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Warlock![]() There’s a reason Henry Fonda wasn’t in many westerns. He never made a great cowboy, and this is no exception. This isn’t a bad movie, it just isn’t a great action movie. It’s the “Law and Order” of westerns. The setting is pretty similar to the more recent “Appaloosa,” only this town’s called “Warlock.” But it’s another example of a movie that may have had too many famous actors in it. This one’s got Anthony Quinn and Richard Widmark as well. It doesn’t work when they’re all competing for screen time. It’s lacking in excitement and action. 2.5 action rating
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The War Lover![]() See it – This WWII gem is almost impossible to find, but it is an underrated war classic that shouldn’t be forgotten. It has a clever title, considering it is about a man who loves war, but is also quite a “Casanova” with the ladies. Steve McQueen plays a reckless, hotshot bomber pilot more concerned with women and personal glory than the safety of his crew. But his friendship with his trusted co-pilot, played by Robert Wagner, is put to the test when they both fall for the same girl. For the haters out there who think McQueen was a one dimensional actor, you need to watch this movie. It is one of his best acting performances, hands down. He does a magnificent job of playing a man too confident for his own good. Unfortunately, this film is very talky, and there are only 2 aerial battles. But the final battle is a heroic conclusion to a movie that deserves the “epic” label even more than Memphis Belle. 2 action rating.
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The Way West![]() See it – Don’t expect too much action in this one. It’s about a wagon train on the Oregon trail, but most of the conflict comes from within. So why see it? First of all, the cast is an all star lineup including Kirk Douglas, Robert Mitchum, Richard Widmark, and a young adorable Sally Fields. Unfortunately, there may be too many actors, because we don’t really get to know any of them very well. A second reason to see it is because it is much darker than most films during this time. The ending is pretty dark and there is a love affair that occurs that is harmless by today’s movie standards but no doubt pushed the envelope back in the 60’s. I would compare it to a movie like “Major Dundee” because it has great veteran actors but only a few memorable moments. Rent don’t buy. 2 action rating
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The Westerner![]() This Gary Cooper western “feels” very old. It has not aged well compared to most of his other stuff. But the main problem is the lack of action. Only one gunfight at the end, and it’s not worth the wait. 1 action rating.
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Where Eagles Dare![]() See it – Here’s an equation for you: Clint Eastwood +WWII = Awesome. Multiply that by a machine gun and some high explosives and get ready to subtract a lot of dead Nazis. 5 action rating
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White Feather![]() Cheesiness abounds in this unimpressive western that hasn’t aged well. An emotionless Robert Wagner is his usual dry self, and Jeffrey Hunter plays a very un-Indian looking Cheyenne. But the main problem is the lack of action. There really isn’t a single legit battle scene or gunfight. 1.5 action rating
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Wild Rovers![]() There are a lot of positives that make this a unique western that’s worth a watch. There’s good dialogue, a rousing musical score, beautiful cinematography, and a great acting job by William Holden. Unfortunately, this is more of a buddy movie than a good old-fashioned western. I’ve even heard some comparisons drawn to “Brokeback Mountain,” although I personally would disagree. The story is about two ranch hands who decide on a whim to rob a bank, and the chain of events that unfold as a result. It is part “Sundowners” and part “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.” The two men are an unlikely pair, but they become close friends as a result of their desperate situation. The first half of the movie feels like a comedy. The second half gets a lot better, with a couple gunfights and some Peckinpah-esque slow motion violence. Unfortunately, this western is too long and just too sluggish to keep an action buff entertained. But I believe that it is good enough to be considered a classic. 2 action rating
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Will Penny![]() This is a raw, emotional, and at times creepy western. Charlton Heston is an aging ranch hand who helps a woman and her child make it through the treacherous winter. Donald Pleasance is outstanding as the down-right insane villain who is the father of a family of evil hillbillies. They are the wild west version of the rednecks in “Deliverance.” But overall, this movie is too dull. 2.5 action rating
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Winchester '73![]() See it – This was Jimmy Stewart’s first of many westerns after doing “It’s a Wonderful Life.” So you could say this was his first western as a super star actor, and he comes through in a big way. It helps when the simple plot is about a man whose Winchester rifle is stolen, and he must embark on a rip-roaring adventure to track it down. The rifle switches hands several times, with action and danger around every turn. 4 action rating.
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