THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN REVIEWED
“The Magnificent Seven” is a hard film to call original. In fact, it’s one of the few times where the remake is considered to be a legend alongside the original. While film snobs will whine and cry about Kurosawa all day long, it’s a misstep to overlook the Sturges remake. I’d go so far as to call the 1960 film as one of the most American films of the Post WWII era. Kurosawa attacked the idea of the film from a sense of honor and nobility. However, “The Magnificent Seven” is all about duty.
Fan appreciation for the film comes in all forms. But, let’s see why fans care so much for this movie. First of all, the free roaming cowboy is still a big deal in the American mythos. Whether it’s bloated suburbanites on Harleys or the ever pushing boundaries of White Flight, a certain sect of Americans want to discover the unknown. The unknown being preferably far enough away from those that might intrude. But, what does that mean for those that choose to stick around the fringe?
The American myth is based highly on random individuals doing good for others. Heroic, yeah? But, there always seems to be an invested interest in status and legend. As this adaptation unfurls, it remains rather true to the source material. However, it still has the typical happier ending and we get a sense of proper closure. If you’re not familiar with the original Mag 7 or Seven Samurai, not everyone makes it home. So, this will be an easy way for parents to watch as their kids’ favorite actors get shot to death. Times like these makes me love family entertainment.
FILM STATS
- PG-13
- 2hrs and 12 mins
- SONY
RELEASE DATE: 9/23/16