Review of Best of the Badmen

It's a shame this movie was as mediocre and forgettable as it was, as it COULD have been so much better. The basic idea for the plot as the film begins isn't bad and I generally love Robert Ryan because of his gritty performances. But, in both cases, the film starts well and just slows to a crawl. Too many clichés, plot problems and slow dialog curse this film to be no more than a time-passer. For example, the biggest weasel in the gang is obviously pre-ordained to betray his comrades--anyone can see this from a mile away. So, what is Robert Ryan's solution to this bad and unpredictable guy?! Yep, beat him up and send him away swearing his eternal vengeance!! Why didn't he just plug the guy? Yeah, I know, he couldn't do that because of the clichéd final showdown! I could go on and discuss the film further, but it was so bland it was like eating toast--not altogether unpleasant but something you would never look forward to!