Westerns | The Ultimate Rabbit

‘The Outlaw Josey Wales’ Movie and 4K Review

The following review was written by Ultimate Rabbit correspondent, Tony Farinella.

“The Outlaw Josey Wales” was directed by Clint Eastwood, and it was adapted from the book, “Gone to Texas” by Forrest Carter. Eastwood is also the lead actor in the film, and he’s certainly in his wheelhouse when it comes to the Hollywood Western. When it comes to certain Clint Eastwood Westerns, some of them stand out more than others. This film was released in 1976, and it was Eastwood’s second time directing a Western after first directing “High Plains Drifter.” He would return in 1985 with “Pale Rider” before putting his finishing touches on the genre with “Unforgiven” in 1992. For my money, “Unforgiven” is not only one of the best Westerns Eastwood ever directed or starred in, but it’s also one of the best Westerns of all time.

“The Outlaw Josey Wales” is set during the American Civil War, and it opens with the wife and son of Josey Wales (Clint Eastwood) being murdered by Captain Terrill (Bill McKinney) and his group of Union militia. Now, Josey Wales will stop at nothing to seek revenge for the death of his wife and son. Throughout his journey, he stumbles upon a group of unique and eccentric characters who can either help him or get out of his way. Eastwood plays Josey Wales as subdued, determined, and unflappable. If he gets his pound of flesh, will he be satisfied? He’s on a mission, and he isn’t going to let anything or anyone slow him down or get in his way.

One of the more interesting characters that Josey Wales meets is Lone Watie, played by Chief Dan George. They have had an “Odd Couple” type of relationship, as it’s hard to get a read on Josey whereas Lone Watie is quite chatty. Along the way, they come in contact with various gunmen, and we quickly learn that Josey is not someone to be trifled with when he’s in a battle of life or death. There are also quiet and reflective moments when the threat of violence isn’t in the air. The film is shot with a keen eye by Eastwood. He’s always been a skilled and talented director, especially when he’s shooting Westerns. He makes even the mundane look spectacular and mesmerizing.

When I was watching “The Outlaw Josey Wales,” there wasn’t anything happening on screen from a plot or character perspective which drew me in or kept my attention. I recently reviewed “Pale Rider,” which was done after “The Outlaw Josey Wales,” and that was a film with a strong pulse and interesting characters. I have seen Eastwood portray this character before, and it feels like he’s simply spinning his wheels with this performance. There is not a whole lot going on with this character of Josey, and there isn’t a whole lot going on with the majority of the story either.

I can only get lost in the scenery and the beautiful sights and sounds for so long before I eventually start to get bored. Make no mistake about it, “The Outlaw Josey Wales” is a beautiful film from a filmmaking perspective. There is a ton of skill on display, and it’s a quiet and unassuming film. The problem is it also feels bland and flat. I didn’t feel as though the film did anything to differentiate itself from a host of other Westerns which have been directed by Eastwood in the past. It’s OK for his character to not be showy, loud or outspoken, as we don’t expect that in an Eastwood Western. However, at times, it looked and felt like he was in a medically-induced coma.

As I was watching this film, I kept waiting for it to spring into action and come to life on screen. After you have seen him take out the bad guys time after time, it begins to become repetitive and it loses its luster the more you see it happen. This is a movie which is a little too focused on its sense of time and place but not focused enough on creating a captivating story. This is a problem when you have a film that is a little over two hours long. I didn’t hate watching “The Outlaw Josey Wales,” but I didn’t particularly enjoy the experience. It left me feeling very underwhelmed.

* * out of * * * *

4K Info: “The Outlaw Josey Wales” is released on a single 4K disc from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment. It comes in either a 4K slipcover edition or a 4K steelbook. The film has a running time of 135 minutes and is rated PG. The film also comes with a digital code to redeem.

4K Video Info: The 4K of this film is absolutely magnificent. Westerns, in particular, were made to be released on 4K. You just don’t get this type of viewing experience on Blu-ray or DVD with Westerns. The HDR on this film presents an epic picture that is utterly flawless.

4K Audio Info: The Dolby Atmos audio track also brings the film to life in your living room with a soundtrack that is big and bold. Subtitles are included in Spanish, English, and French.

Special Features:

Commentary by Richard Schickel

An Outlaw and an Antihero – NEW

The Cinematography of and Outlaw: Crafting Josie Wales – NEW

Clint Eastwood’s West

Eastwood in Action

Hell Hath No Fury: The Making of The Outlaw Josey Wales

Clint Eastwood: A Cinematic Legacy – Reinventing the West

Should You Buy It?

I had the pleasure of reviewing three Clint Eastwood 4K’s over the past week: “The Outlaw Josey Wales,” “Dirty Harry,” and “Pale Rider.” “Pale Rider,” without question, was my favorite of the three. With “Dirty Harry” and “The Outlaw Josey Wales,” I admired but didn’t love them. I felt like I was missing something when I was watching them. Both films are well-made and they are not terrible, but they didn’t entertain or grab me emotionally. However, I’m well aware that many people out there who love both “Dirty Harry” and “The Outlaw Josey Wales.” When it comes to “The Outlaw Josey Wales,” if you are a fan of the film, you need to add it to your collection as soon as possible. It looks and sounds out of this world on 4K, and there is a boatload of special features here to enjoy, especially a few new ones as well. I just put this film under the category of, “It wasn’t for me.” If it is for you, you can’t ask for a better physical media release than what they have put together at Warner Brothers for this one.

**Disclaimer** I received a copy of this film from Warner Brothers to review for free. The opinions and statements in the review are mine and mine alone.

All-Time Favorite Trailers: ‘Pale Rider’

Posted on April 27 by The Ultimate Rabbit

With Tony Farinella’s ever so enthusiastic review of Clint Eastwood’s 1985 western “Pale Rider,” I was quickly reminded of the various trailers made for it back in the day. Each trailer and television commercial made for it was dominated by the music of “Best Endeavours” which was composed by Alan Hawkshaw. That piece of music alone was enough to get me super excited about this particular motion picture.

But one particular trailer for “Pale Rider” which excited and stayed me throughout the years was its teaser. I first watched the teaser when it was included in the VHS release of “City Heat,” a movie which teamed up Eastwood with Burt Reynolds and eventually became one of my most inescapable guilty pleasures.

What makes this trailer for “Pale Rider” stand out for me is how it is composed simply of still images. Like the Italian movie trailer for Dario Argento’s “Suspiria,” it is the images which, in their stillness or frozen moments, spoke volumes. While Warner Brothers might have preferred more in the way of moving images, the still ones had much more of an impact on me.

Plus, it has a narrator telling us how Eastwood had previously directed the last great western back in 1976 with “The Outlaw Josey Wales.” This made the trailer’s promise of “Pale Rider” being the next great American western all the more thrilling. Whether or not you think “Pale Rider” proved to be such the thing, I admired the case the narrator sold us on.

As much as I wanted to see “Pale Rider” when it arrived in theaters, I was only ten years at the time, and it was rated R. The best I could do was watch Siskel & Ebert review it as I got to see movie clips there, and I did get to read the movie’s novelization which was written by Alan Dean Foster. For some odd reason, my parents never kept me from doing that.

I didn’t get to see “Pale Rider” until many years later, but that is a story for another time. And from now on, Alan Hawkshaw’s “Best Endeavours” will always forever be the “Pale Rider” theme to me. To others, it may forever be the theme for the British program Channel 4 News, but Channel 4 never secured permanent exclusivity rights for it at the time, so there!

Please check out the “Pale Rider” teaser trailer down below.

‘Pale Rider’ Movie and 4K Review

Posted on April 26 by The Ultimate Rabbit

The following review was written by Ultimate Rabbit correspondent, Tony Farinella.

Clint Eastwood is synonymous with the Hollywood western in American cinema. For my money, the westerns of Eastwood are far superior than those of John Wayne. There is a subtlety and nuance to his films and his performances. While not all of them are Hollywood classics, they are a great example of old-school craftsmanship, especially when he’s behind the camera. He is behind the camera for “Pale Rider,” which is celebrating its 40^th anniversary with this 4K release. It is a film I have not seen before, but after watching it for the first time, I fell in love with it immediately.

Our film is set in LaHood, California in Carbon Canyon, which is being run by an malevolent banker and a crooked marshal. The banker is named Coy LaHood, played by Richard Dysart. Since he doesn’t have the legal rights to kick the miners out of their homes, he uses violence and intimidation in an attempt to gain complete control of the land. This doesn’t sit right with Hull Barret, played by Michael Moriarty, as he’s trying to take care of his fiancée Sarah (Carrie Snodgress) and her daughter Megan (Sydney Penny). However, he’s finding little to no support in his battle against LaHood.

Megan’s prayers for peace are answered by a man known as the Preacher, played by Eastwood. He’s a mysterious and shadowy figure who shows up to save Hull after he’s attacked by four of LaHood’s men. Megan was having a hard time seeing the silver lining in much of anything after her father left, her grandfather passed away, and her dog was killed. LaHood has brought nothing but mayhem and destruction to Carbon Canyon. The Preacher, however, is not only giving Megan hope, but he’s also giving hope and faith to everyone in Carbon Canyon. They are not going to be kicked out of their homes, and they will not be bought off.

Westerns are often hit or miss with me as a film critic. When they are done with interesting characters, beautiful cinematography and focus on the quiet introspective moments, they connect with me and I’m completely absorbed. One of my favorite Westerns of all time is “Unforgiven,” which was also directed by Eastwood. It deals with the aftermath of the violence and the effect it has on those who have inflicted it on others. “Pale Rider” is about the people of Carbon Canyon and how they are trying to exist, survive, and live while under the thumb of LaHood. Eastwood, in many ways, is a supporting character in his own film. I imagine this was by design. When he does appear on screen, everything he does is thoughtful and understated. He has a terrific scene with Sydney Penny where he describes why they can’t be together romantically. It’s delicate and, in the hands of any other filmmaker, it would have been awkward and out of place.

It all leads to the big shootout between the Preacher and LaHood’s men along with Stockburn, the Marshal, played by John Russell. The shootout scene is impactful because Eastwood is a patient director and he takes his time in building up to the grand finale. At the end of the day, movies are simple—introduce us to characters we are invested in, set the stage, let the actors do their work, and get out of the way. Eastwood is one of the best in the business at doing that as a director, which is one of many reasons why he’s a Hollywood legend.

I’d also like to mention the work of Chris Penn in the film as LaHood’s son, Josh. Even though Sean Penn is more well-known and established as an actor, his brother Chris was a terrific character actor who really knew how to play a slimy and underhanded villain. I’ve always been a big fan of his work. Michael Moriarty plays a good man who is trying to do the right thing while simultaneously trying to maintain his manhood at the same time. In many ways, even though Eastwood receives top billing, he’s the lead in the film when it comes to screen time. Carrie Snodgress and Sydney Penny bring vulnerability, strength, and warmth to their performances. This is a terrific cast.

From start to finish, I was utterly engrossed in “Pale Rider,” and I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen. There is a sense of mystery surrounding the Preacher character, and it is what keeps the story moving in a unique and captivating way. I like to be kept on my toes. Overall, this is the kind of movie I love as a moviegoer. The acting, from top-to-bottom, is phenomenal, the scenery is gorgeous, and the story is simple yet powerful. This is another in a long line of classic films from the great Clint Eastwood. The great thing about his filmography is there are still films of his I haven’t seen. He’s the gift that keeps on giving.

* * * ½ out of * * * *

4K Info: “Pale Rider” is being released on a single disc 4K from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment. The release comes with a beautiful slipcover and a digital copy as well. There is a steelbook version of the film available for purchase if you are interested in steelbooks over slipcovers. I prefer slipcovers myself. The film has a running time of 116 minutes and is rated R.

4K Video Info: “Pale Rider” comes with a jaw-dropping 4K HDR transfer. The film looks magnificent. Westerns, in particular, are always a welcome addition to 4K. The landscapes are enthralling to look at and the colors are lively and vivid.

4K Audio Info: The Dolby Atmos track is out of this world as it is peaceful during the quieter moments in the film but it comes to life during the action sequences. Subtitles are included in English, Spanish and French.

Special Features:

The Diary of Sydney Penny: Lessons from the Set – NEW

Painting the Preacher: Bruce Surtees and Pale Rider – NEW

Clint Eastwood: A Cinematic Legacy – Reinventing Westerns

Eastwood Directs: The Untold Story

The Eastwood Factor

Should You Buy It?

HELL YES! “Pale Rider” is a great film. It was almost a perfect film, and I was very close to giving it four stars. In the end, I decided to give it three and a half stars, but when it comes to owning the 4K, it’s a no brainer. There are also new special features on this disc! So many physical media collectors often complain about the lack of new special features, but there are two new special features on this 4K disc. In total, there are over three hours of special features here! Clint Eastwood and Warner Brothers have a special relationship, and this is one of their finest films. The audio and visual aspects of the 4K are magnificent. This is one of my favorite 4K releases of 2025 so far, and I can’t wait to watch “Dirty Harry” and “The Outlaw Josey Wales” on 4K from Warner Brothers. They hit a home run with this release, and you owe it to yourself to add this film to your collection. This one comes highly recommended.

**Disclaimer** I received a copy of this film from Warner Brothers to review for free. The opinions and statements in the review are mine and mine alone.

‘Blazing Saddles’ Movie and 4K Review

Posted on November 27, 2024 by The Ultimate Rabbit

The following review was written by Ultimate Rabbit correspondent, Tony Farinella.

When it comes to comedy, it’s all a matter of opinion. Comedy, even more than film criticism, is subjective. For example, I’m not an Adam Sandler fan and I find his films terribly unfunny, but there is a reason why his films keep getting released by studios. There is really no right or wrong when it comes to comedy. With “Blazing Saddles,” I heard all of the praise surrounding it and how some critics considered it one of the funniest films of all time. While watching the film for the first time, I understood what they were going for and what they were looking to achieve. It wasn’t as though the film went over my head or I didn’t understand the style of comedy they were putting on screen. I just never laughed.

My first issue with “Blazing Saddles” was its lack of plot. It seems this is mostly a movie filled with random gags and one-liners that are intended to make the audience laugh. They throw everything but the kitchen sink at us. It must be said the film is filled with the N-word along with other racial and homophobic slurs. I understand this film was made in 1974, which was fifty years ago, but it’s still uncomfortable to watch. The film is not funny and the jokes don’t land. There is a way to be offensive and also be funny, but this movie did not accomplish that goal. With comedy, you can go almost anywhere if you know what you’re doing. We have seen films that pushed the comedic envelope in the past, but they have been done in a smart and clever way. This is just flat-out lazy.

The plot involves a railroad being built through the town of Rock Ridge, a railroad that will make a corrupt politician a lot of money if he is able to force the residents out of their town. One way he is hoping to do this is by having a black sheriff named Bart (Cleavon Little) come in and make some of the local residents uncomfortable. The sheriff is called Black Bart. Subtlety is not this film’s strong suit. Bart’s deputy is played by Gene Wilder. Even though they are hoping to get the locals out of Rock Ridge, they end up staying and fighting for their town. Bart must also deal with Lili Von Shtüpp, played by Madeline Kahn, who is looking to find a way to sink her teeth into him.

“Blazing Saddles” features performances from Mel Brooks, Alex Karras and Richard Collier, to name a few. However, no one can save this movie from its awful screenplay and bad jokes. It is unwatchable from start-to-finish. It took every ounce of strength in my body to not only watch this movie, but to finish watching it. I absolutely hated it in a way I haven’t hated a movie in a very long time. I understand they were trying to make a film that would be a satire on Westerns and how certain demographics view African Americans. It shows how they are exploiting African Americans because the money men are only focused on the bottom line. I know what the message was and what they were trying to do in this film. I just didn’t find it funny.

In the end, “Blazing Saddles” is considered a comedy classic and one of the funniest films of all-time. I wouldn’t be doing this film any justice if I didn’t acknowledge its reputation and its three Oscar nominations. It has clearly reasoned with a lot of people. With this being its 50th anniversary, I know a lot of people are very excited about this 4K release. One of the worst things you can do as a critic is to say a movie should not be watched by anyone, and if anyone likes this movie, they are a moron. I would never dream of doing that. I acknowledge the reputation of “Blazing Saddles,” but I simply shrug my shoulders and say, “This was not, at all, my kind of comedy.” As stated previously, comedy is subjective. If you love the film, you will love the 4K.

ZERO out of * * * *

4K Info: “Blazing Saddles” is released on a single 4K disc from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment. It also comes with a digital copy of the film. It has a running time of 93 minutes and is rated R. You can purchase either the 4K slipcover or the 4K steelbook.

4K Video: The 4K HDR transfer from Warner Brothers is fantastic and looks terrific. Westerns, when done right, can look great on 4K. This is a visual feast for the eyes, and I imagine fans of the film will be quite pleased with this 4K transfer.

4K Audio: The Dolby Atmos track is also right on cue, as it’s a strong audio mix throughout the film that hits all the right notes.

Special Features:

Inappropriate Inspiration: The Blazing Saddles Effect

Scene-Specific Commentary by Mel Brooks

Blaze of Glory: Mel Brooks’ Wild, Wild West

Back in the Saddle

Additional Scenes

Should You Buy It?

I imagine some readers might call me too sensitive or say the film went over my head. I’m a huge fan of standup comedy, and I believe just about anything in the world is fodder for comedy when it’s done right. I understood exactly what Mel Brooks was going for in this movie, and I know that one of its writers was Richard Pryor. It is my job to give my honest assessment of this film, and I thought it was painfully unfunny and wanted to turn it off after twenty minutes. Because I was reviewing it, I felt obligated to watch the entire film. If this style of comedy is not for you, you won’t find a whole lot to laugh about in “Blazing Saddles.” If you enjoy the film and it fits into your comedic sensibilities, you will be very happy with it. This is another top-notch 4K release from Warner Brothers. They are doing a great job with releasing 4K’s from their massive library. Overall, if you loved this film, buy it. If you haven’t seen it before, I’d recommend watching it and seeing how you respond to it.

**Disclaimer** I received a copy of this film from Warner Brothers to review for free. The opinions and statements in the review are mine and mine alone.

‘Rio Bravo’ Movie and 4K Review

Posted on August 1, 2023 by The Ultimate Rabbit

The following review was written by Ultimate Rabbit correspondent, Tony Farinella.

When you think of the western genre in cinema, it’s hard not to think of John Wayne. Perhaps the only other actor who might be synonymous with westerns is Clint Eastwood, but he would frequently venture into other genres to expand his repertoire. For the most part, John Wayne lived and breathed westerns. When you think of his classic westerns, you think of films such as “The Searchers,” “Red River,” “Stagecoach,” and “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance” to name a few. However, I believe his best film in this genre is none other than “Rio Bravo,” directed by the legendary Howard Hawks. He brought out the humanity and vulnerability from the tough, no-nonsense Wayne persona.

“Rio Bravo” is a patient and detailed film that allows us to really get to know, understand and like our main characters. There is Sheriff John T. Chance (John Wayne) who is deliberate, fair and direct in his communication and his actions. His former deputy is named Dude, played by legendary crooner Dean Martin in a fantastic performance. Dude used to be a reliable deputy and partner to Chance until his drinking got the better of him. Now, he’s trying to get himself together because he knows John needs him by his side in order to deal with the Burdette’s, Joe (Claude Akins) and Nathan (John Russell). Joe is behind bars after committing murder and is currently being watched closely by Stumpy (Walter Brennan), a trigger-happy deputy with a quirky personality. While he might be up there in years and also have a limp, John trusts him to keep an eye on Joe and the rest of Nathan’s goons.

Nathan is a wealthy land tycoon with a lot of connections, and he will stop at nothing in order to get his brother out of prison. However, with Chance, Dude and Stumpy working together, this is not going to be an easy task for Nathan. Chance is out to prove there are consequences when it comes to murdering an unarmed man for no reason other than you have the money and power to do so and think you can get away with it. Chance is also developing feelings for a young woman in town named Feathers (Angie Dickinson), whose deceased husband was a shady gambler notorious for cheating. Chance is not quite sure what to make of Feathers and wonders if he can trust her because of her past connections. However, it is clear there is a connection between the two of them.

At this point, they are waiting for the U.S. Marshal to come and handle things, but that could take up to a week before this comes to fruition. It’s up to Chance, Dude, Stumpy and the rest of the town to band together and not give in to Nathan Burdette and his greed. He’s willing to pay hired guns in order to make sure his brother gets out of jail. This is something Chance is keenly aware of, so he’s on his toes at all times. The same can be said for Stumpy, who will shoot anyone that dares to enter their jail without announcing themselves first. Dude sees this as a second chance for himself. He might be struggling with losing his confidence, but if he can stay away from the bottle and remain focused, people will start to take him seriously again. Chance has never given up on Dude, even when others around him do not take him seriously.

I really loved the performances in “Rio Bravo” along with the beautiful western scenery. There is also a sense of humor injected into the film, but it’s not forced and it doesn’t feel phony. Sometimes when things get really serious and intense, you need to step back and throw a humorous moment in there to lighten things up. Howard Hawks knows how to do that during just the right moments in the film. I’ve often found Wayne to be a one-note actor, but here he’s still the same badass we have seen in previous films, and he shows good comedic timing, a sense of vulnerability, and a more human side to the character of Chance. He doesn’t seem invincible. He is a real person with feelings, emotions and some depth to him.

The same is also true of Dean Martin. I haven’t seen Martin in a film before, but the way we see his inner struggle on screen is truly a work of art. For my money, he gives the best and most impressive performance in “Rio Bravo.” He shows tremendous depth here. He’s not just the town drunk. There are many layers to his character. Walter Brennan’s Stumpy might look like an old fool, but he still has some fight left in him as well.

There is also a tremendous supporting performance by Ricky Nelson here as Colorado. He becomes part of their little family, and he even gets them out of a few jams as well. Ward Bond also appears in this film, which has a tremendous cast that works perfectly together. The film is two hours and twenty-one minutes long, but it doesn’t feature a moment on screen that isn’t meaningful to the purpose of the story in some way. Hawks is one of the great filmmakers of all-time, and he shows that here. He really brought out the best in everyone throughout this emotional, funny and action-packed film. This is a movie that has just about everything in it without ever feeling like it’s bloated or too many genres thrown into one. It’s a fantastic piece of cinema.

* * * * out of * * * *

4K Info: “Rio Bravo” is released on a single 4K disc from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment. It has a running time of 141 minutes and is not-rated. However, anyone can watch the film. It comes with a digital copy of it as well.

Video/Audio Info: The HDR is beautiful here with so many beautiful shots coming to life as we get engrossed in the film. It’s truly eye-popping to watch on screen. In addition to the great acting and terrific pacing of the story, this film looks stunningly gorgeous. I couldn’t have asked for a better 4K release of it. There is no Dolby Atmos track here, but I didn’t feel like it really hurt the sound quality as the film sounds great. It comes with subtitles in English, Spanish and French.

Special Features:

Commentary by John Carpenter and Richard Schickel

I’m truly loving just about every classic film being restored by Warner Brothers on 4K with this being their 100-year anniversary. It is filled with films I’m watching for the first time along with others I’m viewing in a whole new light because with age comes wisdom, and also because of how much time and effort they are putting into these releases from an audio and visual perspective. Classic cinema will always stand the test of time, and it is clearly on full-display here with “Rio Bravo.” I loved the performances of John Wayne and Dean Martin in this film, if I’m going to single out two of the actors here. Martin really showed tremendous range and emotional trauma with this performance. The only special feature is a commentary track, but that’s okay considering the age of the film. I’m just happy we are being treated to so many great films through the Warner Archives on 4K. It seems like every month, there is a classic film on 4K, and I’m loving it. This is one you need to buy on its release date along with “East of Eden.” They are two totally different films, but they have one thing in common: they are timeless and immortal. As far as the audio and visual aspects of this release, it truly takes your breath away on 4K with its range of colors.

**Disclaimer** I received a copy of this film from Warner Brothers to review for free. The opinions and statements in the review are mine and mine alone.

‘Cry Macho’ Movie and Blu-ray Review

Posted on December 11, 2021 by The Ultimate Rabbit

The following review was written by Ultimate Rabbit correspondent Tony Farinella.

“Cry Macho” shows a more sensitive and vulnerable Clint Eastwood looking back on his film career and life. After all, this is the 50th anniversary of his working relationship with Warner Brothers. He has always been a patient filmmaker known for gorgeous scenery and knowing how to get the most out of each and every scene. Roger Ebert once said Eastwood’s films are a prime example of old-fashioned Hollywood craftsmanship. The fact Eastwood is 91 and still directing and acting in films is truly astounding and surreal. This is a quiet, peaceful and contemplative film. As an actor, he has always known how less is more. He’s never been an overly loud or showy actor, and he knows the best way to get an emotional reaction out of the audience is through his face.

This film is set in 1979 as Eastwood plays Mike Milo, a retired rodeo star who has turned to booze and pills due to a broken back. His ex-boss Howard Polk (Dwight Yoakam) calls in a favor with Mike after all he’s done to support him throughout the years. He wants Mike to go from Texas to Mexico and bring back his thirteen-year-old son Rafo (Eduardo Minett). Howard claims he can’t go there for legal reasons and because of trouble with the son’s mother. Mike will do this job as a one-time favor for Howard, but he has his reservations about the situation. He wonders if Howard’s son will come with him and how he’s going to pull this off.

Upon entering Mexico, he runs into Howard’s ex, Leta (Fernanda Urrejola), who claims he can take her son if he’s able to find him. In her eyes, he’s getting into trouble all of the time and spending too much time at cock fights with his rooster named Macho. Rafo doesn’t trust anyone, especially Mike, but he’s interested in reconnecting with his father and getting away from his mother and her many male suitors. Many of these men have beaten Rafo in the past, and he wants to get as far away from that as possible.

Along the way, Mike, Rafo and Macho have to escape from police officers as well as Leta’s goons. They have car issues and also have trouble connecting with each other at times. On the other hand, Mike sees a chance at redemption with Rafo in that he can make up for the mistakes of his past. He sees something special in Rafo, especially with how the kid has been forced to grow up very quickly because of his upbringing. They do get some help along the way from a widow named Marta (Natalia Traven) and her grandchildren. There might even be a little bit of a love story between Marta and Mike as well.

First and foremost, let’s talk about the good things in “Cry Macho.” The film is beautifully paced. Eastwood is known as a director who usually shoots scenes in one-take. There is something very authentic and real about his films. There is a sense of time and place throughout the film. He’s the major star here, and he’s still got it at age 91. At times, he does appear a little frail, but I’m going to chalk that up to the character he’s playing having broken his back. His comedic timing, line deliveries and charisma are still on full-display. He’s a minimalist actor, as mentioned earlier, which I’ve always appreciated.

Now, let’s focus on some of the issues. Dwight Yoakam has acted before in films, but he reads his lines here in such a bland and flat manner. Also, some of the lesser-known actors here are a little green when it comes to their acting chops. In some cases, it lends itself perfectly to the film. In other cases, it can be a little cringy and hard to watch. When you have a seasoned pro like Eastwood, you are hoping to see him act alongside some really good actors. It’s always good for up-and-comers to get an opportunity in a major motion picture, but even at age 91, Eastwood is miles ahead of them. In some scenes, it was difficult to watch their inexperience, and in other scenes, it’s charming and exactly what the scene needs. Overall, this is not one of Eastwood’s greatest films, but it’s watchable, sweet and entertaining. It is good enough.

* * * out of * * * *

Blu-Ray Info: “Cry Macho” is released on a single-disc Blu-ray from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment. It has a running time of 104 minutes and is rated PG-13 for language and thematic elements. It also comes with a digital copy of the film.

Video/Audio Info: The film is presented in 1080p High Definition. For the audio, it comes in the following formats: DTS-HD MA: English 5.1, Dolby Digital: English Descriptive Audio, French, and Spanish. Subtitles are included in English, French, and Spanish.

Special Features:

Back in the Saddle: The Making of Cry Macho and the Mustangs

Should You Buy It?

As with anything on HBO Max, I always enjoy a second viewing on Blu-ray. I find I’m the type of viewer who likes to watch certain films multiple times to really grasp the vision of the director. With “Cry Macho,” once again, I enjoyed it more on a second viewing. It’s heartfelt, touching, and reflective on the part of Clint Eastwood. He gives a great speech about being “macho” and what it really means. It feels like Eastwood has evolved as a human being, and he’s commenting on some of his past work. As far as the film itself, it was an enjoyable viewing experience. It is nothing which is going to blow you away as a viewer or stay with you after it’s over. The Blu-ray is pretty bare bones in terms of having only one special feature. I can’t recommend it as a purchase right away at its current price. If you can get it in a few months for $10 or less and you are a big Eastwood fan, I’d pick it up then. There is no need to rush out to buy it right away.

**Disclaimer** I received a Blu-ray copy of this film from Warner Brothers to review for free. The opinions and statements in the review are mine and mine alone.

‘Those Who Wish Me Dead’ Movie and Blu-ray Review

Posted on August 12, 2021 by The Ultimate Rabbit

The following review was written by Ultimate Rabbit correspondent, Tony Farinella.

I remember being blown away when I walked out of the theater after watching Taylor Sheridan’s 2017 directorial debut in “Wind River,” which he also wrote. He’s an accomplished writer having written such films as “Sicario,” “Hell or High Water,” and also a number of episodes of “Yellowstone.” While “Those Who Wish Me Dead” is not as powerful and emotional of a film as “Wind River,” it still shows he has a great eye behind the camera and knows how to get powerful performances out of his actors. He also knows how to build suspense while also keeping a lean pace to his films. I look forward to what he has up his sleeve next as a writer and director.

Even though he shares the screenwriting credits with Michael Koryta (based on his book of the same name) and Charles Leavitt, his touches are still all over this film. With any thriller, you need to capture the attention of the audience right away. Sheridan does this by introducing us to Hannah, played brilliantly by Angelina Jolie. Jolie has always been an underrated actress, but here, she gets to show off her acting chops in an impressive and understated fashion. Hannah is still traumatized by the fact that in her role as a smoke-jumper, three young lives were lost. She feels completely responsible for it, even though there is always more to the story. Many nights, it is hard for her to fall asleep comfortably without horrible nightmares.

Hannah, however, gets a chance to redeem herself when she stumbles upon an injured and scared 12-year-old boy named Connor (Finn Little), who is all alone due to circumstances beyond his control. Together, they form an unlikely pairing where they must work together in order to stay alive, as Connor has some information which two very bad men are looking for, and they will stop at nothing to obtain from him. Even though Hannah has the training and the skills, it’s difficult when there is a tremendous fire heading their way at the same time. This is a film which starts off by allowing us to spend time with the characters, get to know them and care about them. It’s one of the reasons why it is so effective.

Finn Little and Jolie work so well together. At first, Connor wants nothing to do with Hannah and pushes her away. When he realizes it’s a 12-mile trek to get any help, he quickly realizes he has no choice. Even though there are horrible lighting storms going on and this intense chase, Sheridan takes time to allow the audience to have a laugh here and there along with some tender moments. There is also a side story involving Hannah’s ex, played perfectly by the always reliable Jon Bernthal. He still cares about Hannah and her well-being, but he’s also involved in a committed relationship and has a child on the way with Allison (Medina Senghore).

The bad guys are played by Nicholas Hoult and Aidan Gillen. They do a great job in portraying the villains without trying too hard to where they are over-the-top characters. It is more the threat of violence and their presence. Going back to the overall film, I’ve always enjoyed a thriller which knows how to have a good running time. This film runs at 100 minutes, and there is never a dull moment. It didn’t need to be any longer or any shorter, and it is fine exactly as it is thanks to the performances, the pacing and the action. They all work together so well.

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect with “Those Who Me Dead,” but it did remind me what a tremendous actress Jolie is and reinforced the fact that Sheridan is a director who is going to be making more thrilling action films in the future I look forward to watching. The stakes are high and, as an audience member, we feel that urgency. He’s also emotionally investing time in his characters, so we are happy to spend time with them. We are also rooting for them and care about their fate. This is one of the better films I’ve seen in 2021 so far.

* * * ½ out of * * * *

Blu-Ray Info: “Those Who Wish Me Dead” is released on a single disc Blu-ray from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment. It runs at 100 minutes and is rated R for strong violence and language throughout. It also comes with the digital copy as well.

Video Info: The film is presented in 1080p High Definition, and the picture is crystal clear, bright, and incredibly vivid.

Audio Info: The audio comes in DTS-HD MA: English 5.1, Dolby Digital: English Descriptive Audio, French and Spanish. Subtitles are in English, Spanish and French.

Special Features: Making Those Who Wish Me Dead

Should You Buy It?

“Those Who Wish Me Dead” is a great star vehicle for Angelina Jolie, and she knocks it out of the park. As a matter of fact, the cast, top to bottom, is great and there is not a weak link in it. Finn Little really holds his own in his scenes with Jolie. I don’t think the film works without their chemistry. They have a strong bond together. It’s a gorgeous film to look at, and it’s great entertainment. I highly recommend you pick this film up the next time you are out at your local retailer. You won’t regret it. It’s one of the more surprising movies of 2021.

**Disclaimer** I received a Blu-ray copy of this film from Warner Brothers to review for free. The opinions and statements in the review are mine and mine alone.

‘The Lone Ranger’ – Hi-yo Silver, What the Heck?

Posted on February 8, 2021 by The Ultimate Rabbit

Like so many, I grew up watching “The Lone Ranger” on television and listening to the old-time radio show as well. John Reid, whether he was wearing a mask or not, was a paragon of justice, and seeing him and his faithful sidekick Tonto defeat the bad guys was always deeply satisfying. I was reminded of how much I liked this character while watching Gore Verbinski’s “The Lone Ranger” because I kept asking myself, who is this buffoon that has no business being around a horse during this movie?

Hollywood has had little luck in getting a respectful version of “The Lone Ranger” up on the silver screen, and this supposed 2013 summer blockbuster is the latest example. At two and a half hours, this film is a bloated mess which could have easily been shortened. It sticks its talented cast with a bland story, an uninteresting villain, and it can never seem to figure out if it wants to be a lighthearted adventure or a deadly serious film. Sadly, it is not until the last half hour when this “Lone Ranger” finally comes to life.

This “Lone Ranger” is yet another origin story about how this iconic character and Tonto first met and joined forces to bring justice to the American Old West. John Reid (Armie Hammer) is a lawyer and former Texas Ranger who joins up with his brother, Dan (James Badge Dale), to recapture the ruthless outlaw Butch Cavendish (William Fichtner) who has just escaped. In the process of tracking Butch down, John and Dan are ambushed by him and his law-breaking friends, and he mercilessly takes Dan’s life as well as another part of his body from him. John is assumed to be dead, but Tonto (Johnny Depp) finds his body and nurses him back to health so they can avenge Dan’s life and defeat Butch before he does more harm.

Look, I try to enjoy movies for what they are as opposed to what I want them to be, but I found myself wanting to see a much different version of “The Lone Ranger” because the iconic character is not given the respect he deserves here. I came out of this film feeling sorry for Hammer who is a very good actor and was terrific as the Winklevoss twins in “The Social Network,” but he is forced to portray John Reid as a buffoon and wimp who has no business trying to bring any bad guys to justice. Hammer has some funny moments, but the screenplay by Justin Haythe, Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio robs his character of many of the heroic qualities we love the Lone Ranger for having.

Come on, this is a movie about the Lone Ranger, so why not make it about the character we know him to be? Just like “The Green Hornet” which Seth Rogen and company really messed up, this is a film that blatantly forgets what makes its well-known characters so special. Regardless of the current controversies Hammer is currently enduring, his acting career has fared much better than Klinton Spilsbury’s did after he starred in ill-fated “The Legend of the Lone Ranger.”

As expected, Johnny Depp gets top billing even though he is playing the sidekick in this film because, well, he’s Johnny Depp. While he may be the best thing about “The Lone Ranger,” his performance is a bit problematic. Depp said he chose to play Tonto so he could right the wrongs of the past in terms of how Native Americans are portrayed in the media. While I really want to say he succeeded, I’m not sure he did. He is clearly having a lot of fun playing Tonto, but the character threatens to come off as a comical caricature than a believable Indian. I have no doubt that Depp has Native American blood in him, but it would have made much more sense to get a full-blooded Native American to play Tonto instead.

But in the midst of such comical mischief between the Lone Ranger and Tonto, we get to learn about Tonto’s backstory which involves tragedy and Native American genocide. It is at this point when the movie’s tone becomes completely erratic as it can’t seem to decide whether it wants to be funny or serious. While I would never dare to gloss over the damage we did to Native Americans, this grim history belongs in another movie and not this.

“The Lone Ranger” also starts off with another side story which has a young boy named Will (Mason Cook) visiting a San Francisco county fair where he runs into an elderly Tonto who proceeds to tell him about his adventures. The movie keeps coming back to these two time and time again, and this ends up slowing its already sluggish pace down to a grinding halt. These scenes could easily been cut out of the film because they really serve no good purpose and only make us wish this was much shorter.

William Fichtner remains one of the most dependable character actors working today, but he is unfortunately saddled with portraying a bore of a villain in Butch Cavendish. The character’s makeup basically spells out how this is one very bad dude who never visits the dentist, and it’s almost like Fichtner is letting the makeup do all the work. There’s really not much to this character other than he’s just another evil outlaw, and this gives Fichtner no real opportunities to make him the least bit interesting.

As for the other actors, Ruth Wilson gets to play Dan Reid’s obligatory love interest, Rebecca, and she is given little to do other than be in constant danger. Tom Wilkinson is a welcome presence as railroad tycoon Latham Cole, but it’s no surprise to see what his character ends up becoming. And while it is cool to see Barry Pepper as U.S. Calvary Officer Jay Fuller, his character is just another one of those clichéd corrupt military characters who is just asking to get beaten up. As for Helena Bonham Carter, she is wasted in a bit part as brothel madam Red Harrington. While I love seeing Carter pop up in one role after another, this movie does not deserve her.

Verbinski runs into many of the same problems which undid “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End” as it goes on for far too long, contains characters we never fully care about, and it doesn’t take long for us to give up on trying to understand the plot. While he is indeed a talented filmmaker, and the first “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie really was fantastic entertainment, I thought after “At World’s End” he would rein things in more than he tried previously. That he did not accomplish this makes this cinematic experience all the more frustrating.

Regardless, I have to admit that I loved the movie’s last half hour where Verbinski executes a number of brilliantly staged action sequences. Once the “William Tell Overture” music started blasting through the speakers, I found myself being immensely entertained. This was “The Lone Ranger” movie I wanted to see, the one where I was genuinely thrilled by this masked man’s crime fighting ways. This proved to be so much fun, but while this spectacle went on, I could not help but ask myself why the rest of this motion picture could not be this entertaining.

“The Lone Ranger” was not the worst movie of 2013, but it was still pretty close to being the biggest stinker of all. While it was not as boring as “The Great Gatsby” nor as abysmally bad as “The Hangover Part III,” this should have delivered far more bang for the buck. Westerns have taken a big hit over the years with poorly received duds like “Wild Wild West” and “Jonah Hex,” and this film is not going to help matters any. This was the first Lone Ranger movie in over 30 years, and now it looks like we’ll have to wait twice than long for the next one to be made.

Hi-Yo, Silver! Away from Hollywood!

* * out of * * * *

No, I Haven’t Seen It Until Now: ‘The Grey Fox’

Posted on June 11, 2020 by The Ultimate Rabbit

I remember when this film came out in 1982. I was a big fan of movie review shows like “At the Movies” back then, and the scene where Bill Miner tells an unsuspecting passenger about how he used to rob stagecoaches always stayed with me. As a result, when the opportunity came to watch “The Grey Fox,” which Kino Lorber has just re-released in a new 4K restoration, I jumped at the chance. The question was, do I put this film in the “No, I Haven’t Seen It Until Now” category of this website, or in the one known as “Underseen Movies” as it has been said the film only grossed $5 million worldwide. Well, considering how I remember when it was first released 38 years ago, I think the former category makes the most sense.

“The Grey Fox” stars Richard Farnsworth as Bill Miner, a stagecoach robber who eventually became known as “The Gentleman Bandit” after masterminding 26 robberies and for originating the command, “Hands Up!” As the film opens, Bill is being released from San Quentin Prison after a 33-year prison sentence, and he is also heading straight into the 20^th Century, a period in time which he may not be the least bit prepared for.

Bill seems to get off to a nice start as he takes a train ride where a fellow passenger shows him a device which peels apples very quickly, and he seems amiable even when he tells this passenger how he once robbed stagecoaches. But while his sister gives him the warmest of welcomes, her husband, well aware of his past crimes, is not quick to show Bill the same kind of welcome. Bill is eager to show him he is worthy of his attention, and the next day he begins a new job which has him shucking oysters.

Things look to be going okay, but then Bill sits down in a movie theater which is playing “The Great Train Robbery,” the classic film which is especially famous for a scene where an actor shot his gun right at the camera. As we look at Bill’s face, we see a passion arise in him to where he becomes intent on resuming his previous career sooner than later. His sister begs him to stay, but he tells her, “I have ambitions in me that just won’t quit.”

Most films from the 1980’s take their sweet time in showing their main character start off being released from prison and adjusting to life as a civilian before giving up and returning to a life of a crime. Back then, you did not need to speed everything along to get to the good stuff, and learning of a character’s history and experiences proved to be rewarding in a way which added to the cinematic experience. Of course, as time went on, filmmakers are obligated to move through the story at a rapid pace even if we do not have time to catch our breath. What is interesting here is how the filmmakers of “The Grey Fox” do not hesitate to move past Bill’s attempts to live as a peaceful civilian in very quickly in order to see him return to his previous occupation as a robber. If there were any other 80’s films which pulled off such a feat, I have yet to watch them.

In many ways, “The Grey Fox” is an anti-western along the lines of Robert Altman’s “McCabe and Mrs. Miller” as Bill’s exploits are not as spectacular as this genre may suggest. His initial efforts to rob trains of their valuables proves to be unsuccessful as he is confronting by those who are not quick to give up anything without a fight. While his exploits may have made him infamous in the past, he is now living in an age which is far more eager to stop crime than celebrate it. As a result, he flees to Canada to see if he can have more success there as his passion for adventure usurps most other desires in his life.

“The Grey Fox” was directed by Phillip Borsos who had previously found tremendous critical acclaim in Canada with his short films “Nails,” “Spartree” and “Cooperage.” “The Grey Fox” marked his feature film directorial debut, and it proved to be a resounding triumph as he created a wonderful character study of a man trying to survive in a time he is not fully prepared to live in as he goes back to what made him famous, or infamous, in the first place. Along with cinematographer Frank Tidy, he perfectly captures the beauty of the Canadian wilderness which anyone can get lost in, and serves to illustrate how isolated Bill has been over the years. I have yet to view this film on the silver screen as the world is still in the grips of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), but I do hope the day will come when I can.

Borsos would go on to direct “The Mean Season” which starred Kurt Russell, and anything with Kurt Russell in it has got to be worth seeing. His last film was “Far from Home: The Adventures of Yellow Dog,” an innocent adventure film which came out at a time when younger audiences were starting to get more cynical about the family movies being released in theaters. I remember when an English teacher I had in college remarked at how the film’s trailer was playing and of her observing teenagers a couple of rows ahead of her who remarked at how it looked “lame.” She would go on to say how our generation was being mediatized to where we had been forever robbed of our innocence.

What a shame Borsos’ life got cut short at the far too young age of 41 following a battle with acute myeloblastic leukemia. He still had a lot to give to us from behind the camera.

But let’s be honest, the real star of “The Grey Fox” is indeed Richard Farnsworth who is unforgettable to where it makes perfect sense why he was cast as “The Gentleman Bandit.” Having started out as a stuntman who later became an actor and appeared in movies such as “Gone with The Wind,” “Red River” and “The Wild One,” he had already been working in show business for years when he got this role. Vincent Canby was correct in describing “Farnsworth” as being “remarkably appealing with a face the camera adores.” The actor, who passed away back in 2000 after a painful battle with cancer, certainly had a face which had life written all over it, and it is the kind of face Hollywood does not value as much as it used to.

Farnsworth creates a lived-in portrait of a man who is famous for being a robber, but who ended up spending more time behind bars than he did robbing stagecoaches. From start to finish, he nails the complexities of Bill Miner who proved to be a genuine, thoughtful, gentleman-like, loving, and at times quite the dangerous individual. And those eyes of Farnsworth’s are beautifully indeed as he lets us into his soul to show a life still yearning for adventure and a connection with someone which can possibly give him something to live for other than robbing trains.

The actor also has some terrific scenes opposite Jackie Burroughs who portrays feminist photographer Katherine Flynn. They have instant chemistry together, and their dialogue feels real, genuine and not the least bit manipulative. When the truth of who Bill is comes to the surface, we can see in Burroughs’ eyes how Katherine cannot simply tear herself away from him. Bill is one of the more unique individuals she could ever hope to meet, and Katherine knows she will likely never meet someone like him ever again, so why stop things there?

Well, it took me almost 40 years to sit down and watch “The Grey Fox” after that movie clip I saw on “At the Movies” was forever burned into my conscious mind. I think it is safe to say it was well worth the wait. Lord knows I would never have appreciated it on the same level when I was 7 years old, so it’s nice to catch up with it now long after my view of movies had evolved to another level. It is a beautiful relic which deserves to be embraced by a new generation of film buffs. I do hope you take the time to see it whether in a theater or by virtual cinema. With this new 4K restoration, it is now more beautiful than ever.

* * * * out of * * * *

Please click here to visit “The Grey Fox” page at the Kino Lorber website.

Billy Crystal Talks About Working with Jack Palance on City Slickers

Posted on March 7, 2020 by The Ultimate Rabbit

While at the twentieth anniversary screening of “City Slickers” which was held at the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica on August 12, 2011, Billy Crystal talked about working with the late Jack Palance in that film. Palance co-starred as Curly Washburn, the most authentic of cowboys, and it was a role which earned him the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. In addition, it provided Crystal with one of the best setups in his Oscar hosting history; Palance’s one-armed push-ups which proved he was not too old to ever act in a motion picture.

One movie the “City Slickers” filmmakers viewed before they started shooting was “Shane,” the 1953 western starring Alan Ladd as the title character and Palance as Jack Wilson, and Crystal said this was the first movie he ever saw on the silver screen. When it came to casting Curly, he said they considered no one but Palance for the role. “Shane” marked the last time Palance got an Oscar nomination until he did “City Slickers,” and that’s a difference of 38 years!

Palance worked on “City Slickers” for a total of 10 days. Before he arrived on set, the crew kept saying, “the big cat is coming.” The director of the movie, Ron Underwood, was described by Crystal as the “sweetest guy” and a “puppeteer.” But when it came to the first day of shooting, Palance told Crystal he always got “nervous.” When Underwood asked him to do that “glare” of his one more time, Palance replied, “What glare?!”

After this, Palance put up a fit which had Underwood’s hair standing on end. No one was expecting this kind of tantrum from the former host of “Ripley’s Believe It or Not.” But after the first day, things got better even though Palance was never thrilled about being on a horse. Both he and Crystal continually ran lines with one another, and Crystal described the two weeks they worked together as feeling like nine months.

Crystal described Palance as a “real movie actor” in how he understood the size of his head. Palance owned the camera and his appearance in a way few actors can ever hope to. His role as Curly capped off a long and memorable acting career. While he sadly passed away in 2006, his legacy continues to live on from one generation to the next.