Review of Blazing Saddles (1974) by Jack V — 07 Aug 2011

One of the more chaotic Mel Brooks films (which says a lot), "Blazing Saddles" is a fantastic spoof on the western genre. It is evident that Mel Brooks really had fun with this film, (especially when he plays 3 characters).

Almost every character is a cliche, but the cliche is acted out so humorously well, it seems to reduce the cliche into a satire of itself...if that makes sense. The misunderstood hero (Cleavon Little), the corrupt businessman (Harvey Koreman), the washed up hero (Gene Wilder), the strong moron (Alex Karras), and many more.

Special praise must be given to the fabulous Madeline Kahn, as the saucy Lili von Shtupp, and Gene Wilder, as the cool as heck cowboy. Once again, Mr. Brook's sense of humor is uncanny, which is what makes the whole film work perfectly.

One must marvel what goes on in his head, as he comes up with these fantastic jokes and gimmicks, and how sometimes, he can get away with offensive ones (my personal favorite involving KKK members). Where the film loses me though, is at the end.

I don't believe I can even describe it accurately. Looking past it though, I loved and enjoyed the rest of the film. It really is one of those movies that gets better every time I view it, and while it's not my favorite Mel Brooks film, it's certainly one of my favorite comedies, and I believe that says a lot.

I give it 4 "candy-grams" out of 5.