Review of Cool Hand Luke (1967) by Alex H — 23 Sep 2009

Cool Hand Luke is a good film, but piles on the religious symbolism so much it gets distracting. Paul Newman does a very good performance as the rebelious Luke and everyone elses acting is passable.

There were a few memorable and fairly powerful moments but I felt that, despite its legendary status, it doesn't really have anything fantastic about it that elevates it beyond "good" level. So many films have taken the concept since and done it better. If Cool Hand Luke was released for the first time tomorrow then it wouldn't be as universially praised.

Still, ignoring all the religious aspects, if you view the film as a tale of never giving up for what you stand for, even if it kills you, then it is done pretty well and is worth a watch, but might not be for all tastes.