Masada - The Complete Epic Mini-Series

Description

In first century A.D., Flavius Silva (Peter O'Toole), commander in Roman Palestine, leads his forces in combat against the remaining Jewish Zealots who have taken refuge in the seemingly impregnable fortress of Masada. There, the engineering and military might of Rome faces the passion and ingenuity of Eleazar Ben Yair (Peter Strauss) and his people. Based on the novel "The Antagonists" by Ernest K. Gann, this epic, 4-part mini-series was shot on location in Israel.

Customer Reviews:

Stick with the video version.......2007-09-17

Masada the mini-series on dvd was a waste of money for me. I have been waiting for a long time for the dvd version and when it came what a disappointment. It has no subtitles; the picture is out of focus in some spots. Streaks, flashes and dark spots appear in some of the scenes. The video version beats the dvd version by a long mile.
JN

Hopefully as good as I remember..........2007-09-09

I remember watching Masada when I was a nine-year-old child and loving it. I didn't understand all of the subtleties, but I understood the story. As a result, the story of the Jewish patriots standing up to the might of the Roman Empire has stayed with me all of these years. I am now a history teacher, and will be purchasing the DVD to show my students when we study the Romans later this month. The thing that has stuck with me the most all these years is the amazing soundtrack by Jerry Goldsmith, which I hope will be re-released in conjunction with the DVD, as the only copy on Amazon is available for $299...

Why does it take so long for the GREATEST shows to make it to DVD?.......2007-08-15

I saw this series when it originally aired in the 1980's and its impact has lingered with me all of these years. I managed to acquire a VHS transfer of the entire series just in time for my VCR to completely die - leaving me no way to enjoy this powerful drama again. After passing scores of copies of "Gilligan's Island - The Complete Series" and "Bosom Buddies - Collector's Edition" on the shelf of my local video store, I am exhilarated to find this one released at last!

Visually stunning (filmed on location) and dramatically riveting, the "Two Peters" duel on screen with searingly intense chemistry and vie for best performance, though O'Toole's ability to humanize his Roman commander makes this series so enticing. His final moments on screen as he comes to the full realization of the cost of Roman domination, is the stuff of legend. Barbara Carrera is positively luminous as a Jewess torn between her people and the man who controls her destiny.

A must see production, well worth the wait, and a demonstration of what "Event Television" was in the 1980's. They TRULY don't make them like this anymore!

BEYOND Recommended!.......2007-07-06

Masada is one of the most eagerly anticipated DVD releases of the year. This Classic TV 1981 miniseries is arguably one of the greatest ever produced in its genre, and garnered a lot of awards in its day. It is MORE than highly recommended!

It is well written and has a stellar cast that more than lived up to the script. The series, based on Ernest K. Gann's historical novel The Antagonists, is a dramatization of a documented revolt by nearly a thousand Jerusalem Jews against Roman oppressors in A.D. 72 to 73.

Epic in its scope, the actors bring nobility and pathos to the ultimately inspiring and tragic story. Following a city-wide siege by Rome's soldiers, Jewish Zealots move into a desert fortress in the mountains of Masada of Judea. It is from that remote location that they make their last stand against the tyrannical Roman Empire. Amazingly, their defensive battlement is strong enough to convince the enemy to negotiate after a two-year battle!

The brilliant Peter O'Toole, portrays Cornelius Flavius Silva, commander of the Roman legions, while Peter Strauss (who was cast in several miniseries in the 80's) portrays the Zealot leader Eleazar ben Yair, who end up developing an improbably respect for each other during the life-and-death struggle.

O'Toole, is fresh from the Roman conquest of Judea. Exhausted emotionally and physically, he has been affected by the constant warring, but remains the ruthless Commander of the elite Tenth Legion. He yearns to return home to Italy, but is prevented from doing so by a violent uprising of a small band of courageous Jews led by the volatile renegade soldier, Eleazar ben Yair (Strauss).

Silva is ordered to capture Eleazar and his followers. He is beset by internal strife because the brutal desert conditions have his legion teetering on the brink of mutiny, while he finds himself falling in love with a Jewess (portrayed with sensitivity by Barbara Carerra.) At the same time, Pomponius Falco, portrayed by David Warner, is working to steal his command.

Inside the fortress, Eleazar is struggling to keep his followers together. A diverse mix of defected soldiers, wanted criminals along with women and children totally about 900, they struggle to find enough food and water to survive their courageous stand against impossible, truly hopeless odds.

The actors leave nothing on the cutting room floor in their heart wrenching renditions of their unforgettable characters. Somehow, O'Toole brings humanity to his character, while Strauss is integrity, fury and courage personified.

Both of their characters believe the negotiations are real, and represent each side in good faith, struggling to find a way out of the deadly situation.

Unfortunately, neither realizes that Rome has no intention of yielding, but instead sends thousands of soldiers in a horrible seige of Masada resulting in one of the worst tragedies in Jewish history.

Masada was brilliantly directed by Boris Sagal (The Omega Man), and the musical score is unforgettably moving.

One of the best historical mini series ever.......2007-07-02

Masada is one of the greatest historical mini series ever made. it tells the story of the jewish revolt in 70 AD AND it's destruction by the romans.
Masada is a movie full of passion and intense. peter o toul is awesome as the roman general who has to end the jewish revolt once and for all.
Masada is not to miss and here is presented in all it's glory (full 6 hours +...movie).
I Wish also a few more "roman" movies to be released in dvd and i'm talking about "dacii" // "the last roman" // "sign of the gladiator"

Enter the Dragon (Two-Disc Special Edition)

Average customer rating:

All time Classic!
Enter the Dragon
Bruce Lee in Enter The Dragon !!
Satisfied Customer
Clasic Bruce Lee

Enter the Dragon (Two-Disc Special Edition)
Starring: Peter Archer , Mike Bissell , Ahna Capri , Mickey Caruso , and Betty Chung
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
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ASIN: B0001US8FI
Release Date: 2004-05-18

Amazon.com

The last film completed by Bruce Lee before his untimely death, Enter the Dragon was his entrée into Hollywood. The American-Hong Kong coproduction, shot in Asia by American director Robert Clouse, stars Lee as a British agent sent to infiltrate the criminal empire of bloodthirsty Asian crime lord Han (Shih Kien) through his annual international martial arts tournament. Lee spends his days taking on tournament combatants and nights breaking into the heavily guarded underground fortress, kicking the living tar out of anyone who stands in his way. The mix of kung fu fighting (choreographed by Lee himself) and James Bond intrigue (the plot has more than a passing resemblance to Dr. No) is pulpy by any standard, but the generous budget and talented cast of world-class martial artists puts this film in a category well above Lee's primitive Hong Kong productions. Unfortunately he's off the screen for large chunks of time as American maverick competitors (and champion martial artists) John Saxon and Jim Kelly take center stage, but once the fighting starts Lee takes over. The tournament setting provides an ample display of martial arts mastery of many styles and climaxes with a huge free-for-all, but the highlight is Lee's brutal one-on-one with the claw-fisted Han in the dynamic hall-of-mirrors battle. Lee narrows his eyes and tenses into a wiry force of sinew, speed, and ruthless determination. --Sean Axmaker

Description

Recruited by an intelligence agency, outstanding martial arts student Bruce Lee participates in a brutal karate tournament hosted by the evil Han. Along with champions Roper and Williams, he uncovers Han's white slavery and drug trafficking ring located on a secret island fortress. In the exciting climax, hundreds of freed prisoners fight in an epic battle with Lee and Han locked in a deadly duel.

Customer Reviews:

All time Classic!.......2007-08-20

Enter The Dragon was the first collaboration between an American and Chinese film company. ETD is the classic kung fu movie. It has fighting, mystery, sex appeal a bit of blaxploitation too. This is the defining Bruce Lee movie of all time.

Enter the Dragon.......2007-08-13

If your a Bruce Lee fan of just a fan of martial arts, Enter the Dragon is a must have DVD.

Bruce Lee in Enter The Dragon !!.......2007-07-21

Bruce Lee , the fastest and greatest fighter to ever walk on planet earth !! The most diciplined,physically fit and most dominate martial arts teacher,fighter and trainer in world history ! Watch bruce lee in enter the dragon !! A must bruce lee dvd for your collection !! A wonderful box set full of extras !!

Satisfied Customer.......2007-07-08

As the customer, I was very satisfied with the deal. The DVD though used
had been maintained well.
Percy Ranasinghe

Clasic Bruce Lee.......2007-07-04

Probably the best known of Bruce Lee's films, this one has a great cast of supporting actors who were skilled martial artists in their own style.Lot's of great action and a great display of Bruce's unsurpassed skill. Excellent quality of video and audio. This is one of the best remastered films I've seen.

The Hidden Fortress - Criterion Collection

Average customer rating:

The Hidden Fortress
Lucasfilms started here!!
It's all about the journey, not the destination
A Gentle Masterpiece
Early Kurosawa, epic adventure

The Hidden Fortress - Criterion Collection
Starring: Toshirô Mifune , Misa Uehara , Minoru Chiaki , Kamatari Fujiwara , and Takashi Shimura
Director: Akira Kurosawa
Manufacturer: Criterion
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ASIN: B00005B1ZL
Release Date: 2001-05-22

Amazon.com essential video

In one of the many classic collaborations between director Akira Kurosawa and his leading man Toshirô Mifune, this 1958 film tells the story of a warrior and a princess trying against all odds to return to their homeland with their fortune. Along the way, they are simultaneously assisted and thwarted by two itinerant and not too bright farmers with their own designs on the treasure, giving the story a subtle comic bent. The Hidden Fortress combines an epic tale of struggle and honor with modern comic sensibilities, creating a masterful addition to world cinema. --Robert Lane

Description

A general and a princess must dodge enemy clans while smuggling the royal treasure out of hostile territory with two bumbling, conniving peasants at their sides; it's a spirited adventure that only Akira Kurosawa could create. Acknowledged as a primary influence on George Lucas' Star Wars, The Hidden Fortress delivers Kurosawa's inimitably deft blend of wry humor, breathtaking action and humanist compassion on an epic scale. The Criterion Collection is proud to present this landmark motion picture in a stunning, newly-restored Tohoscope edition.

Customer Reviews:

The Hidden Fortress.......2007-06-26

In this bristling adventure with a leavening dose of humor, Kurosawa created one of his most indelible, influential early films, inspiring George Lucas to conceive "Star Wars." (Think of the peasants as distant ancestors of R2D2 and C3PO). Kazuo Yamazaki's evocative black-and-white photography is enhanced by the widescreen format, which Kurosawa used here for the first time, lending the action a dazzling visual sweep. Meanwhile, Mifune plays at the top of his game as Makabe, while Uehara makes a feisty, bewitching princess well worth saving. Whatever you do, don't keep this "Fortress" hidden.

Lucasfilms started here!!.......2007-05-07

This is a masterpiece... take away that George Lucas completely ravaged this film to "create" Star Wars... & you have an adventure unlike any other... editing techniques that were scarcely employed at the time... which are now novelty efx... This criterion collection even has a foreword by George Lucas where he both admits to, and lies profusely about, using this film as a basis of his Star Wars.

The genius of Kurosawa... further explained

It's all about the journey, not the destination.......2007-04-11

George Lucas loosely based Star Wars on this movie. Don't take my word for it; he said that and more himself in an interview on this DVD.

The plot is simple: a princess needs to reach home to claim power and she carries the clan's gold bars, which without she won't be able to rule. She's accompanied by a loyal General to protect her while they're in disguise. Yet, that's not the interesting part; it's what happens throughout the journey.

The princess learns from people and about people. She experiences new things that other rulers don't usually get to experience. You get to see how people react to issues like greed, loyalty, duty and other qualities that are tested in many situations in the film.

Of course, it's another Japanese brilliant born-to-be-classic-film by akira kurosawa. And Toshirô Mifune's graceful acting style grows on me every time I see more of his work. (See the Seven Samurai for a completely different role he plays and see Shogun for his acting at an older age).

Not all B&W classic films are well restored, but I trust Criterion Collection's efforts and standards. You won't be disappointed.

I gave it 4 stars because I felt the ending few scenes were too short compared to the rhythm of the entire film (and it's long, I warn you). But again, it's about the journey, not the destination.

A Gentle Masterpiece.......2007-03-20

The Hidden Fortress is another of Akira Kurosawa's cinematic masterpieces. This movie is a wonderful example of deep character development coupled with great direction and camera work. As viewers, we are taken for a ride into old feudalist Japan with its' various class distinctions. There are the peasant farmers, Tahei and Matakishi, who sold everything to go to war and end up penniless trying to survive. There's the disguised general, Rokuruta Makabe (Toshiro Mifune), a samurai general protecting his charge the princess. He must find a way of getting her and the gold across the enemies border to rebuild the empire. Finally, there is the princess Yuki. All the hopes of clan rest with her and the gold's successful escape to friendlier territories. Along the way life's lessons are learned. The princess moves from spoiled child to become a true princess ready to lead her clan. The farmers come away far less greedy and much better friends. Lastly, the word of the samurai is honored between two old antagonists.

Whether it is the camera shots...just watch the escape sequence as hundreds of extras come fighting down a staircase...or the story, this movie satisfies on many levels. All good or smart directors borrow from each other. The influence of John Ford can be seen in many areas and Lucas certainly borrowed from Kurosawa. Try to avoid the Star Wars comparisons and sit back and enjoy a truly great film. Well worth adding to the film library.

Early Kurosawa, epic adventure.......2007-02-21

There are about 100 things that this film did right and later directors have often taken advantage of this textbook on how to tell a great story in film. I wouldn't call it Kurosawa's best because to me, the best films are all deep character studies and that really isn't the true strength of The Hidden Fortress. To be honest, all the characters in this film are more caricatures and archetypes than deeply developed characters. That's not to say it isn't well acted because it is. But the fact is, all we know about bickering Tahei and Matakishi is that they're friends fleeing a war. We get a good handle on their relationship, but not all that much about them individually. General Rokurota is a veritable picture of nobility and imperious command, but we see little emotion from him. The most engaging character, ironically, is Princess Yuki who is forbidden to speak for fear that her accent and tone would betray her rank. Of course, even when silenced, her behavior is every bit the proud, haughty noblewoman. The beauty of the film is how much of the story is advanced not by dialogue, but by small actions and movements and facial features. In the end, I found myself deeply moved by the Princess' gradual understanding of the life of the humble peasants in her country and her determination to restore her family's kingdom. Kurosawa does an amazing job of driving home these themes with a great deal of subtlety and not an excessive amount of dialogue. I consider Yojimbo, The Seven Samurai, and Rashomon to be better flicks, all in all, but I think The Hidden Fortress is superb example of the filmmaker as storyteller.

Average customer rating:

Even as a standalone move... terrible
Save your money on this one.
It's not really bad...but not really great either.
Okay...
Not too bad for a "Return", but was it worth it...?

Merlin's Apprentice
Starring: Sam Neill , John Reardon , Miranda Richardson , Christopher Jacot , and Meghan Ory
Director: David Wu
Manufacturer: Platinum Disc
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ASIN: B000E1YW2M
Release Date: 2006-03-14

Amazon.com

A fanciful sequel to the successful 1998 miniseries Merlin, this 2005 multi-part series benefits greatly from Sam Neill's return performance as the legendary wizard. Taking place some 50 years after the first film, Merlin's Apprentice partners the magician with a young thief with untapped magic powers of his own (engaging Canadian actor John Reardon) in a quest to recover the lost Holy Grail, which holds the key to Camelot's protection and survival. Miranda Richardson, who enlivened the '98 production as the ferocious Queen Mab, also returns to provide some necessary drama as the Lady in the Lake. Solid production values (bolstered by the lovely Vancouver locations), confident direction by Hong Kong veteran David Wu (Bride with White Hair 2), and an abundance of fantasy-action make this a worthwhile adventure for fans of the first miniseries and sword-and-sorcery features in general. --Paul Gaita

Customer Reviews:

Even as a standalone move... terrible.......2007-09-09

The first thing to note is most people don't realize there is a sequel to Hallmark's Merlin until they see it at Blockbuster. That should tell you something right there.

The move as a sequel to Merlin is non existent, it's a sequel only in name. As a standalone movie, it's terrible. The dialog is childish, repetitive, and boring. The acting is terrible and the actors seem to acknowledge their meritocracy while acting.

The plot is predictable and has all the classic characteristics of a cheesy, terrible movie. I.E, the fight scenes in slow motion, the super tacky death scenes, the super evil vs super good characters, the hazy storylines that don't quite make sense. The most frustrating part of the entire movie is we don't realize the motive of the "bad" guys until 20 minutes before the end. Finally, the characters kept rehashing the same conclusions as to why Camelot was poisoned over and over and over again. Please, if it wasn't right the first time, why the 10th? Need I go on...

Save your money on this one. .......2007-06-26

The special effects are nothing compared to the first movie, Merlin. The plot is nothing. It's just an excuse to create a spin-off from the original Mervin.

I regret renting this.

It's not really bad...but not really great either........2007-06-22

This movie doesn't really tie into Merlin at all. It's still a fun movie to watch. Plus I love the music, quite lovely really!

Okay..........2007-05-29

but not that great. Way too much silliness for a "2nd." It didn't make very much sense and was pretty much a waste of time and money.

Not too bad for a "Return", but was it worth it...?.......2007-05-11

Sam Neill returns in this TV movie in his title role of Merlin the Magician and he is the only thing that shines this time (hence my three stars).

Not even Miranda Richardson, as the Lady of the Lake "incarnated" (Queen Mab disappeared in the original "Merlin"), can find any true joy in reprising her former role (which she played well the first time).

All the rest of the cast goes by numbers and are as stiff as statuettes.

The story is original, but that's it. It has absolutely nothing of the enchanted aura that was in the original "Merlin" (despite many attempts to make it so).

Granted, the storyline happens many years after the facts involving Morgain, Arthur and Mordred, but still, although gloomy in scope, it could have been developed a tiny bit better.

Indeed, nothing in this NON-sequel reminds us of what Camelot truly was for those who were involved with it (a few reminder flashbacks could have worked as well). Instead we are treated with a "younger" version of Merlin, who appears to be his very own son, with only a twist, he's also a thief and an adventurer...

The rest is deja-vu, and self-gratifying drama, mixed with some hurried action scene here and there, just to keep audiences from falling asleep in the process.

Some reviewers said that in its own right, this movie is as good as "Merlin". I must strongly disagree.

If it only had been a sequel, I would have praised it, but in the present form, I cannot accept the cheers...

Let's say we had a "recall" of Merlin from his "long sleep", because Camelot, or at least what was left of its glory, was about to be threatened by an adverse magician of equal powers if not stronger (just like in "Lord of the Rings" for instance), to those Merlin had, was about to destroy it and establish a new rule of terror on the Land, then and only then, would I have been interested in the plot.

Let's go one step further. What if as a result of this titanic feat and probable duel, resulted the beginning of the Medieval history of England, with say, Nennius as the ideal successor to Merlin?
Myth tied up with a touch of true history, would have helped things along and would have made this follow-up to "Merlin" even more believable, as well as closing the tale in a tightly knit loop between fact and fiction.

This would have been the movie that would have awakened audiences and would have also brought home some prices and praises.

This instead is only good to satisfy the very young and inexperienced audiences around, but not those who have either studied the tales, or are knowledgeable in the historic backgrounds surrounding the tales.

Nevertheless, after having stated all this, it is still a very watchable movie with some tiny good moments for the entire family, but I repeat, it is not for the very demanding audiences.

Average customer rating:

Fortress
Suspenseful Thriller
Remember....
childhood memory
My favorite Aussie movie

Fortress
Starring: Sean Garlick , Rachel Ward , Elaine Cusick , Laurie Moran , and Marc Aden
Director: Arch Nicholson
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
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ASIN: B000GAKDP6
Release Date: 2006-07-25

Description

When a teacher and her class are kidnapped by gunmen in the Australian outback, they soon realize that the only way they will ever escape alive is if they save themselves.

Customer Reviews:

Fortress.......2007-08-25

I remember seeing this movie years and years ago on HBO and everytime it was on I was glued to the set. Now 20 years later I HAD to re-hash those memories and buy a DVD copy of FORTRESS. To be quite honest , it wasn't as thrilling to me now as it was when I was 10 years old, but still a very good watch. The basic bare bones plot for all who are interested, is a schoolteacher and her all age classroom are kidnapped by a small gang of creepy looking cartoon masked bad guys, in order to demand a ransom. The group of children and the teacher must now use their smarts to outwit these dangerous kidnappers and many tense moments follow. As i said, not as nail-biting as I remember, but something about the bad guys in those cartoon masks always and still does haunt me, especially the gangs leader, Father Christmas, normally known to these children as the source of all good things Christmas, shown here as being the cruelest, most sinister of all the kidnappers. Pretty good flick and well recommended to all.

Suspenseful Thriller.......2007-04-29

Setting: Australian wilderness- desolate and isolated. An Australian teacher and her students. A schoolhouse in the middle of nowhere. They start the day off like normal and are in the middle of a lesson when a group of whackos in crazy masks show up with guns at the window. Some of the masks they use are Santa Claus, A mouse, a duck, etc. The teachers and students are then forced into a van and driven off into the even more remote wilderness area where they are trapped in a cave... Now they have to devise a plan and fight for their own survival and try to get away from these kidnappers before its too late. They have to use their brains to get out of this situation. It reminded me of a Lord of the flies type of deal. The ending was a little disturbing to me. They're in a cave and the last kidnapper comes in and it involves spears, wont give it away here but this was scary and quite plausible situation. Recommended.

Remember...........2007-02-21

...when this movie came out on cable? It brought back memories for my family as well. A little corny at times(maybe overacting)but overall good to have in your DVD collection.

childhood memory.......2007-01-10

it was something I vaguely remembered watching in childhood and certain parts I remembered but I always remembered being a little scared by what was happening. It was nice to finally get to see it again. Kind of a lord of the flies deal, but it was nice to see them use their heads.

My favorite Aussie movie.......2006-11-04

This movie has just about every thing a good adventure flick requires, good character development, surprise, danger, even some tastefully done wet T-shirt scenes (Rachel Ward is a natural beauty), and a viscerally satisfying ending. And even though it's over two decades old, it does not appear dated, and the production values stand the test of time.

Average customer rating:

Leone's roots
Visually Beautiful Italian "Sword And Sandal", Epic With An Oddly Cast Rory Calhoun

The Colossus of Rhodes
Starring: Rory Calhoun , Lea Massari , Georges Marchal , Conrado San Martín , and Ángel Aranda
Director: Sergio Leone
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
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ASIN: B000OHZJGE
Release Date: 2007-06-26

Customer Reviews:

Leone's roots.......2007-07-31

COLOSSUS OF RHODES provides a good look at Sergio Leone's roots--and the roots of the Italian Western--in the peplum (or "sword and sandal") genre that dominated popular Italian film in the late 50s and early 60s, just before the western boom. There is little in this film to suggest the master stylist that Leone would become just a few years later. But it's one of the better peplum films, with high production values that look especially good on this transfer. And there is one delightful shot that seems to prefigure, in a comic way, Leone's later attraction to extreme closeups of eyeballs.

Visually Beautiful Italian "Sword And Sandal", Epic With An Oddly Cast Rory Calhoun.......2007-07-25

Director Sergio Leone is of course much better known for his famous westerns of the 1960's and '70's however what we have here is his first official directing effort in one of the bigger budgeted films in the early 1960's cycle of "Epic", productions. Usually set in ancient Greece or Rome, here the setting is the beautiful island of Rhodes with the plot revolving around the famous statue or "Colossus" that stood astride the harbour in ancient times and after its premature demise courtesy of an earthquake became one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. "The Colossus of Rhodes", has been the Italian epic I have long wanted to see and Warner Bros. have done a wonderful job on presenting it now in all its original glory on DVD for the first time. While certainly not on the level of "Ben-Hur", "Cleopatra", or "The Fall of the Roman Empire", in terms of overall scope and majesty, it does still have much to offer the viewer. The film is rich in beautiful cinematography highlighting attractive locations photographed in Spain, stunning sets and costumes, excellent swordplay and plenty of the necessary intrigue, and best of all the eye catching recreation of the legendary giant statue known through history as the "Colossus of Rhodes". Misplaced or I should say also miscast, leading man Rory Calhoun continued the early 1960's tradition of Italian and Spanish film makers importing second string American leading men to star in their epic productions in the hope of widening their film's distribution potential. However Calhoun, best remembered as a cowboy star in the 1950's looks badly out of place in the setting of ancient Rhodes and he defiantely doesn't look comfortable in the Toga-like costumes he wears in the story. I still feel original choice for the role, John Derek who excelled as Joshua in Cecil De Mille's classic "The Ten Commandments", would have been better suited for the part of Greek Military hero Darios who gets caught up in the intrigue of ancient Rhodes just prior to the devastating earthquake that toppled the world famous statue at the film's fiery climax.

Average customer rating:

Demolition Man Meets Riddick
On my list of Top 5 worst movies
"Built to hold anything . . . except an innocent man."
It's Got a Charm of Sorts
Oooh, C. L. Great Job!

Fortress
Starring: Christopher Lambert , Kurtwood Smith , Loryn Locklin , Clifton Collins Jr. , and Lincoln Kilpatrick
Director: Stuart Gordon
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
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ASIN: B00005O5B6
Release Date: 2001-10-23

Amazon.com

The story of Fortress takes place in drastically overpopulated America of the year 2017, where each woman is allowed only one pregnancy. John Brennick (Christopher Lambert) and his wife Karen (Loryn Locklin) flee to Mexico when she becomes pregnant after the death of their first child. They are captured by border police and sent to the Fortress, a subterranean high-security prison owned by the Men-Tel corporation and operated by "Zed-10," an omnipotent computer system, and a sadistic, genetically "enhanced" warden (Kurtwood Smith) who has nefarious plans involving Brennick's wife and unborn child. Along with his cellmates (including Jeffrey Combs, a favorite of director Stuart Gordon), Brennick plots a breakout, and Fortress shifts into auto-pilot action mode.

After making his reputation with such audacious horror films as From Beyond and Re-Animator, Stuart Gordon graduated to a bigger budget with Fortress, but his penchant for exploitation remains deliriously intact. While borrowing elements from a variety of better sci-fi movies, Fortress indulges every prison-flick cliché, but does it with such enjoyable B-movie vigor that it qualifies as a bona-fide guilty pleasure (indeed, it deserves to be ranked with James Cameron's original Terminator in terms of its budgetary ingenuity). Featuring such giddy (and gory) devices as "intestinators" (deadly obedience devices implanted in prisoners' bodies) and a torturous "Mind Wipe Chamber," this is really just a drive-in action movie with lofty ambitions, and the schlocky script hasn't a prayer of rising above the level of juvenile popcorn fodder. But there's no denying the energy and enthusiasm that Gordon brings to the film, which understandably became a global box-office hit and spawned a 1999 sequel starring Lambert and Pam Grier. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

Demolition Man Meets Riddick.......2006-10-31

1/2 Riddick because a husband and wife are sentenced to a prison 30 or so stories below surface (for having more than one kid). 1/2 Demolition Man becase of the "big brother" like atmosphere and the lame acting. I know, it sounds great! How could this movie not be a blockbuster? Well, Chris Lambert isn't exactly a great actor. This movie isn't exactly good. And, oh yeah, the plot sucks! But it's an enjoyable watch anyway. For some reason my left brain kept telling me "change the channel" but my right brain just couldn't do it. I wish I could give this movie 2 1/2 stars, because I didn't really like it...but I didn't dislike it either. Plus the fact that Lambert has a gunfight with a diesel truck at the end really adds something to the story. It may be worth watching on a movie channel, but paying for this film might upset a few people out there.

On my list of Top 5 worst movies.......2005-03-17

Some movies are so bad that they're funny ... "Fortress" doesn't even make the cut in THAT category. Christopher Lambert continues his string of bad sci-fi movies with this clunker. Do yourself a favor and watch "Highlander" again. It was all downhill after that.

"Built to hold anything . . . except an innocent man.".......2003-10-18

You know all those anonymous video box covers you see when you walk down the aisle at the video store? Well, most of them are direct-to-video productions and aren't worth a second look. Some of them are films made with modest budgets that got a limited theatrical release. Most of them are horrible which helps to explain why they left the theaters so quickly. However, once in blue moon one of these obscure "lost" films actually manages to surprise. Stuart Gordon's "Fortress" is one of those rare finds.

The population in the United States in the early 21st century has increased beyond control. In an attempt to solve the problem, the government has passed a law that limits a woman to only one child. However, John Brennick (Christopher Lambert) and his wife Karen (Loryn Locklin) run afoul of the authorities when they try to have a second child to replace their firstborn who died as an infant. Imprisoned for their crime, the couple is sent to a maximum security prison called The Fortress and are tormented by its despotic director, Poe (Kurtwood Smith).

"Fortress" is neither a completely original film nor one that has had a tremendous influence on the medium. It is quite simply an odd film that somehow works despite its limited production values and its lack of big-name stars. As with most science fiction films set in the near future, "Fortress" paints a rather bleak view of the years to come. Those looking for a nightly rental that has some deep meaning to it might enjoy the film's cautionary messages on overpopulation and private-sector prison administration. Yet, the film also satisfies as a breezy time-killer for those who find themselves with free time on their hands and nothing else to watch. Either way, "Fortress" fits the bill.

It's Got a Charm of Sorts.......2003-09-14

The first time I ever saw Christopher Lambert was in the memorable "Highlander" film back in the 1980s. I saw him again in the first sequel to that film a few years later, but after that he seemed to vanish down some type of cinematic memory hole. Occasionally, I would stumble across "Highlander" again on some cable channel and wonder about the fate of this actor. After recently wandering across the 1993 film "Fortress," I got my answer: Lambert works almost exclusively in the landscapes of low budget movies. I am not saying low budget films are a bad thing?certainly not?but if ever there was an actor who perfectly fit the parameters of a B movie production, it is Christopher Lambert. That accent coupled with a slightly stilted method of delivery dooms Lambert to semi-obscurity. You can probably tell that I am not a great fan of this actor's work, but after criticizing his acting skills, I should state that "Fortress" actually manages to achieve a certain chintzy charm.

"Fortress" presents a picture of an extremely bleak future set in America in the year 2017. The United States, and possibly the world, staggers under the weight of a massive boom in its population. In an effort to alleviate these problems, the government resorts to enforcing laws banning couples from having more than one child. Anyone caught breaking this law ends up in an underground prison run by a private corporation named Men-Tel. This prison does not qualify as one of those posh, white-collar jails we know and love today, but is a claustrophobic, overcrowded place bristling with automatic cannons, cameras that move across the ceiling, and androids armed with impressive weaponry. Even worse, newly inducted prisoners swallow "intestinators," devices that explode if a prisoner wanders beyond certain boundaries. For those inmates considered especially problematic, there awaits the "mind wipe" chamber capable of turning a man into a shattered wreck. It sure looks as though no one could escape this subterranean nightmare.

Enter John and Karen Brennick, a married couple that conceived a second child after their first born died. The Brennicks know the laws, but decide to flee to Mexico in order to escape these draconian measures. Regrettably, the couple's ruse falls apart at the border, earning them a quick trip to the Men-Tel resort and spa. John and Karen, forcibly separated, soon encounter the warden of the prison, a brutal thug played by veteran actor Kurtwood Smith, and the computer that runs the prison. John bunks with few odd characters, most notably imprisoned technology wizard D-Day (played with geeky aplomb by the always amazing Jeffrey Coombs). John Brennick doesn't intend to spend one more day than necessary in prison, and he soon enlists his roommates in a plot to escape from the prison. Along the way, Brennick dukes it out with the resident psycho, undergoes a trip to the mind wipe chamber, and schemes to get his wife out of the clutches of the evil warden.

"Fortress" offers up a whole host of gory sequences for the avid sci-fi/horror fan. The best sauce scene occurs when an intestinator explodes inside a man's stomach. The filmmakers love the idea of such a device so much they just have to show this scene soon after we learn what function such a piece of hardware serves. I kind of like that in a way. Why waste time when you can show a guy's abdomen exploding in the first twenty minutes of the movie? Moreover, the fight between Lambert and the cellblock murderer is appropriately bloody, as is the gunfire heavy finale. Overall, "Fortress" does give the viewer plenty of good old-fashioned carnage. The conclusion does seem a bit predictable, but who cares? Getting there was quite fun.

I liked most of the performances in this movie, even Lambert's turn as the laconic Brennick. Kurtwood Smith always does a good job, and Jeffrey Coombs may well be one of the greatest B movie stars in the history of cinema. Look for Lincoln Kilpatrick in a prime role, as well as the always menacing Vernon Wells playing the prison heavy who hates Brennick at first sight. About the only actor I didn't care for in "Fortress" was Loryn Locklin, who played Karen Brennick. I cannot put my finger on any specific reasons for this dislike, except that maybe I thought her too plain for the role. Stuart Gordon, the director responsible for the cult classic "The Re-Animator" helmed "Fortress." According to the production notes on the DVD, none other than Arnold Schwarzenegger helped get this movie made. With heavy hitters behind the scenes and a strong cast in front of the camera, "Fortress" entertains.

The DVD falls short in the extras department, but the picture transfer looks great. A sequel to this film appeared several years later, reportedly not as good as the original. I will probably watch this continuation of the "Fortress" saga, if for no other reason than the promised appearance of Pam Grier as the owner of Men-Tel. Grier, even at her worst, is always worth watching. Movies like "Fortress" and its sequel usually possess a few flaws, but violent science fiction can be immensely fun to watch, and in that aspect, "Fortress" delivers.

Oooh, C. L. Great Job!.......2002-11-24

This is an awesome edition to any Christopher Lambert Collection. One of his finest, and you almost get to see his whole, body front and back nude! How awesome for C.L. fans like me. I recommend you don't watch this around little ones, but it's great for watching with your special someone, it's got romance and action so you'll both be happy.

Product Description

The spectacular Incan city of Machu Picchu, high in the Andes Mountains, was long thought to be legendary. Then in 1911, the intrepid explorer Hiram Bingham stumbled upon its remains. But while the walls and chambers have been extensively studied in the years since, the purpose of this ancient site remains unclear. Go to the top of the world to unravel the mysteries of this enigmatic place. See incredible footage of the earliest expeditions to Machu Picchu, and meet the men and women who have dedicated their lives to unearthing its secrets. Wander through the incredible ruins and feel the eerie presence of the past and the timeless secrets that are locked somewhere within. Was it a pleasure palace, an observatory, a fortress or something else entirely? The answers await just below the clouds in LOST CITY OF THE INCAS.

System Requirements:

Running Time 50 Min

Format: DVD MOVIE

Customer Reviews:

A little disappointing.......2007-01-18

I've visited Machu Picchu, and I suppose I was looking to re-live some happy vacation memories, but I found the footage a bit disappointing. Basically, we have one angle looking down on the city, but no reverse angle to see where the camera person stood, and these views are equally magnificent. There was no mention of the Gateway to the Sun, nor the trail leading to it from the city. I realize there were time constraints, but I would have preferred seeing this as opposed to time spent on Cusco (or Cuzco depending on your nationality).

That being said, I think they did a good job of touching on Inca history. Not enough information to do a paper on their civilization, but to the average viewer, enough insight to introduce an often glossed over culture.

Certainly worth the time to watch it, but if you're looking for a comprehensive study on either Machu Picchu or the Inca, this isn't it.

More People, Less Architecture, Please!.......2006-09-18

This was really about Machu Picchu more than about the Incas themselves. I am in awe that centuries ago, people could build something so amazing from an architectural perspective. I am pleased that the ancient Egyptians weren't the only great builders. Still, this work left me frustrated.

I wanted to learn more about the Incas themselves. When they showed modern Incas performing ancient ceremonies, I was most interested. I loved learning that they blended their religion with Catholicism, rather than religion absolutely dying out. Thus, Santeria and candomble aren't the only syncretic religions in Latin America. The work shows drawings, from both indigenous and Spanish artists, depicting the invasionary times of the 1500s. Why not show more of that? Does the Inca language still survive? The disc never says. The disc implies that some Yale professor found Machu Picchu within the last 100 years, almost like a newer Leonard Woolf. I wonder if modern Incas knew about it, but just didn't tell anyone.

Sometimes this disc stretches things out unnecessarily. For example, the narrator says, "The Incas scarified children. Did they use Machu Picchu for that? Probably not, since no bodies have been found there." Hello! Just say, "It probably wasn't a place of human sacrifice because no bodies have been found there."

This disc only showed American professors as interviewees. It should have show Peruvians, whether of Spanish or indigenous descent, speaking too. I heard that the day of the Western anthropologist is gone: plenty of countries have their own experts who can excavate and curate. This disc doesn't address that at all, though. For those wanting to teach young children, they could show this non-fictional work alongside Disney's "Emperor's New Groove."

Akira Kurosawa - 4 Samurai Classics (Seven Samurai / The Hidden Fortress / Yojimbo / Sanjuro) - Criterion Collection

Average customer rating:

4 Classics in a box set? Priceless!
To the Criterion Collector.....
Awesome movies, but way too expensive.
Kurosawa Movies
Don't pass it up

Akira Kurosawa - 4 Samurai Classics (Seven Samurai / The Hidden Fortress / Yojimbo / Sanjuro) - Criterion Collection
Starring: Takashi Shimura , Toshirô Mifune , Yoshio Inaba , Seiji Miyaguchi , and Minoru Chiaki
Director: Akira Kurosawa
Manufacturer: Criterion
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00006IUI5
Release Date: 2002-10-08

Amazon.com

Leading off the set of four Akira Kurosawa classics is Seven Samurai (1954), unanimously hailed as one of the greatest masterpieces in the history of the motion picture. It was the inspiration for countless films modeled after its basic premise, but has never been surpassed in terms of sheer power of emotion, kinetic energy, and dynamic character development. The story is set in the 1600s, when the residents of a small Japanese village seek protection against repeated attacks by a band of marauding thieves and hire seven unemployed "ronin" (masterless samurai), including a boastful swordsman (Toshiro Mifune), who is actually a farmer's son desperately seeking glory and acceptance. The climactic battle remains one of the most breathtaking sequences ever filmed and one of Kurosawa's crowning cinematic achievements.

In another of the many Kurosawa-Mifune collaborations, The Hidden Fortress (1958) tells the story of a warrior and a princess trying against all odds to return to their homeland with their fortune. Along the way, they are simultaneously assisted and thwarted by two itinerant and not-too-bright farmers with their own designs on the treasure. Frequently cited for its thematic influences on Star Wars, The Hidden Fortress combines an epic tale of struggle and honor with modern comic sensibilities.

The partly comic Yojimbo (1961) was inspired by the American Western genre. Mifune plays a drifting samurai for hire who plays both ends against the middle with two warring factions, surviving on his wits and his ability to outrun his own bad luck. Yojimbo is striking for its unorthodox treatment of violence and morality, reserving judgment on the actions of its main character and instead presenting an entertaining tale with humor and much visual excitement. One of the inspirations for the spaghetti Westerns of director Sergio Leone and the 1996 Bruce Willis vehicle Last Man Standing, this film offers insight into a director who influenced American films even as he was influenced by them. The 1963 sequel, Sanjuro, is more lighthearted and less cynical, a rousing adventure with Mifune becoming an unlikely big brother to a troupe of nine naive samurai. It isn't the subtlest of Kurosawa's films, but it's one of his most entertaining.

Customer Reviews:

4 Classics in a box set? Priceless!.......2006-11-06

I was thinking about purchasing all four of these movies, but to have them together in a box set is a beautiful thing.
I will not bore you with the reviews of these movies, those who love Akira Kurosawa movies sees the stories closely matching those of Shakespeare, a Clint Eastwood Western, and Star Wars.
For the price and what you get, it's a steal.

To the Criterion Collector............2006-09-14

Buy now as this set is going out of print.... Don't say I didn't tell you so.

Awesome movies, but way too expensive........2006-03-13

Awesome movies, but way too expensive for the product itself.

First, I bought it at a reduced priced, since it was left sitting on a shelve collecting dust for a few years in the store. They dropped the price from a initial $200 Can (around $150 U.S.), to $149 Can (around $110 U.S.), and that was the cheapest price I could find it in my city and by far. A few of the stores told me that their cost was around $149 Can, so it was able to buy it at around cost. Considering that, it was a bargain, so I got lucky to start with.

Now the movies, they are awesome, and after watching them all in two days, I felt sad, sad at Hollywood and the current level of movie making, after tasting a piece of history, with movies that are deep, funny, either deals with issues (Seven Samurai and Hidden Fortress) or don't (Yojimbo and Sanjuro), they are all movie gems. But we can also be realistic here, seven Samurai in my opinion is the real champion in this set, it has everything, it's epic, yet personal, it's deep, yet sometime funny, but always powerful and superb.

Now to the quality of the disk, that where it's hard to tell, these are old movies. But something struck me as odd, Seven Samurai (7S), was done around 10 yrs before Yojimbo and Sanjuro but looks and sound better, obviously, they cleaned it out a little before putting it to DVD, but then, if Yojimbo and Sanjuro where made 10 yrs later, someone should expect at least a equal quality, if not better then the 7S, but it's not the case, especially Yojimbo is painful to watch, the sound track has a loud background hiss for at least half of the movie, scratches as big as a straw that last a full min multiple times, the contrast and brightness is out of wack in half the scenes, it's a painful experience, you tell yourself how great the movie is, but is it ever ugly to watch.

So far I would give it 4 stars, why then I give it 2?

It's down to price vs quality and extras. No extras what so ever beside the theater trailer of each movie, and a commentary track for 7S, then nothing. So Criterion in my mind had two choice, drop the price to 1/3 to 1/2 of what it is now, or pick a better original copy to bring on DVD, clean it, and add extras, selling it to the same price it is now, but they did neither. They used for Yojimbo, a terribly copy, add nothing, and charge full Criterion price, BAD !!! So in the end, one fell like being robbed by Ronins. In my case, I wanted to see those movies, and own 7S and this box set was the only way to go about doing this, and in the end, I praise the movie, the acting, the story, the camera work, everything, except Criterion DVD who brought those movies it North America, they dropped the ball on this one.

So 0 stars for Criterion and there DVD product (in this case) and 4 stars for the movie themselves so my end review is 2 stars.

Kurosawa Movies.......2006-01-31

Every one who likes Cenema, should see/have this collection by the great One Akira Kurosawa.

Don't pass it up.......2006-01-26

Kurosawa is not just considered a great japanese director - he's considered one of the best the world has known.
Samurai are a passion for me anyway - however, kurosawa brings them to life like no other.
I sometimes wish he were working today with the technology available, but it's not a degradation of what he did at all.

Details he pays attention to are easily missed the first time around and frequent watchings of these films with bring more to your eyes.

Yojimbo's first encounter with the blackgards and braggarts - the wanted men in the town, is ingenius and thrilling. Mifune plays the part so comfortably you can be lead to imagine he lived in his kimono.
His demeanor is so casual and calm that you could fear him just through his confidence.
It's something to take to heart. No real warrior needs to brag, nor does he threaten.
Right out of the Tao te ching.

Awright enough of that!

With the hidden fortress you can really see Luca's inspiration for Star Wars. And also, the female lead for every anime ever created afterward.

but my favorite is the seven samurai later to be remade as the magnificient seven in the west (what is it with the west and their inability to accept foreign films?).

the old samurai who in the opening sequence plays a monk to rescue a trapped woman gives you the personality of a man who puts all at risk for the right. And teaches a motley band of characters to do the same.

Every good fortress needs a weakness. :p

ENJOY

Average customer rating:

Without Bryner, McQueen, and Sturges--Who'd Have Thought?
Homage to the spirit of the Magnificent Seven
A lesson in quit while you're ahead
Returns to the Roots
the third time is the charm

Guns of the Magnificent Seven
Starring: George Kennedy , James Whitmore , Monte Markham , Reni Santoni , and Bernie Casey
Director: Paul Wendkos
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0001GF2I8
Release Date: 2004-05-25

Amazon.com

A capable cast led by George Kennedy helps make this third-go round for the Magnificent Seven franchise a worthwhile adventure for Western fans. Kennedy is a more-than-capable replacement for Yul Brynner as Chris, who must round up a new Seven to help rescue a revolutionary leader (Fernando Rey) held captive by a sadistic military leader (Michael Ansara, adding another notch to his long list of villains). Comparisons to the original Magnificent Seven are inevitable, and while Guns doesn't match up in terms of scope or quality of writing, the solid cast--which includes James Whitmore, Joe Don Baker, and Bernie Casey as members of the new Seven--overcomes any limitations by delivering energetic performances; the Spanish locations and veteran TV director Paul Wendkos's nods to spaghetti Western conventions are also a plus. --Paul Gaita

Description

The Magnificent Seven ride again in this "fast-moving follow-up" (Variety) to one of the greatest Western sagas in film history. Academy AwardÂ(r) winner* George Kennedy (Cool Hand Luke) and James Whitmore (The Shawshank Redemption) take the reins for a bold, sweeping adventure that delivers nonstop excitement! When notorious desperado Chris Adams (Kennedy) is offered a huge reward to free a young Mexican revolutionary from prison, he must first assemble a cutthroat team of frontier warriors. Together, these daring gunslingers embark on the adventure of their livesand discover a cause worth more than a fortune in gold.

Customer Reviews:

Without Bryner, McQueen, and Sturges--Who'd Have Thought?.......2007-08-07

After the very disappointing sequel to The Magnificent Seven, called Return of . . . , I kind of hoped they were going to end the series. With McQueen, Sturges, and the original screenwriters gone, the film just didn't work. The film was sadly filled with one western cliche after another and annoying platitudes. Then Guns of the Magnificent Seven comes out and I reluctantly go see it with a friend. I loved this film! Ten minutes into the movie and you stop worrying about how little George Kennedy resembles Yul Bryner. He fills the role of Chris as though he'd created him. Witness a great scene where Kennedy first meets Monte Markham's character, Keno, and in fact ends up saving him from being hanged as a horse thief using a humorously ingenious ploy. Since both Keno and one of his pursuers claim to be the horse's owner, they must come up with a way to prove it one way or another. Kennedy says drolly (pointing his cigar) "let's ask the horse." What follows is quite humorous and serves to introduce Seven fans to the easy chemistry between Kennedy and Markham from the get-go. Markham is one of those guys who was always good in films but never caught on like say, McQueen or Coburn, even though he bears a slight resemblance and demeanor to both. He even has that uncanny ability to deliver very short lines of dialog with either humor or poignancy.

Anyway, the script is quite good and each member of the Seven is richly drawn, albeit quickly, through striking visual introductions and terse, natural dialog. You get an explosives expert, a one-armed Confederate sharp-shooter, a family man forced to join to support his family (the always excellent James Whitmore), a horse thief and presumed outlaw, a tuberculor gunfighter, an again one of the villagers who's ready to take up the fight.

The action sequences have all the muscle and athleticism that made the original so good. The fighters are not just shooting at each other--they're diving for cover, running and jumping across roofs, and almost always in motion--much the way Sturges filmed his actors. The scenes where some of the Seven are killed are painful to watch, but filled with heroism. And, of course, there's Elmer Bernstein's music, which practically lifts you out of your seat it's so exciting. The script offers some nice quiet moments too, where the cowboys reminisce about the changing west. One of the best written scenes is where Kennedy dismisses a potential ally with a bandit (poor man's Eli Wallach). Reclining in the Seven's encampment, Kennedy doesn't even turn to face the mercenary and says something to the effect, "I'll let you know if we need you."

For true lovers of the Seven, this and the original are the only ones I'd recommend. Really good entertainment.

Homage to the spirit of the Magnificent Seven.......2006-12-06

GUNS OF THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN plays like homage to the spirit of THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN. RETURN OF THE SEVEN digressed into peripheral territory still within the scope of the essence of what THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN encompassed. In a somewhat Freudian approach it explored some of the microcosmic elements embodied within its characters. GUNS OF THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN returns to a more direct and straightforward story of good against evil. The strong must stand up for the weak in true heroic and American Western style. The canvas is wide open and Elmer Bernstein's impressive score full of bravado is unleashed in a refreshing manner that makes you want to stand up and cheer as the seven take on those that would subjugate humanity for the darkest of evils.

A lesson in quit while you're ahead.......2006-03-10

I love Westerns because I love the scenery and the music but Guns of the Magnificent Seven is really pushing my tolerance level. The acting is bad. Good actors. Nothing wrong with George Kennedy or James Whitmore. But the lines they were given and the direction was bad. Hang the writers and director. Go ahead and hang the producer too. The photography is good. Rent this movie but don't buy it.

Returns to the Roots.......2006-01-11

GUNS OF THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN returns to the roots which were at the heart of the original THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN. Helping the innocent against insurmountable odds and in the process seeking redemption, these seven take on the task of saving a Mexican revolutionary leader from an impregnable fortress prison. This story is more straightforward than its predecessor RETURN OF THE SEVEN which was very introspective. The motives here are very clear and it ultimately comes down to a tale of good against evil. When the day of reckoning is over the seven only hope they are around long enough to see the fruits of their labors take root. Elmer Bernstein's sweeping score is very good. The action is exciting and emotionally charged. Also, there are some fine performances especially from Joe Don Baker and Bernie Casey who form an unlikely bond. This film does seem to lack some of the wisdom and meaning of purpose that Yul Brynner brought to the role of Chris, the leader of the seven, but George Kennedy gives a determined and well intentioned performance to see evil vanquished and peace returned to the Mexican people. This film is good and can easily hold its own while giving a heartfelt nod to the original.

the third time is the charm.......2004-07-09

Wow! Guns is an excellent western and a worthy sequel to the first. I could go on and on about just what makes this such a great movie, but the other reviews have covered all that.
A FIVE STAR SHOOT 'EM UP.

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