Review of Mr. Majestyk (1974) by Jon H — 03 Dec 2009

Brilliant action B-movie from the 70's that's held up pretty well. Al Letteri brings a certain flare to the role of mob hitman who decides to kill melon farmre Charlesr Bronson after they have a few scrapes, not realising he's letting himself in for a world of pain.

Surprisingly character driven, with the action scenes few and far between until the spectacular chase and showdown at the cabin towards the end. It's nice to see how it use to be done, no CGI, just stunt men doing what they do best in breathtaking fashion, the odd pyro-technic for an exploding car, and Bronson leaping through windows while firing a shotgun with one hand! The man is brilliant as always, his almost concrete sterness giving slight way to surprising comic timing and warmth.

It's a definitive action pic, with the great man at the height of his powers. Sure it's not Great Escape or Once Upon A Time In The West, but director Richard Fleischer shoulde be given credit for creating one of the better (if unsung) action films of the decade.