I wasn't expecting the best movie in the world or anything, but I just found it kinda boring and unremarkable. I didn't hate it or anything. I know it's old, but even considering it was the 70's, it didn't seem as violent as its reputation.
I like the look of the film and I don't think it's a bad movie. For those of you who are huge fans, what are some of your other favourite films?
I just saw it too for the first time. I expected Tommy Lee Jones to have a bigger role and that it would be much more of an action vehicle, but I think it's a bit of an injustice to call this movie boring just because they take the time to build up characters and story. Mind you this is certainly not one of my favorite movies in any way (it probably wouldn't even make the list if I just made a top ten list of 1977), but it is a nice little B movie that I certainly didn't regret watching. If I have to rate it, I'd go for a 6.5 or 7 out of 10.
shareI guess I expected the same, more Tommy Lee Jones and more of an action film. However, that isn't really why I'm not into it, and I had a feeling if I said I was bored, there would be a reply about character build up, etc.. Though one of my favourite movies is Cujo, if you've seen Cujo then I'm sure you know what I'm saying. The thing is, I enjoyed Rolling Thunder more towards the beginning. It's actually the more it went on (towards more of the action) the more bored I became.
shareDo you expect your opinion to be taken seriously after confessing that one of your favorite movies is the miserable adaptation of Cujo??? Talk about a boring movie. Dee Wallace screaming in a car for 90 minutes. Blecchh.
shareWow, you're stupid. It's hilarious that you think I should take your opinion seriously because you hate Cujo. It works both ways. And Dee Wallace wasn't screaming in a car for 90 minutes.
shareDude, Cujo is a piece of sh!t. And it's Dee Wallace AND Danny Pintauro screaming in a car for 90 minutes.
I'm happiest...in the saddle.
it was solid if you ask me as i just got done seeing it for the first time myself.
it is a slower paced film in general, but i don't think it was boring at all. it has bits of action here and there and then builds up to the inevitable shootout at the end which you know is coming ;)
but in general... it's more of a character study around William Devane's character and how he is basically dead inside after what the war has done to him. Tommy Lee Jones is more of a side character (Devane's war buddy) who helps him out. Tommy Lee Jones was solid in his role even though it was fairly small as it's obvious they would pretty much do anything for each other.
i gave it a 7/10.
p.s. it apparently is one of Quentin Tarantino's favorite films and was a influence on Eli Roth as you can see on the picture of the bluray cover here... http://goo.gl/CPsf0
----------
My Vote History ... http://imdb.to/rb1gYH
----------
I agree. It's a very good gritty revenge story. William Devane portrayed a Vietnam war veteran very credibly. When he came home, there were many painful experiences that afflicted him, but he internalized his anger and pain. His performance had restraint (he could have easily overacted given that his family was murdered). All that mattered was exacting revenge in his private war. It didn't matter to him if he died or not because he was bent on completing his mission. Besides, some part of him probably died while he was in Vietnam.
I don't mind the plot development because it gradually builds up to a finale/payoff instead of pure violence and shootout all throughout the film. The film establishes Devane's character and life, including the people surrounding him. Like the above poster said, this film is more about dialogue exchanges between Devane and the people he meets and establishes the characters one by one.
Yeah, i've only just seen this. Good film, if a little slow in places. Nice shootout at the end. The only thing that bugged me was that the Devane character didn't seem to upset about his wife and son being gunned down for such a pittance. Yeah he was after revenge but he was a bit too jovial about it!
"Charlie don't surf!"
LeonardPine wrote:
"Yeah, i've only just seen this. Good film, if a little slow in places. Nice shootout at the end. The only thing that bugged me was that the Devane character didn't seem to upset about his wife and son being gunned down for such a pittance. Yeah he was after revenge but he was a bit too jovial about it!"
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jovial? Hardly. He was just numb to the world by that point. And don't forget that his wife dropped the bombshell upon his return that she'd married another guy. That news probably severed the last hope he had of living any semblance of a content civilian life.
I would rather watch any Bruce Lee film over this.
ghost stories..WEIRD stories..
http://halloweenstories.weebly.com