Mr. Majestyk (1974)
7/10
Don't mess with a man and his melons!
8 September 2014
Especially if the man in question is the great Charles Bronson. The iconic tough guy actor plays the title role, who merely wants to go about his business in peace. And that business is watermelon farming. When Majestyk is arrested for roughing up sleazy, worthless little weasel Bobby Kopas (Paul Koslo), it brings him into contact with syndicate hit man Frank Renda (Al Lettieri). After a series of incidents, Renda comes to utterly despise Majestyk and want him dead.

Very capably directed by the versatile Richard Fleischer, "Mr. Majestyk" features an engaging Bronson performance, and a strong supporting cast. The tongue in cheek antics are courtesy of screenwriter Elmore Leonard. Brief bursts of violence and a few action set pieces help to make this watchable, as well as a brilliant music score by Charles Bernstein. Lettieri is an effectively intense antagonist, Linda Cristal has lots of appeal as migrant worker Nancy Chavez, and Koslo is great fun as the pathetic Kopas, although Lee Purcell has an underdeveloped role as Rendas' associate "Wiley". Taylor Lacher, Frank Maxwell, Alejandro Rey, Jordan Rhodes, and Bert Santos are all good as well. Veteran character actor Richard Erdman appears uncredited as attorney Dick Richard.

In the end, "Mr. Majestyk" is no great shakes, but is still nicely plotted and solidly entertaining for its duration. For a disposable bit of entertainment, it is quite agreeable.

Seven out of 10.
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