From madrocker Mose Harper, likely muse for The Band's Robbie Roberston's Rockin Chair; to weird old Charlie McCrory, the precursor of Jim Nabor's weird/normal speech/song bit. There's a troupe of comic actors present but it's the serious actors having fun that is the real treat. Martin Pawley getting literally shoved around by Lori; later mocking the Duke. Pawley unwittingly trading goods for an Indian squaw. The Duke for needling him as a newlywed. Ward Bond as Reverend/Captain slurping down hot coffee and dunkin donuts, constantly challenged and called on it by Wayne. Near the denouement he gets a sabre in the rear. Even Scar shows he can duel verbally with the Duke. You speak good Commanche, take a Berlitz course?

Aside from the comic relief there is of course a classic movie with incredible drama and fine acting by the Duke and Jeff Hunter. I've watched this film ten times and while I"m starting to believe Ethan and Martha may have begat the object of The Search, I'm not sure. If I ever figure it out- "That'll be the day." Any chance Hunter got the role based on his last name?

North Star (1996)

Far Country II

[5/10 · 30 November 2007]

Sorry friends this is a frozen turkey; just it's an interesting turkey courtesy of Caan & Young. Years back they made two superior films- The Gambler & The Killer Elite. It's nice to seem them looking so good 25 years later even considering the material.

When the movie starts I started to think of Jimmy Stewart & Walter Brennan in The Far Country. Afterwards, Valdez is Coming. By the end it just freezes to death of its own weight. It's supposed to showcaset this Highlander guy but he doesn't even rise to the level of Steven Seagal.

I laughed and enjoyed Caan as a ruthless businessman turned psycho killer but somewhere Sonny Corleone is shaking his head. John McIntire too.

The Far Country (1954)

Death by Coffee

[8/10 · 14 October 2007]

Another very good Mann flick thanks to the father/son combination of Walter Brennan and Jimmy Stewart. Brennan (Ben Tatum) is often the comedic conscience of either Stewart or Wayne (Red River/ Rio Bravo). He's there to see that the younger man takes the ride fork or bend. "You're wrong Mr. Dunston". Jeff Webster(Stewart) gives off the impression he cares only for himself but it is clear he cannot desert Brennan. John McIntire is excellent as the law of Skagway with due respect for the trappings of justice over the reality of it. Another key theme is helping people and in turn being helped by people. The loner can do neither and suffers for it.

The caption above plays on Tatum's assertion that he can't live without his coffee. This caffeine addiction proves fatal. Probably the first and last time on the screen.

I recommend this film and now own the DVD.

The Naked Spur (1953)

Spur of the Moment Thoughts

[8/10 · 5 October 2007]

All in all a little different western than we are use to. The bounty hunter running into trouble is not a entirely new theme. Randolph Scott has a couple like that (Commanche Station/Ride Lonesome). The scenery is better than most and Robert Ryan, Janet Leigh and Ralph Meeker and Millard Mitchell (the loyal friend in Winchester 73) make things more colorful than usual. Jimmy Stewart, here Howard Kemp is a rancher sans ranch and sans wife. He's on a mission to collect a bounty on Ryan and thereby reclaim his land and life. Elements of the Treasure of Sierra Madre emerge as the posse comes together and all but Kemp want an even split. Stewart finds his his moral compass tested and then some trying to stay on mission despite getting shot and roughed up a bit;not as badly as in the Man from Laramie. Crusty old gold prospector and guide Jesse Tate/Millard Mitchell provides some comic relief but Walter Brennan or say Arthur Hunnicut are sorely missing. After all the buildup on this film I can't say it's great but I will definitely watch it again. Thoughts are panned about veterans coming back to nothing whether honorably (Kemp)or dishonorably (Meeker)discharged. Yet I feel a bit disappointed but nor spurred. Ryan's character is a murderer and lower than a snake, so is all Stewarts' hand wringing really necessary? I'm sure Dog would take that bounty.

Bend of the River (1952)

Where's Walter Brennan?

[7/10 · 10 August 2007]

I've seen BOTR several times and now own the DVD along with Far Country. An interesting cast including Arthur Kennedy (Nevada Smith/Man from Laramie) who always makes things lively. The two take turns saving each others lives. That is no small thing and a certain code is established between the two.

A key theme here is the effects of greed on man. Stewart is already over his when the story begins. A former Missouri Raider, nearly hung to death, he's already been redeemed. It's Emerson Cole (Kennedy) and the riverboat owner Tom Hendricks who succumb to the thoughts of unheard of wealth ( from the sale of foodstuff belonging to some new settlers) and turn their backs on friends and lovers. Even Laura Baile (Julie Adams)catches gold fever, heck she even counts the stuff for a living.

A good movie, worth seeing. Still, Stewart seems preoccupied with his laundry. If Brennan was there that wouldn't have been an issue. Rock Hudson is eye candy for some hot blonde, if she only knew he bent a different way.

Stalag 17 (1953)

Father of Hogan's Heroes?

[7/10 · 6 August 2007]

As a big fan of The Great Escape (1963) Stalag 17 is the parent and I imagine the first film portrayal of American soldiers at a German POW camp. Stalag is a very good film with excellent performances by Holden, Strauss,Lembeck, Ruman & Preminger. Still, I can't say I prefer the "father" to the son. The Great Escape is a much grander scale movie with many heroes. The Allies are all true to each other, no rats or spies. Maybe the fact that soldiers appearto turn on one of their "own" is upsetting. Frankly it's not believable to me that Sefton would survive his beating. If the boys felt he really was a spy they would have killed him. Wilder's film spends as much time with men dancing with men or dressed in drag, presumably comic relief, as the spy story. You shouldn't really mix Some Like it Hot Redux into this film.

According to TCM, the final scene with Sefton's salute was an add on to soften his prior remarks.

Ride the High Country (1962)

Appetite Chapter 1

[8/10 · 27 July 2007]

A fitting end to the career of Randolph Scott whose films I'm somewhat familiar with and Joel McCrea's. While RS took top billing, the movie rolls along with McCrea's ex-sheriff as the lead/hero. According to TCM's Jeffrey Osborne, the two men switched characters before filming.

Scott has no female interest but still passes on the Code of the West to his junior. Plot devices change a story about stealing gold you've been hired to deliver, to a story about protecting Mariette Hartley's virginity/honor. Sounds odd but it works out.

Nice cameo for Edgar Buchanan and some great comic relief by Scott.

This is a solid film (without the usual rules) and I liked it very much. If you Ride the High Country, you'll like it too, pardner.

Carson City (1952)

Train should run to Vegas

[7/10 · 13 July 2007]

This is the earliest of Scott's films I've seen. The iconic Scott character is a Renaissance man- part engineer, miner, cowboy, gunfighter, bar-fighter and older brother. He's pretty good at every role and has time to land the leading lady. First time I've seen Scott land the leading lady, I was beginning to wonder. Raymond Massey here as the lead villain with a fondness for Champagne but without the prescription. Scott proves to be Dr. Kill Dare to Massey. I liked all the non cowboy action in this flick, but I'm not jumping into any mines. If I did, I'd take Scott with me, cause he's a never let em see you sweat guy even if the mine is set to give its occupants the shaft.

Any fan of RS should enjoy this flick bridging the old & new West. There are some minor players with faces you'll remember from A&C, Superman or early TV.