Joe Kidd (1972)

You won't be disappointed!

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties. It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

Joe Kidd (1972)Plot In A Paragraph: Joe Kidd (Eastwood) an ex-bounty hunter, reluctantly helps a wealthy landowner (the always brilliant Robert Duvall) and his henchmen track down a Mexican revolutionary leader (John Saxon).Written by Elmore Leonard (Yes that Elmore Leonard) this is a bit of a mismatch, as it has good performances Eastwood and Duvall. Although Saxon, his heavy make up and his Mexican accent are a distraction when he is on screen. Sadly it's light on plot, clear characters and motivation for their actions, and an ending that looks like it belongs in a different movie. As usual Leonard was very critical of the movie and its director. This is the last time someone else directed Eastwood in a western. Eastwood's next four westerns would all directed by Eastwood himself. In an interview given to French student Emmanuel Laborit in 1990, John Sturges told How he he had lot of problems directing Eastwood and regretted not resigning during the filming.Joe Kidd didn't make a dent at the box office, as it grossed only $5 million at the domestically.

Looking very much like a Dirty Harry Western, Clint Eastwood portrays yet another laconic, no nonsense gunman playing both sides of a land dispute until he determines which side is more diabolical. I could be wrong, but I don't think anyone could maintain Joe Kidd's (Eastwood) calm demeanor in virtually every situation, especially with a gun right in your face, but I guess that's why his characters were always so cool. Sure would like to remain that stoic in a pressure situation.Say, talk about war on women, did you catch Luis Chama's (John Saxon) explanation to Helen Sanchez (Stella Garcia) on why he keeps her around? For cold nights and when there's nothing better to do, and not to hear her talk. Wow, can you just hear Gloria Steinem going ballistic with that one back in the day? Actually, the role of Chama's woman seemed to be oddly attracted to Joe Kidd whenever he was around as if to tease a relationship of sorts, so the viewer needs to make up their own mind on that score.You know, it's interesting to see Robert Duvall as a villain, he's pretty much the ultimate bad guy here but never quite allowing his hands to get dirty unless push came to shove. Quite distinctly different from his Boss Spearman character in "Open Range" which I enjoyed a lot, and one of my favorite Westerns. I'd have to say he's one of my favorite modern day actors along with Eastwood, and between them they have over a century of staying power in film.So it's not one of the best Westerns ever made, but fans of the principals should come away fairly satisfied with this one. Some of the situations defy credibility, like Joe knocking out a henchman with a swinging cauldron, but you have to admit it was pretty creative. As was driving a train smack through a saloon. I'm pretty sure the barkeep regretted opening his joint on a Sunday.

Let's be honest we've never seen Clint Eastwood in a bad film have we? I'm not saying they are all 10 out of 10 Oscar winning films of the the year, but nevertheless good at the very least.Joe Kidd is fairly short in length, however this actually helps the film as it means it's straight to the point and that there are no long dull scenes without a lot of action. The plot, for me is definitely a strong point to the film. The film has Joe Kidd (Clint Eastwood) having to decide what side to be on as a bunch of Mexican bandits claim to own the land which a rich ruthless businessman owns. As the two battle it's is very hard to know what is gonna happen next.Although I did very much like the film I will admit that it didn't have that overall epic feel. Also it isn't perhaps as good as other westerns that Eastwood has been in such as the 'Dollars Trilogy'.However, despite these flaws it still made a very entertaining film, which I would recommend watching and thoroughly deserved its 7/10 that I give it.

Written by famous writer Elmore Leonard (RIP) this is a decent western with Clint Eastwood. His fans should be happy - he's badass as always . You can't hurt him and you can't outsmart him. In this one he doesn't play unnamed stranger . His Joe Kidd is an ex-bounty hunter caught in the war about property. The villain is played by Robert Duvall. It's a fine performance. Lalo Schiffrin , famous for "Mission impossible theme" , gives this movie some really cool music. There is some nice dialogue here. The movie isn't boring , because it's short (not even full 1hour and half) and well paced. There is some action and two memorable scenes - with the train and the pot of stew.Overall , it's nothing spectacular . If you're a fan of Eastwood or westerns you probably will be happy . The rest might skip this one. I give it 6/10.