Charley Varrick
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Movie Reviews of Charley Varrick
Movie Review: DVD report
Summary: 5 Stars
Everyone knows this is a great film, and in my opinion it gets better with every viewing. The plot is surprisingly intricate, and there is no dialogue explaining what is going on -- a true rarity.
But what about the DVD? I bought it, after delaying for a long time because of the angry reviews re fullscreen versus widescreen. And, indeed, I wish the DVD had a glorious widescreen print. But it is great anyway. It seems obvious that the film was shot fullscreen, since there is not a single shot that seems awkward. No pan-and-scan. No shots of one person on the screen when there should be two. No half heads. Moreover, the 'extra' material on the top and bottom of the screen never looks awkward. It looks like it was composed for full screen presentation. The picture is very nice. There is nothing to distract you from the very fine film.
To anyone who is hesitating over this purchase for purely technical reasons I recommend that you hesitate no longer.
Movie Review: accidental big time criminal
Summary: 5 Stars
This movie, although badly dated, and at times predictable, show-cases
Walter Matthau's ability as a dramatic actor. This is one of the core
100 must have movies for me. The plot, concerning a small time bank
robbery that went horribly good, is entertaining. Joe Don Baker, just
out of a football uniform, makes a convincing enforcer, but not a
convincing actor. At times confusing as to who Joe Don Baker is working
for. Walter Matthau's partner in crime, Andy Robinson, was marked for
elimination out of the film before the 1/2 way mark, and never seen in
a movie again, was way too obvious. For a first time viewer, you may
find the movie mildly suspenseful, and entertaining trip to classic 70's
movies. I would advise that you rent it first, before you buy this
gem in the rough. But I say pop the popcorn and enjoy.
Movie Review: Five Star Movie Regardless of Aspect Ratio
Summary: 5 Stars
I too am bothered by the crummy pan and scan presentation of this DVD, but I just had to own this movie. If you have not seen it, you are in for a treat. This movie is underserving of its relative obscurity. The understated master director Don Siegal has created yet another small masterpiece involving a bank heist, cropdusting, mob hitmen, and revenge. Walter Matthau gives another great dramatic performance (see also The Laughing Policeman) as the titular character who outfoxes everybody and has a great time doing it.
Get the DVD and see this great movie. I doubt Universal will reissue this movie with a different aspect ratio since they seem fond of releasing alot of their stock titles as bare bones no-frills products. The shame of it. Don't deprive yourself of a rare movie-going treat, especially in this age of "Catwoman" and "New York Minute."
Movie Review: Great Film - Must Have
Summary: 5 Stars
Cannot wait for this bad boy to debut on DVD!
Still have the letterboxed laserdisc.
How badly was Director Don Siegel screwed over on this one?
After it was shot, scored and about to be released Lew Wasserman (head of Universal) screened it and was appalled that loveable Walter Matthau was playing a BAD GUY! He found the movie repellent (it's not, far from it) and had it released on the bottom half of some cruddy double bill. Poor Don's career was then taken down another notch by the 'Powers That Be'
This film, Dirty Harry (natch ;-) and 'Invasion Of The Body Snatchers' would be my favorite trio of Siegel films.
Own them all! Come on you cheap b*st*rd, buy it!
Wait! Forgetting 'Telefon' with C Bronson. That's a good one too!
Movie Review: Thought-Provoking; Truly Effective Low Key Thriller; Filmed in Nevada
Summary: 5 Stars
This movie was actually filmed in Nevada (or at least most of it was), the airport scenes at the end with the crop duster were shot at the Fernley, Nevada air field, about 35 miles east of Reno. The air field still looks pretty much the same (minus the junk cars). Exterior shots of Charley Varrick hooking up with the mob secretary were shot in Reno.
Walter Matthau could do it all, comedy and drama. His portrayal of the detached, rather humble Charley Varrick was excellent. Fans of this movie might enjoy the short-lived 72-74 "Banacek" TV series which pops up on internet auctions sites, George Peppard played a detached good-guy insurance investigator ("Banacek" does depend on a lot of dialogue).
And yes, this film deserves a much better DVD.