RATING

I give it a high rating and belive that some critics were like the dunderheads that the main character killed.
The writing (by the writer of "The Deer Hunter") was effective. This movie wanted to appeal to the entire family, all ages. It should be PG though, as the hero takes life to save life. (I suppose that this is what makes him Christ like? Life is given up, so that others may live?)
You must take into consideration the time period. Big corporations were making money ruining the land and killing wildlife. A movie critical of the rich and powerful and those of us addicted to fake food makes enemies. Funny, the fake food described here is "tasteless and oderless" and Soylent Green was described as "tasteless, odorless crud,"
Its commentary was correct, and it did very well with what it had. And I can't think of a greater performance from Mr. Dern. Three and a half stars out of Four.