The Trial of Billy Jack
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Movie Reviews of The Trial of Billy Jack
Movie Review: Best of the Billy Jack films
Summary: 5 Stars
It is really remarkable this historic film has made it on to DVD, and equally remarkable how small our concept of what a movie has become. It seems that ever since Star Wars, you just can't make a movie outside the box anymore without getting completely shunned by the community, but not Billy Jack. This and the first Billy Jack are probably two of the most successful independent films ever, but while 'original' Billy Jack introduces most of Laughlin's favorite themes, he mostly sticks to the straight course. With Trial, all precautions are thrown to the wind, and the final result is something you just need to take in its entirity. Like other films from this period, their is a strong dose of symbolism and attempts to even give the film a cyclical nature (the film is actually framed where the first 15 minutes or so of the film actually occur chronologically right before the end.) To make an analogy to music, the early 70's was the period of progressive rock, free jazz and concept albums--but also too in film. Tom and Deloris continue to experiment with improvisation in this film, their are folk musical numbers, and the presentation does manage to flow more like a psychedelic piece than a normal film (see Boorman's Zardoz for example.) It is hard to say if everything done here is completely intentional, and there are a few points that are certainly hillarious without meaning to be so. Still, I find myself enjoying the many messages here, including the fact that Billy Jack actually fails and really isn't the hero of the film. The philosophies toward education are actually inspiring, and I think Deloris's acting here really shines throughout the entire film--and in the end it is hard not to belive she is the character she is portraying.Well, in any event, this is a 3 hour THING and it isn't a perfect film and suffers at time from simple lack of budget, etc...but this also gives it a certain charm a lot of other films don't have. Even if you don't care for the Billy Jack films, you have to give them credit for sticking with their dreams and fighting for it to the end.
If you enjoy independent, unique films with a strong vision, this is one worth seeing, and unfortunatley will almost necessitate purchase since it is not to be found in video stores.
Movie Review: The Trial of Billy Jack (and all Billy Jack movies)
Summary: 5 Stars
I get upset with all the negative comments I read regarding the violence/karate scenes 'Billy Jack'(there are only 2 karate scenes in each, 'Billy Jack' & 'Trial of B.J.') probably less than 5-6 minutes of the total movie, yet people seem to ONLY remember those scenes and not all the PEACE & LOVE demonstrated throughout the movies. Ignorant people and ignorant federal, state and local government caused any other violence portrayed in these films!
Tom Laughlin's caring, self sacrifice and contributions to the enlightenment of this country's people through his 'Billy Jack' series of movies is just staggering in my humble opinion. As relevant today in 2006, as it was back in the seventies.
I personally felt as if a bolt of lightening had just hit me in the head (and heart) as I walked out of that theatre after my first 'Billy Jack' experience so long ago. This young sophmore kid in high school determined to go out into the world and be an example myself, to try to make a personal and positive difference henceforth, no matter how large or small.
And, all those ticket sales verifying the 'Billy Jack' movie(s) popularity....just can't be wrong! 'Billy Jack' is the biggest selling independent film and on the list of the biggest selling top 20 films ever! Back in the 70's these movies literally enlightened and changed my life! And after watching them all over again in 2006 (including the 'Billy Jack Goes to Washington' which never got released) I have to say I think they are changing things yet again in my life, in ways I never imagined.
While I'm no expert on the workings and goings on of Hollywood, CA nor Washington D.C., I have no doubt that Tom Laughlin (and his wife Delores Taylor) 'hit the nail on the head' when they created these films. Writing, producing, directing and staring in them too, no small feat!
Yes......you should view (all) the 'Billy Jack' movies!!!! (Billy Jack, The Trial of Billy Jack and Billy Jack Goes to Washington).
Movie Review: Hilarious!
Summary: 5 Stars
One of my all-time favorite bad films! I first learned about it through Harry Medved's "50 worst movies of all time" book, and man, I was not dissapointed. You simply must see this incredible, camp classic. Who could possibly resist dialogue like: "You mean like when a kid's tripping out..or on a real bummer?" It's all here: the sobbing,earnest hippies babbling bromides--Delores welling up with tears--bad,bad,baaaaad "establishment" people kicking puppies--Delores welling up with tears--A Native-American named "Blue Elk"- Delores welling up with tears--and lots and lots of badly staged violence to insure a decent box-office return from the peace-loving teens. I say teens because no grown adult could possibly take this seriously...er..well...God, I hope not. Anyone who's ever read any of the humorous,egomaniacal ramblings of Tom Laughlin in interviews will have a pretty good idea of what to expect from this film, sanctimony on steroids. So, pull up a chair, kick off your Bierkenstocks, dig into that wheat germ and have a ball.*A word of caution: If you know anyone whose brain cells were permanently damaged by that really,potent windowpane acid in 69', and thinks Neil Young lyrics are deep, they may be in danger of taking this movie seriously. Be a friend and take their keys before they drive to the video store. The life you save may live to cure cancer some day.
Movie Review: The Second of Three Billy Jack Films
Summary: 5 Stars
Despite what other people have said or have written I think the Billy jack series was great and this picture was no different. This was the second picture of the three of the life of Billy Jack. Tom Laughlin plays the of Billy Jack, Delores Taylor plays the role of Jean Roberts, and Victor Izay plays the role of Doc. When you last saw Billy Jack he was being taken to jail for involuntary manslaughter. While Billy was in prison Jean was able to take the Freedom School and make it grow and flourish under her guidance's. The diverse student population airs scathing political exposes on their privately owned television station. The narrow-minded townspeople have different ideas about their brand of liberalism. As Billy is being released things start to heat up between the Students and the town's people. Not only are students being threaten and abused, but now the Native Americans in the neighboring village are taunted and mistreated. After Billy Jack undergoes a vision quest, the governor and the police plot to permanently put an end to their liberal shenanigans, leaving it up to Billy Jack to save the day. This was an excellent family film with another still to follow.
Movie Review: A flop?
Summary: 5 Stars
There are those reviewing here that say this movie was a total flop and a box office bomb? Better get your facts straight, The Trial Of Billy Jack was made for 8 million dollars, grossed 89 Million and was so popular, it was one of the first movies to ever play at 2 theatres at the same time (along with the Godfather 2). In 2005 dollars, this would be 300 million (equal). Flop indeed. This movie was one of the most successful independent films of all time (along with Billy Jack). Some may not like the politics in the movie, but this is a beautiful movie (daring, outspoken), Billy Jack was an outsider, a martial arts hero fighting the system. This is an ambitious movie about one finding their inner self, conquering demons, finding your own center, about war, peace, freedom and speaking your own mind. A classic!!!