Month: January 2021

Dirty Mary Crazy Larry

Dirty Mary Crazy Larry is a 1974 movie directed by John Hough.

Dirty Mary Crazy Larry tells the story of Larry and Deke, two racers who pull a heist in order to buy a faster car. They are joined by Mary, a local girl, as they escape a fleet of police cars led by Vic Morrow’s Captain Franklin. The movie follows the path created by 1971’s Two Lane Blacktop – Peter Fonda is the obsessed racer, Adam Roarke the mechanic and Susan George plays “the girl.” Yet, these characters are given more dialogue – much of it cliched and pointless. Fonda in particular creates a universally unlikeable character. However, the movie excels on the open road – featuring a number of terrific chases and stunts. The wreckage throughout the movie is spectacular and the police as comic foils predates and possibly inspires Smokey and the Bandit.

THE BEST – Vic Morrow

Morrow’s rule breaking, Johnny Cash-esque cowboy police captain carries the narrative part of the movie. His Franklin commands scenes with an easygoing authority – even when operating with a boring secondary plot.

THE WORST – Anything Peter Fonda Touches

Fonda is either especially skilled at portraying characters with no redeemable traits or he’s simply reflecting his natural personality. Either way, his non-existent charisma seems only an extension of the vehicle he’s driving.

FOX FORCE FIVE RATING – 3.5/5

Dirty Mary Crazy Larry is a fun car chase movie filled with brilliant stunts. It’s worth a watch.

Gone in 60 Seconds

Gone in 60 Seconds is a 1974 movie directed by H.B. Halicki.

WHAT HAPPENS?

A conman and his crew of car thieves have to steal 48 cars in one weekend.

ONE LINE REVIEW

Gone in 60 Seconds is a beautiful, low-budget mess that features spectacular stunts.

THE ACTORS

H.B. Halicki plays Pace, an insurance adjuster who doubles as a car thief. It would be easy to suggest the novice Halicki adds a natural, gritty touch to the movie – but it’s obvious he’s either not acting or completely struggling when he has to. There’s a an odd passive-aggressive streak to his character – he’s either brilliantly smooth and understated or raging. Either way, Halicki’s performance is understandably overshadowed by the amazing collection of cars and dynamic chase scenes that dominate the movie.

THE DIRECTOR

This is clearly Halicki’s show and he presents some of the best car chases ever filmed. The movie’s final 40 minutes features a manic, crunching pursuit that explodes on the freeway and dives into parks and car dealerships. Along the way, Halicki’s Ford Mustang is shredded into mangled scrap. As the chase progresses, we see the human and mechanical carnage manifest – yet the tone never truly darkens.

Continue reading “Gone in 60 Seconds”

Cobra Verde

Cobra Verde is a 1987 movie directed by Werner Herzog.

WHAT HAPPENS?

A bandit is sent to West Africa to convince a deranged King to resume slave trading with Brazil.

ONE LINE REVIEW

Cobra Verde is a vibrant Werner Herzog movie that features a classic Klaus Kinski performance.

THE ACTORS

In some respects, Cobra Verde is Kinski’s final powerful performance – or at least it’s his swan song with longtime collaborator Herzog. Kinski plays the bandit Cobra Verde with intriguing passive-aggressive tendencies – similar to the actor’s natural personality. For long stretches, Kinski is sullen – acting nearly entirely with his expressive eyes. As the movie progresses, Kinski seethes with contempt – erupting against the cast of countless native extras. Yet at times, the performance feels empty – an aging actor is prodded into rage.

THE DIRECTOR

Herzog’s setting is again brutally natural – we see the human and physical decay of an abandoned settlement, along with the casual degradation of chained slaves. There is no social statement to be made here – Herzog is again creating masterful realism. The scope of extras employed are extraordinary – his cameras continue to pull back revealing endless natives. In more narrative scenes, the brilliant colors, emotions and language of the locals creates a vibrancy not found in most movies.

Continue reading “Cobra Verde”

Race With the Devil

Race With the Devil is a 1975 movie directed by Jack Starrett.

Race With the Devil tells the story of two vacationing couples who are terrorized after witnessing a satanic ritual. Peter Fonda and Warren Oates play the leads – Oates carries the movie as his Frank boasts an extraordinarily natural everyman appeal, while Fonda’s Roger is miscast in any scene that doesn’t involve him racing. Lara Parker’s Kelly does a great job reacting to the terrors inflicted on the group – comprised of virtually every character the foursome encounter in a 400-mile radius. The implausibility of the story affects the movie’s tension, but there are enough highway chases and shootouts to satisfy.

THE BEST – Peter Fonda is Surprisingly Not a Dick

It’s odd to watch Fonda assume the role of an emotionally healthy man. Typically, his characters are juvenile, mean-spirited, man-child types consumed with motorcycles or cars. He actually exhibits a few moments of tenderness throughout the movie.

THE WORST – A Tale of Two Actors

Other than his famous last name, I’m never sure what Fonda brings to a role. He’s never a dynamic presence and often his only character trait is petty subversiveness. Any other actor could have easily played his part in Race With the Devil. However, Oates is easily one of the most natural actors of his generation. He perfects the unassuming nature of his characters, which is a vastly underrated acting skill.

FOX FORCE FIVE RATING – 3.75/5

Race With the Devil is a creative hybrid of horror and 70s chase genres. It’s worth a watch – especially if you’re a Warren Oates fan.

The Master Touch

The Master Touch is a 1972 movie directed by Michele Lupo.

The Master Touch tells the story of a thief who decides to do the proverbial “last job” before retiring. Kirk Douglass plays Steve, a technologically sophisticated criminal who recruits Giuliano Gemma’s Marco, a trapeze artist, as his protege. Typical of many Euro offerings of the time, Gemma does the heavy lifting while Douglass sleepwalks through much of the movie. Gemma’s highlights include several fun fight scenes and a tremendous car chase sequence. His usual affable personality fits with Douglass’ easy charm. Yet, Douglass turns on the intensity over the movie’s final act, revealing a gritty darkness.

THE BEST – That Badass Car Chase

The Master Touch features one of the wildest Euro Crime car chases you’ll find. Gemma’s Marco and a Mafia tough rampage through “German” streets, destroying cars, scaling steps and defying physics. One of the cars carries another flipped vehicle before getting shredded into a convertible.

THE BEST Part 2 – Early 70’s Technology

The style and imagination of 70’s technology is fascinating. Douglass’ Steve employs a variety of gadgets – including “electronic computers” – that are now laughably outdated but wildly inventive and chic at the time.

THE WORST – Steve Constantly Incriminates His Wife

Typical of most Euro Crime plots, the relationship between Steve and Florinda Bolkan’s Anna makes no sense. Anna wants Steve to not lie to her about his upcoming heist, yet she plays a major role in the scheme. It’s a confusing, frustrating hole in an otherwise solid movie.

FOX FORCE FIVE RATING – 3.75/5

The Master Touch is an interesting Euro Crime offering. Gemma’s action scenes are fun, the technology and 70’s style are impressive and Douglass shines during the movie’s climax.

Requiescant

Requiescant is a 1967 movie directed by Carlo Lizzani.

Requiescant tells the story of a preacher’s adopted son who attempts to save his sister from a corrupt group of ex-Confederates. Lou Castel stars in the title role and while his Colombian roots don’t exactly match his Mexican character, he exhibits a quiet intensity. Mark Damon’s George Bellow Ferguson steals the show. His aristocratic Confederate character is both genteel and vicious – but also reveals a simmering attraction to Carlo Palmucci’s Dean Light. It’s an intriguing performance – especially cast against Castel’s Bible-toting sharpshooter.

THE BEST – Overhead Shots

There’s nothing extraordinary about Lizzani’s direction – in most respects, Requiescant is a straightforward Euro-Western. However, during the movie’s climatic final scenes, Lizzani lifts his camera high above to show the wreckage of a saloon battle. It’s a simple and cheap technique, but extraordinarily effective.

THE WORST – Navajo Joe Levels of Casting

Castel is an interesting and occasionally dynamic actor but it’s hard to overlook his complexion – especially when cast against the Mexican peasants he represents. This contrast is even more striking when you remember Castel’s role in A Bullet for the General.

FOX FORCE FIVE RATING – 3.75/5

You have to suspend reality for much of the movie, but Requiescant is a solid Euro-Western that features some unique touches. It’s definitely worth a watch.

Vertigo

Vertigo is a 1958 movie directed by Alfred Hitchcock.

WHAT HAPPENS?

A detective becomes haunted by the death of a mysterious woman.

ONE LINE REVIEW

Vertigo is an intense and moody thriller highlighted by vibrant color and cinematography.

THE ACTORS

James Stewart plays retired police chief Scottie Ferguson, who is hired to track Kim Novak’s Madeleine’s Elster. Stewart’s performance is impressive – his goofy, folksy archetype departs into a haunted, aggressive and paranoid character obsessed with the loss of Elster. Stewart’s eyes convey a dazed, otherworldly fog that perfectly captures his torment.

Continue reading “Vertigo”

Network

Network is a 1976 movie directed by Sidney Lumet.

WHAT HAPPENS?

A struggling television network profits off the ramblings of a mentally ill newscaster.

ONE LINE REVIEW

Network is a vicious satire that takes on media and commerce.

THE ACTORS

Terrific performances permeate Network, including Faye Dunaway as an executive driven to turn a stale news program into entertainment. Dunaway expresses an amazing range of emotion – she’s resolved, cutthroat and stoic regarding her vulnerabilities. Her Diana Christensen merges with William Holden’s veteran producer Max Schumaker, who struggles with his pending mortality. Holden is most intriguing in these scenes, as his aging character seeks emotional affirmation from Diana, who is incapable of satisfying his needs.

Continue reading “Network”

Nighthawks

Nighthawks is a 1981 movie directed Bruce Malmuth.

WHAT HAPPENS?

An undercover cop is tasked with hunting down an international terrorist.

ONE LINE REVIEW

Nighthawks is a stylistic crime thriller that features Stallone before his ascent into superstardom.

THE ACTORS

Sylvester Stallone’s Deke is the figurative bridge between his gritty 70s characters and the excessive action heroes he would later portray. While the script is laden with cliche cop dialogue and reactions, Stallone manages to allow his character moments of realism. He maintains a physical, alpha edge but remains a likable, sympathetic character.

Continue reading “Nighthawks”

Death Race 2000

Death Race 2000 is a 1975 movie directed by Paul Bartel.

Death Race 2000 tells the story of a murderous road race set in a dystopian, totalitarian future. The various racers, each boasting comic attributes, score points by killing pedestrians. The race is ultimately sabotaged by a group of anti-government rebels. David Carradine stars as the ruthless Frankenstein, a veteran driver with several limb transplants. Sylvester Stallone adds a comic touch as stereotypical gangster Joe Viterbo. While the social commentary suggested by the movie’s themes is extraordinary, a distinct tone and basic logic to flesh it out are never found.

THE BEST – Turn Your Brain Off

If you don’t overthink the logic of a 70’s exploitation movie (like I do), you’ll greatly enjoy Death Race 2000. The characters are stupidly fun – including Carradine’s leather-clad creation, Stallone’s old-timey gangster and a lustful Nazi. The cars are incredibly cheesy, yet beautiful in the retro-futuristic vibe of the time. The violence is never threatening and often hilarious.

THE WORST – Take Your Pick

We’ll ignore the gaping holes of logic and atrocious, stiff dialogue – although a highlight is Carradine dryly telling his navigator/love interest Annie: “if you just stop trying to kill me for a minute and trust me….” and focus on the awkward Carradine/Stallone brawl, which is inexplicably won by the straw weight. It’s an embarrassing moment even for a movie that suspends reality.

FOX FORCE FIVE RATING – 3.5/5

There’s enough weirdness and potential to give Death Race 2000 a viewing. While its flaws are glaring, the movie is a unique experience.