Review of The Shootist (1976) by James H — 23 Feb 2005

So, on the way home tonite I was behind this Dodge and they were playing a movie on one of those pop down DVD thingys so anways I tailgated them for good measure trying to figure out what the heck they were watching all I could see was a blonde lady and stuff moving behind her so if you can figure that one out let me know and I'll give you a cookie but then they must have noticed me hovering nearby cause they cranked it up to about 90 I reckon cause I was doing about 75 trying to keep pace with em I thought about running em down in my supped up 89 camery but my exit came up so I had to take my leave anyhow since I can't tell you what they were watching I decided to tell you what I've watched:

[i].

Twilight Samurai.

[/i]I was expecting [b]Yojimbo [/b]or [b]Samurai[/b]...the subject is the same but the angle is different. I read a qoute comparing it to [b]The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance[/b]. A fair enough description. Sort of that feel-good but tragic story.

[i]The Shootist.

[/i]Interesting comparisons can be drawn between the reel John Wayne & the real John Wayne. Both coming to the ends of their illustrious careers, dying from cancer and trying to make peace.

[i]The Wire[/i].

Yeah another cop drama. Didn't have too much hope for it but ended up enjoying myself that I've gone ahead with the second season. Plenty of energy/acting power get past the cliches while an intelligant & exciting plot/script keeps you coming back for more.

[i]Deadwood.

[/i]First few episodes I didn't really care for it that much. But after that I started to enjoy myself. And every since I've finished it I keep on going back to it in my mind pondering different twists and character motivations etc. Thats not something I usually do with a series. I'm too used to these The Wire/24/Sopranos where everything is cut and dry fast paced action. Some really amazing acting.