|
|
Rating:  - A nice film but slow moving
The characters are likable, there is some decent progression and growth seen over the course of the film, but only about half of the scenes are necessary. It seems as if they just wanted to give Gene Wilder a few more chances to be quirky. Gene is a funny guy, there is no doubt about that, but enough is enough!
The film is family friendly, except for a few instances of harsh language and violence, but it is really nothing compared to the sorts of things that get into theaters these days.
It is worth a look, but only if you're willing to deal with some pretty decent stretches of time when there is not a lot of progression in the story.
Rating: - A pleasant diversion - a buddy road fish out of water film
This fish-out-of-water / buddy film is a comedy adventure story that has some roots in the early history of Jewish life in San Francisco in the 1850s. Nothing in the film is historical, but the facts are that the first Rabbi was brought there in that decade when the town was very young and developing rapidly.
Gene Wilder plays Avram Belinkski who is going the city on the Bay to become their Rabbi and to get a wife (part of his contract). Along the way he meets up with Tommy Lillard (Harrison Ford in an early role). Tommy is a scoundrel and that contrast with the Rabbi is part of the fun of the film. When Tommy robs a bank leaving Avram holding the horses (and without, of course, telling Avram), they have to outrun a posse for days. One of those days is the Sabbath and Avram won't ride his horse on the Sabbath to Tommy's consternation.
They also get captured by some Indians - very civilized Indians - and while things start badly, they end well. And, of course, they meet up with a tribe of very uncivilized white guys and it is the encounters with them that cause Avram his greatest crisis.
It is a pleasant movie with some funny moments, some touching moments, and is a pleasant diversion. Since it is from 1979, it is also a nice look back into the early careers of its stars.
Rating:  - Wonderfully Funny
This is an underrated, little known movie. Gene Wilder and Harrison Ford are a match made in Heaven for this movie. Funny and poignant, it shows how opposites can be attracted for an everlasting friendship. Don't miss this one!!
Rating: - I'll take San Francisco. You, you take the rest of the country.
I just love this movie from beginning to end. It's commentary on the myth of the west is at the level of the best. Everyone knows about the west. They read it in a book. Then, there's the people who live there, (they kind of disagree). OK, maybe this doesn't make sense. See the movie.
Rating:  - Unfunny
This is pathetic. Vile language, inept writing, and silly casting. Worst: This film just isn't funny. It's a waste of Gene Wilder and Harrison Ford.
|
|