B
Backlash![]() See it – An entertaining, fast-paced, action-packed western. Starring Richard Widmark, it also has an element of mystery as the main characters try to track down the answers to a secret involving gold, a massacre, and the lone survivor. Not the best ending, but there are several battles throughout, multiple duels, and a nice little twist to ensure you walk away satisfied. 3.5 action rating
|
|
Back to Bataan![]() See it – This is not a sequel to “Bataan.” The Duke teams up with Anthony Quinn to help the resistance fight against the Japs in WWII. 3 action rating
|
|
Bandido![]() See it – This is a can’t-miss for fans of Robert Mitchum. Although the story is nothing special (you’ve seen it dozens of times with all the Mexican Revolution movies), there is plenty of action to light up the screen. Very similar to “Vera Cruz,” this movie is about the Mexican Revolution minus Pancho Villa. There are several great fight scenes, including a daring escape through a swamp, a train battle, and an unforgettable finale involving a boat full of dynamite and a gatling gun. Use your imagination. 3 action rating.
|
|
Bandolero!![]() See it – Only see this if you are a fan of Jimmy Sewart or Dean Martin. Without them, this is a run-of-the-mill western. Combine Stewart’s “Night passage” and Martin’s “Rio Bravo” and you’ve seen it before. Only this time the actors are a lot older. It’s one of the last westerns made by either one of them. There’s good acting, good fighting, and even some humor. It may be a little predictable, but it’s still an entertaining way to spend an hour and a half. 3 action rating
|
|
Ben-Hur (2016)

2.5 out of 5 action rating
Bend of the River![]() See it – This is one of my favorite early Jimmy Stewart westerns. But its unique in that it is more of an adventure western or “psychological” western. It never fails to entertain and its everything you want from a classic cowboy yarn. 4 action rating
|
|
Between Heaven and Hell![]() See it – A vastly underrated and reflective war movie starring Robert Wagner and Buddy Ebsen. This movie has been nearly forgotten over the years, and it's a shame. Much of the story is told in flashbacks. There’s very good character development. And best of all, there was much more action than I expected. A bit slow toward the beginning, but there is a really cool action sequence in one of the flashbacks where Wagner and some of his men assault a cliff-side machine gun nest. When the current story picks back up after the flashbacks, there is plenty more action, including an exciting and desperate ending. 3.5 action rating
|
|
The Big Red One![]() See it – Picture a mix between HBO’s miniseries “Band of Brothers” and the “Dirty Dozen.” It co-stars Lee Marvin in his usual hard-nosed role. The other co-star is a pleasant surprise. In a rare role playing someone other than Luke Skywalker, we see Mark Hammel playing a young soldier struggling with the fear of combat. This movie is special because it follows the squad as they serve tours of duty in every major theater, from North Africa to Berlin. Some moments feel very corny and 70’s. Other scenes are very over-the top, such as when the main characters help a woman deliver a baby inside a tank while propping her legs up using machine gun belts. But at its heart it’s a just a good World War 2 movie, complete to its climactic final scene. 4 action rating
|
|
The Big Trail![]() John Wayne’s first starring role - ’nuff said. Pretty good movie for its time, but it’s really only for die-hard fans of the Duke. Wayne is great and there is a handful of the usual variety of exciting wagon train moments. But this western is literally ancient. 2 action rating.
|
|
Billy Two Hats![]() See it – One of the best of Gregory Peck’s later westerns, this is actually a very underrated movie. Also, if you like listening to Peck speak in a Scottish accent, that’ll give you another reason to like it. Not particularly unique or smart, but an enjoyable western with a classic feel just the same. Peck and his young half-breed sidekick, Billy Two Hats, are outlaws on the run. We never hear much about their past, but their camaraderie is evident as they save each other’s lives multiple times while being chased through the desert by a relentless lawman. When things turn south, they’ll have to use their wits, not just their guns, to survive. 3 action rating.
|
|
The Bravados![]() See it – This is a western you are going to love. It has everything – action, mystery, and a great story. Gregory Peck joins a manhunt for 4 outlaws. But he may have a personal vendetta of his own. I don’t care whether or not you like Gregory Peck movies, you’ll like this one. It has a shocking ending that is so unique, you won’t forget it. 3 action rating
|
|
Braveheart (1995)![]() "Every man dies, not every man really lives."
|
|
Broken Arrow (1950)![]() See it – This is classic cowboys vs. Indians. Never mind that it may be historically inaccurate or that the Indians speak perfect English. It doesn’t rank up there with Jimmy Stewart’s best movies, but it’s worth a watch. Not too much fighting but the power is in the story. If you’re looking for action-packed you may be disappointed. Compare to “Fort Apache.” 2.5 action rating
|
|
Broken Lance![]() An interesting western that starts at the end and tells the story in a flashback. It stars Spencer Tracy as a calloused cattle baron and Robert Wagner and Richard Widmark as his bitter sons. Tracy is magnificent as usual, but this western leaves a lot to be desired in the action department. There’s only one real fight at the very end. And I’m not a fan of a movie without a true villain. This is a substantial western, but not a good action movie. 2 action rating.
|
|