It's inevitable that any sequel to a classic like "The Magnificent Seven" is going to represent a drop in quality. The script (by Larry Cohen) is definitely on the routine side, and its gallery of characters are mostly nondescript. There's still entertainment value in the "assembling men for a mission" theme, and some of the actors here get a chance to shine. Burt Kennedy's direction is certainly adequate, and the action scenes are well executed.
Yul Brynner returns to the role of Chris. He's approached by Petra (Elisa Montes), the wife of Chico (Julian Mateos), a former member of the Seven. Petras' and Chicos' village is raided by a group of bandits who kill some of the men, but abduct most of them for some unknown purpose. The villain responsible is Lorca (Emilio Fernandez), who is not an entirely unsympathetic character. Chris reunites with Vin (Robert Fuller, taking over for Steve McQueen), and brings together associates such as Frank (Claude Akins), Colbee (Warren Oates), and Luis (Virgilio Teixeira); he's also joined by the hard luck young man Manuel (Jordan Christopher).
Admittedly, this setup was indeed more fun with the original gang of characters, who had a little more personality than this bunch. That's not to say that guys like Akins and especially Oates don't have their moments. Oates is certainly a joy in the role of a shameless horn dog. Fernandez is good, but again, he's no match for his predecessor Eli Wallach. Fuller is reasonably likable, but he's no Steve McQueen. At least there's a nice part for Fernando Rey as the well meaning priest who disapproves of Lorcas' methods.
Elmer Bernsteins' theme music still resonates, and the widescreen photography is first rate. The pacing is adequate; this is the shortest of the "Seven" films at a fairly trim 96 minute run time.
Decent entertainment for undemanding Western fans.
Seven out of 10.
Yul Brynner returns to the role of Chris. He's approached by Petra (Elisa Montes), the wife of Chico (Julian Mateos), a former member of the Seven. Petras' and Chicos' village is raided by a group of bandits who kill some of the men, but abduct most of them for some unknown purpose. The villain responsible is Lorca (Emilio Fernandez), who is not an entirely unsympathetic character. Chris reunites with Vin (Robert Fuller, taking over for Steve McQueen), and brings together associates such as Frank (Claude Akins), Colbee (Warren Oates), and Luis (Virgilio Teixeira); he's also joined by the hard luck young man Manuel (Jordan Christopher).
Admittedly, this setup was indeed more fun with the original gang of characters, who had a little more personality than this bunch. That's not to say that guys like Akins and especially Oates don't have their moments. Oates is certainly a joy in the role of a shameless horn dog. Fernandez is good, but again, he's no match for his predecessor Eli Wallach. Fuller is reasonably likable, but he's no Steve McQueen. At least there's a nice part for Fernando Rey as the well meaning priest who disapproves of Lorcas' methods.
Elmer Bernsteins' theme music still resonates, and the widescreen photography is first rate. The pacing is adequate; this is the shortest of the "Seven" films at a fairly trim 96 minute run time.
Decent entertainment for undemanding Western fans.
Seven out of 10.