A gambler is set up by crooked cops and forced to survive a jail term. When he is released, he gains vengeance.
ONE LINE REVIEW
Framed is a brutal, vicious and essential 70s revenge flick.
THE ACTORS
Joe Don Baker is a commanding and physical lead. His Ron Lewis is an inherently likable character – he’s tough yet affable, charming and occasionally cheesy. He pulls off the difficult trick of appearing both natural and incredibly dangerous.
Face to Face is a 1967 movie directed by Sergio Sollima.
Face to Face tells the story of a history professor who joins a famous outlaw’s gang before assuming leadership. The two characters, Tomas Milian’s Bennet and Gian Maria Volonte’s Brad Fletcher offer distinct personalities but essentially switch roles as the movie progresses. Milian’s usual quirky charm is noticeably absent as his Bennet is brooding and conflicted. Volonte is terrific as Fletcher, whose early speeches about the philosophy of power manifest into vicious actions. Sollima’s action sequences are excellent but the movie suffers from laboring scenes and odd pacing.
THE BEST – The Action
Sollima is grossly underrated as an action director – both in terms of European Westerns and movies in general. His scenes are compact, stylish and violent. Milian’s sullen character is rescued by these scenes – he’s an efficient, brutal killer. Volonte’s weak, bookish character is transformed by similar scenes.
THE WORST – The Professor’s Miraculous Recovery
Early in the movie, Fletcher suffers from lung disease and carries an ashen, crippled appearance. Yet, as the movie progresses and Fletcher transforms into a violent bandit, his color improves and his health is essentially forgotten.
FOX FORCE FIVE RATING – 3.75/5
The concept and lead actors of Face to Face are incredible but somehow the vision isn’t realized. Sollima’s action sequences are highlights but the movie suffers from slow pacing.
Bad Day at Black Rock is a 1955 movie directed by John Sturges.
WHAT HAPPENS?
A stranger arrives in a small town, where a group of suspicious locals are hiding a secret. Their motives are slowly revealed, which leads to a battle for survival.
ONE LINE REVIEW
Bad Day at Black Rock masterfully layers suspense in an efficient manner.
THE ACTORS
The entire cast is tremendous, led by Spencer Tracy. Tracy possesses the affable, old-school cool and resolve of a veteran. There’s never a moment where he’s physically outmatched, despite his stature, age and loss of one arm. As the locals threaten him in both subtle and overt means, Tracy’s Macreedy responds with logic and irony. His urgency is direct but never wrought with emotion.
The supporting actors fit seamlessly into their roles. Robert Ryan plays Reno Smith with a quiet menace that evolves into violence as Macreedy uncovers the town’s secret. Ernest Borgnine is impressive as the town heavy who ends up on the wrong end of a physical altercation. Lee Marvin slips into a dusty cowhand, Dean Jagger is a perfect 50’s cowardly drunk, Anne Francis is spunky and Walter Brennan is the voice of reason – a contrast to the town’s aggressive, conspiratorial nature.
