Review of Big Jake (1971) by Katie W — 05 Sep 2011

Big Jake has literally changed the way I think of old time westerns. When I first saw the rated PG for "western violence" I figured I'd be seeing lots of bar brawls, people getting thrown through windows and the mandatory person getting shot on the second story of a building, clutching his stomach and then falling through the banister. Boy was I in for a surprise! Big Jake opens with a scenario of a bunch of bed fellas riding into a ranch and killing everyone in a bloody massacre. Young and old, women and children via pistol, rifle, shotgun and machete; nobody is safe.

And there's plenty more action after that mixed in with an adventure story and a family drama as well. Big Jake seems to have it all and has kinda peaked my curiousity with regards to other old thyme westerns. I'm not going to go out of my way to see them, but I'm no longer going to avoid them either.