I'm not a huge fan of westerns. I like Clint Eastwood, and I love "Brisco County Jr." (which this is very similar to), but I never cared for "Bonanza" or "Gunsmoke" and I don't know what Gary Cooper looks like. This movie was not a typical western, though, as it sought to make itself fun and added in so many subtle references (especially the "Lethal Weapon" nod) to old westerns, country music and Richard Donner films.
Hidden in the movie are Corey Feldman, Margot Kidder, Waylon Jennings, Clint Black and more. I did not recognize them. (Believe me, if I had recognized Corey Feldman I think this film would have received an 8.) Also, the film co-stars James Garner, who was the original Maverick in the TV series.
The plot: Maverick (Mel Gibson) must collect money owed to him to raise $25,000 in order to enter a high-stakes poker tournament on a steamboat. Along the way, he befriends a sheriff (James Garner) and a swindling yet beautiful woman (Jodie Foster). Also, Graham Greene appears.
Seriosuly, the film comes down to an endless series of fun events as Danny Glover parodies his "Lethal Weapon" role, Graham Greene plays an unusual Indian, a Russian archduke shows up for no apparent reason and many wacky card games and gun fights ensue. No excessive violence and very mild sex (this is PG, you know) make for a great time without getting too "adult".
If you liked the lightheartedness Richard Donner gave to "Superman" or "The Goonies" and you'd like to see more of that in the Old West, this is the film you are looking to find. Or, as I said, rent the first season of "Brisco County Jr" - you'll be pleasantly surprised.
Hidden in the movie are Corey Feldman, Margot Kidder, Waylon Jennings, Clint Black and more. I did not recognize them. (Believe me, if I had recognized Corey Feldman I think this film would have received an 8.) Also, the film co-stars James Garner, who was the original Maverick in the TV series.
The plot: Maverick (Mel Gibson) must collect money owed to him to raise $25,000 in order to enter a high-stakes poker tournament on a steamboat. Along the way, he befriends a sheriff (James Garner) and a swindling yet beautiful woman (Jodie Foster). Also, Graham Greene appears.
Seriosuly, the film comes down to an endless series of fun events as Danny Glover parodies his "Lethal Weapon" role, Graham Greene plays an unusual Indian, a Russian archduke shows up for no apparent reason and many wacky card games and gun fights ensue. No excessive violence and very mild sex (this is PG, you know) make for a great time without getting too "adult".
If you liked the lightheartedness Richard Donner gave to "Superman" or "The Goonies" and you'd like to see more of that in the Old West, this is the film you are looking to find. Or, as I said, rent the first season of "Brisco County Jr" - you'll be pleasantly surprised.