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Reviews
Big Jake (1971)
Not Hardly!
I first saw "Big Jake" in Bangkok, Thailand in 1971 and enjoyed it thoroughly. The story is classic John Wayne so there is nothing new here. Wayne is the quintessential loner/drifter who is estranged from his well to do family led by long time Wayne co-star Maureen O'hara. When his grandson is kidnapped, Jacob McCandles (Wayne) comes home and takes charge. Big Jake teams with his sons and Indian companion (Bruce Cabot) and goes off to rescue the grandson. The highlight of this film involves the interaction between Wayne and Richard Boone who plays the chief villain John Fain. The two times that McCandles and Fain cross paths is worth the price of admission alone. Look for other Wayne sidekicks in this movie like Harry Carey, Jr, Patrick Wayne and John Agar. If you like John Wayne westerns, you'll like "Big Jake". I bought the dvd.
Reservoir Dogs (1992)
A Bloody Afternoon
I recently bought the DVD and watched the movie after seeing it ten years ago. The time between viewings did not dull the impact of the film. The first time I saw the film, I was shocked at the level of raw violence and disregard of life depicted. The second time through I was able to concentrate more on the unfolding story line and adjust to Quentin Tarantino's flashback style which he perfected in "Pulp Fiction". Reservoir Dogs is an interesting study in human psychology and what can happen to an individual who gets sucked into a horrific group thereby, temporarily, losing his identity. If violence in films turns you off, you will not like Reservoir Dogs. However, if you enjoy a good story and can stand the necessary violence, this is a very good movie. After seeing Reservoir Dogs the first time, I couldn't wait for Quentin Tarantino's next production
The Long Ships (1964)
Entertaining family fare.
The Long Ships is one of three movies Sidney Poitier made with Richard Widmark. It is entertaining and good family fare. There is nothing new about the story line but it will hold your attention for the duration of the film. Widmark is very comfortable in his role as a Viking captain roving the seas looking for ports to plunder. Poitier is believable as a Moorish ruler but his sword fighting skills leave a lot to be desired. Nevertheless, I enjoyed this movie and I think you will too. I would definitely buy the dvd.