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The Passage (1979)![]() There’s a reason you probably haven’t heard of this WWII resistance movie. Starring an aging Anthony Quinn and James Mason, this movie is very “odd” in only the way a 70’s movie can be. The plot would make you assume that it’s a good, old-fashioned secret mission WWII movie about a shepherd who is hired to help a family escape from the Nazis across the Pyrenees. And it is, but with a twist. They are being hunted by a twisted Nazi pervert. Every scene he is in seems like its straight out of “Clockwork Orange.” Gratuitous sex, creepy characters, and violent torture abound. 2 action rating.
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Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid![]() This is a filthy, shameless western with more sex scenes than gunfights. James Coburn stars as Pat Garrett, and isn’t half bad as a cowboy. But director Sam Peckinpah butchered this classic story by trying to push the envelope with nudity and violence every chance he gets. The only reason, and I mean the only reason, I would see this subpar western is to see Bob Dylan as Billy the Kid’s knife-wielding side kick. Dylan isn’t a good actor by any stretch of the imagination, but it’s just such a strange choice for a role that it’s worth a look. Dylan also does all the music in the movie. Consensus: Dylan should stick with what he does best. The music is great, albeit a little out of place for a western. 3 action rating.
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Play Dirty![]() See it - If you claim to have seen every great WWII movie, but haven’t seen this one, you just told a lie. After watching this intelligent, darkly witty, heart-wrenching movie about a secret mission in the African desert, you’re going to wonder why it took you so long to find this gem. It’s basically an R-rated "Dirty Half-dozen" starring Michael Caine. “Brilliant!” 3 action rating
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Pork Chop Hill![]() See it – The best movie ever made about the Korean War. The entire movie is basically one big battle. Gregory Peck is ordered to take and hold an insignificant hill at the heroic expense of many of his men’s lives. 3.5 action rating
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Posse![]() This is just as much a political movie as it is a western. Kirk Douglas plays a martial who is catching outlaws to help gain votes as he runs for Senator. He plays a similar character to the one he played in “The Way West.” There are a few clever story angles that separate this from a run-of-the-mill western. Unfortunately, there is not enough entertainment and action for this to be considered a classic. And the ending is a bit absurd. 2.5 action rating.
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The Professionals![]() Awesome movie, awesome cast, awesome action. Has not lost any of its luster over the years. The story of a group of cowboys, each with a unique skill, who are hired to rescue a kidnapped woman. Cast includes Burt Lancaster and Lee Marvin. Buy it tonight. 5 action rating
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The Proud Ones![]() See it – “Pride can kill a man faster than a bullet.” One of my favorite quotes from one of my favorite westerns. Robert Ryan and Jeffrey Hunter star in this classic western about a marshal with failing vision who trains his deputy to be his successor. Very good story with great acting and great screenplay. This would truly be a quality movie in any genre. And yes, it has its share of good gunfights and showdowns with an ending that will make you smile. 3.5 action rating
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The Purple Plain![]() Although this is technically a war movie, it is mainly a survival movie. Gregory Peck stars as a pilot, haunted by his past, whose plane crash lands in Japanese territory during WWII. Accompanied by two other survivors, they set out on a journey through the Burmese jungle. There are two main problems with this adventure story. First, the plane crash doesn’t even happen till halfway through the movie. Second, there is no action to speak of, and we don’t even see the enemy. The plane isn’t even shot down. It just crashes. Lame. This is at best a TV quality movie. 1 action rating.
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