The Professionals--A Film Review
Starring Burt Lancaster and Lee Marvin
To my surprise, the script was actually good, believable and funny at times. Not only that, but there was an unexpected plot twist at the end. But wait! There's more! If you watch this film, you will get the best cinematography and scenery absolutely free! Breath-taking ragged cliffs and sunsets abound, and will fill your eyes and set your heart ablaze like the Mexican desert, where this film takes place.
Lee Marvin and Burt Lancaster play ex-mercenaries, who fought in the Mexican war with their buddy, Jack Palance. They are hired by a rich old coot (played by Ralph Bellamay) who wants them to rescue his kidnapped wife (Claudia Cardinale). The kidnapper is...drum roll please...their good buddy, Jack Palance.
Shootouts, and pyrotechnics follow, and kept me on the edge of my seat to the very end. The only negative is that some of the character actors, who played Mexicans, wore a little too much eyeliner and makeup. My favorite line came from Marvin: "Yes, I'm a bastard. In my case, it was an accidental birth--but you, sir, are a self-made man."
Published by GMJ
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13 Comments
Post a CommentOh man.. did I miss a good fight?
Well, shmoo1, I know that you are interested in me, so is your buddy lamenuts. You guys even wrote about me over at epinions. I figured since you guys were nice enough to give me a shout-out, I would return the favor. Surely you can comprehend that. :-)
nope...still not me Gary. You'll know it's me because I'll leave my name. Thanks for thinking I'm interested in you though. Must be yet more of your fans.
p.s. thanks for the invitation.
Oh Oh Sheila? Shmoo1, is that you again?
Yep, I liked it too, Pardner.
Claudia Cardinale enhances westers (Once Upon a Time in the West being my favorite). So does Woody Strode (Sgt. Rutledge).
The Ps was one of the best late-60s westersn (with OUTW and The Wild Bunch).
Mama loves you baby. Your beaver with the lever always enjoys you on your knees.
Thanks for reading.
I love old movies but I haven't seen this one. I will try to get my hands on a copy. Great review.
Yes, the good folks at epinions would want to know the ingredients of the eyeliner. LOL!