The Reivers
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Movie Reviews of The Reivers
Movie Review: Dynamic Coming of Age Tale
Summary: 5 Stars
I've never read William Faulkner's source novel for this film but I'm sure he would be receptive to it. Steve McQueen is the ostensible star here as Boon, a ne'er do-well hired hand. McQueen gives a light-hearted performance here but he also graciously acquiesces the spotlight to the rest of the film's cast. McQueen intuitively knows that this film is essentially about the coming-of-age of an 11 year old boy, Lucius McCaslin,(Mitch Vogel) in Jim Crow South circa 1905. The film starts out bucolic, showing the everyday goings on of a small Mississippi town where everyone knows their place under the firm but fair hand of "Boss McCaslin(Will Geer). While the boss is away at a family funeral, Boon hatches a plan to take a road trip with Lucius to Memphis in the boss' prize automobile. Stowing away in the back seat is Boon's partner-in-crime, Ned(Rupert Crosse). Boon's plan is to give Lucius the "education" he would not receive at home. What Lucius does witness is prostitution, random violence, and institutional racism. As entertaining a film this is these underpinings add a certain wistfulness to the proceedings. It's a heavy burden for a young actor to carry but Vogel is up to the challenge. One of the most powerful images in the film is his admission at the end of the film to his grandfather the guilt he feels for his transgressions. Aside from the aforementioned actors, who are all superb, good work is contributed here by Sharon Farrell as a prostitute with misgivings about her profession and Clifton James as a racist lawman. Despite certain thematic elements in the film I would highly recommend it to mature young adults.Movie Review: An American classic...
Summary: 5 Stars
I don't know what to say that hasn't been said before, but this is one of the most well-made films of 1969. Period detail is well-presented, acting is excellent, wonderful Panavision widescreen makes this DVD a treasure. William Faulkner wasn't known for his lightness of heart, but this precious memoir shows love, spirit and excitement that sets this film aside. I won't blab away the plot, but Steve McQueen, at the height of his career, is having a ball in a fine performance. Sharon Farrell is so lovely; where did her career go? Mitch Vogel, as young Lucius, gives one of the best kid performances ever; I hate bad kid-actors. Where did his career go? And the most auspicious debut performance came from Oscar-nominated Rupert Crosse, knowing everything, wanting to be included, causing the most trouble, and, ultimately, saving the day. Best in the film! And where did his career go? There's also the great Juano Hernandez, and a really great performance by a horse. And it's always good to see Ruth White, the most reliable character actress since Jane Darwell. Non-obtrusive narration by Burgess Meredith is a plus. The odds seem insurmountable, but they all emerge victorious and young Lucius has life-affirming experiences; shocking, painful and ultimately exciting. And memorable. This film is nothing but fun, and I enjoy it a lot. 1969 brought about some magnificent films: Midnight Cowboy, Anne of the Thousand Days, They Shoot Horses Don't They, Butch Cassidy...and The Reivers is right up there with the best of 'em.Movie Review: John Steinbeck's - "the Reivers"
Summary: 5 Stars
First time I saw this movie was the spring of 1970 - in a theatre that I was the projectionist. We played this movie for a week. Right at first, I wasn't sure if I was either going to be bored with a movie and title that I never heard of, or might be surprised. It was the latter. I was massively impressed with Steve McQueen's performance as Boon Hoggenbeck, along with the narrative by Burgess Meredith (in which 10 yrs later on PBS stations. Meredith was in a concert of sorts and read the story of this same novel). The way the film was made - with the "Yellow Winton Flyer" as the basis of the movie, the way Boon made the boy lie to his grandpa - all of that what made this movie so memoriable. I managed to grab a copy of this movie when it broadcast on public tv on video, but a pretty sloppy copy to be had.. Now, just glad that it finally made it to DVD and in the WideScreen edition that it solely deserved to be viewed in. OH..one thing that I forgot..John Williams did the music for this and one can almost hear what would be coming from this composer in the coming years..Movie Review: Adventure at the turn of the Century
Summary: 5 Stars
From the wonderful story narration by Burgess Meredith to the acting of this fine cast this movie has a sweet charm. William Faulkner's book may be in more depth, but the screenplay and direction make up for it in many ways. You truly feel you are with them at the beginning of the 20th Century. This is one of Steve McQueen's finest performances. McQueen plays a relative that talks the Patriarch's grandson into "borrowing the car" to take a trip to Memphis. This is a far different road trip movie than those today. This will appeal to most the family because it has a warmth of spirit and adventure. The DVD is clear and sharp. I recommend this to any one that enjoys movies based on books about a way of life in another time. The music, costumes, sets, and scenery are top class. The story telling style reminded me of classics like "To Kill A Mockingbird", but this is a much lighter movie.Movie Review: MARVELLOUS!
Summary: 5 Stars
A typical Southern Americana, with great actings, a very well crafted script, an impressive John Williams' score and a breathfaking photography. Everything goes perfect in this delightful piece of American way of living, recreating a time in which 11 year old kids were still innocent. Steve McQueen, Mitch Vogel (the kid) and the grandfather are unforgetable.
With an unconventional story line, the movie is a collection of different episodes about two young fellows and a kid who have the time of their lives in an old-style yellow automovile. Each episode is magnificently carried on, with several funny and very touching moments. Most remarkable of all is the careful insight in the personality of all the characters, making the story very intense and convincing. Don't miss it: it's a wonderful movie, one of those we don't see anymore.