Big Jake
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Movie Reviews of Big Jake
Movie Review: The Duke at his finest!
Summary: 5 Stars
It's 1909 and the McCandles Ranch seems to be a target ripe for the picking. A group of some of the worst villains that the late Old West could produce raid the ranch and kidnap the young grandchild of owner Martha McCandles (played by Maureen O'Hara), demanding $1,000,000 in ransom. Much as it pains her, Martha calls back her estranged husband, Jacob (John Wayne), who gathers what he needs to get the job done. The villains believe that the legendary Jacob McCandles is dead, but he has several very unpleasant surprises for them!
When my son told me that he was going to be purchasing the new game, Red Dead Redemption, set in 1911, I told him that he had to see Big Jake, which was set in the same time frame. This is a great Western, one that has lots of great action and adventure. Plus, with its interesting time frame, you get the added bonus of a Western that includes automobiles, high-powered rifles with scopes, and even an early semi-automatic pistol. (Not to mention a cameo role for singer Bobby Vinton!)
This is a very good movie, one that is sure to please anyone who likes good Westerns. It's definitely the Duke at his finest, and it's a movie I highly recommend. Check it out!
Movie Review: Rescuing Your Own Kidnapped Grandson
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a western depicted from a time (1909) just before the official closing of the frontier. Signs of modernity are present, notably the motorcycles, early automobiles, and automatic weapons. But some things never change: the horses, the outlaws, and those who fight them.
An elderly rancher, Jacob (Jake) McCandles (John Wayne), is told of the massacre of his relatives by bandits and the kidnapping of his 8 year-old grandson for ransom. He decides on a foray into Mexico after the bandits, but with a chest full of newspaper strips, not actual ransom money. Everyone realizes that getting the child back alive is a long shot.
There are beautiful shots of the scenery. And one of the riders performs motorcycle stunts reminiscent of those of Steve McQueen.
Everything seems to go wrong. Instead of the pursuers catching the bandits by surprise, it is the bandits who catch the pursuers by surprise. Later, Jake is caught at gunpoint while showering. A bandit sharpshooter, concealed in a church belfry, has a clear shot at the child hostage. Then a machete-wielding bandit has the child at his mercy. Will Jake ever see his grandson alive and free?
Movie Review: I thought you were dead; Not hardly
Summary: 5 Stars
Big Jake is one of those great westerns that you can watch over and over again and never get sick of it. The story is about Jacob McCandles who is tracking down the gang who kidnapped his grandson in a bloody raid. Joining him are his two sons and an old friend, Sam Sharpnose. This is a quick-paced movie with good characters and snappy if cliched dialogue. Obviously, this might not be the deepest plot, but it is still fun to watch.In a late role for him, John Wayne plays McCandles, an aging gunman refusing to admit that times are changing. Richard Boone plays John Faine, the leader of the gang who kidnaps the Duke's grandson and actual son, Ethan Wayne. Maureen O'Hara is very good in a early appearance, but she disappears too quickly. Also notable are Patrick Wayne, Bruce Cabot, Christopher Mithchum, John Agar and many other recognizable faces from other Duke classics. The widescreen presentation is great with an excellent soundtrack by Elmer Bernstein. Otherwise, no other extras are offered. A great John Wayne movie that will keep western fans pleased all around.
Movie Review: One of Waynes better offerings
Summary: 5 Stars
I really like this film, it has a great cast, fun story, good acting, great scenery
and lots of action. I think that this film and Rio Bravo are probably Wayne's best offerings from his later years. I really didn't like the Rooster Cogburn efforts. These a much better.
The Duke is Big Jake who has been wandering the country while his estranged wife and kids take care of the big ranch, his wife once again portrayed perfectly by the beautiful Maureen Ohara. The ranch is raided and Big Jake's grandson (who he has never seen) is kidnapped. Big Jake is summoned by the wife to handle things in his usual competent and ruthless manner. It all plays out the way you would expect of a John Wayne western and it is truly enjoyable to watch.
John's son Michael plays his oldest son in the movie and they have some great moments together. There is also the contrast of old and new since this is set after the turn of the century so there is some conflicts between the characters, cars vs horses and so on.
Movie Review: A Favorite
Summary: 5 Stars
I was raised on John Wayne movies at a time when he was a hero for all of America. He made this movie at the peak of his career and its a good one. Bruce Cabot, who often played his adversary, was his trusted friend in this one. He's come home to rescue his grandson from the bad guys at a time when model t's are competing with horses for transportation. And this movie is filled with scenes where Wayne could say more with a look or a short phrase than others could say with an ocean of dialogue. While its not his best film its still one of his best from this period in his career. You will see a number of familiar faces in this film too. He liked to use the same supporting actors and this film is no exception. Richard Boone gives a fine performance too! Get the popcorn ready. Prop your feet up and enjoy a wonderful western!