This past month the Hollywood remake light has shined onto a western, notably the not very well known, The Magnificent Seven (1960). The original received very little acclaim when it was originally released in the United States. Is a western fit for a triumphant return to cinemas, or is it best left in the dust?
The Magnificent Seven follows Emma Cullen, as she seeks people who can help her free her town from the robber baron, Bartholomew Bogue. Early on she meets Sam Chisolm, a black bounty hunter who has a vendetta against Bogue. They go on to recruit six more members including, Josh Faraday, Goodnight Robicheaux, Jack Horne, Billy Rocks, Vasquez, and Red Harvest. The seven band together to protect the town of Rose Creek. The plot, although good is very basic.
The main star of the ensemble is Denzel Washington as Sam Chisolm. Of all the characters, Chisolm is given the most screen time and the most backstory. Also a big player is Chris Pratt as Josh Fairday, a gambler who brings much of the murmur to the film. Also part of the surprisingly diverse cast are Ethan Hawke, Vincent D'Onofrio, Byung-hun Lee, Martin Sensmeier, Haley Bennett, and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo. All the actors are great, playing into their roles and making the audience care about the characters, with a special mention to Vincent D'Onofrio, as the most loveable axe-wielder ever, Jack Horne.
This film is very action-packed. As the film amps up and the climactic battle is reached, it starts guns-ablazing and doesn't stop for a while. The fight is very well choreographed and works well with some special effect explosions. Even though it came out in the fall, it has a very “summer blockbuster” feel to it.
The Magnificent Seven is pretty good. Although the plot is very basic, it works for the film. The characters are well acted and the action is top-notch. If you are just looking for a good action movie at the movies, you can't go wrong with The Magnificent Seven.
Rating 4.25/5
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