Matrixston Wow! Such a good movie.

Wordiezett So much average

SanEat A film with more than the usual spoiler issues. Talking about it in any detail feels akin to handing you a gift-wrapped present and saying, "I hope you like it -- It's a thriller about a diabolical secret experiment."

Deanna There are moments in this movie where the great movie it could've been peek out... They're fleeting, here, but they're worth savoring, and they happen often enough to make it worth your while.

TonyMontana96 Another good addition to the great Clint Eastwood's filmography. Eastwood has a lot of westerns, most of them good, and Joe Kidd is no exception, well-acted, fast paced and fairly entertaining. Though it doesn't bother much with story and character development, director John Sturges creates a terrific atmosphere that will surely put a smile on some people's face, most notably, fans of the genre.The basic plot revolves around Joe Kidd played very well by Eastwood, an ex-bounty hunter, who apparently knows a rich landowner called Frank Harlan played well by Robert Duvall, Frank pays his bail to get him released from 10 days of sentenced prison time for multiple charges that include being disorderly, then Joe agrees to help Frank put a stop to a Mexican revolution leader called Luis Chama also played well by John Saxon, during their pursuit, Joe has a change of heart, seeing how bad Frank and his men are, which leads them to lock him up, along with the residents of the church they take refuge at. There's some good shootouts and so forth afterwards, and that's pretty much there plot, it only works however as a fun, western. Because there's no backstory for Frank and his buddies, nor is there any for Joe Kidd, who apparently has a past that the screenwriters didn't feel was worth mentioning.The supporting cast includes Stella Garcia as Helen Sanchez, Chama's woman, Dick Van Patten as a hotel manager, Gregory Walcott as sheriff 'Mitchell' and Don Stroud as Lamarr, Frank's right hand man, the performances are all quite respectable. There's a small hint of romance between Frank's maid Elma played by Lynne Marta and Eastwood, but nothing truly detailed, just random moments and there's a couple of amusing moments, and some decent lines of dialogue, but overall the dialogue was fairly forgettable for the most part. I admired the cinematography, the look, and mood of the picture too, and the pretty good, well suited score composed by Lalo Schifrin. Leonard Elmore's screenplay has its moments, and there is one truly brilliant scene where Eastwood takes a shot from miles out and hit's one of Frank's men, that scene was both memorable with a good build-up and well directed. All in all Joe Kidd is not a great western, but it has some good shootouts, adequate pacing and an enjoyable feel to it, it's worth seeing for fans of the genre and fans of Eastwood.

rock_bustin I have the theory that every hospital, airline, hotel, or other "institution" that offers free cable/movies has this one on a perpetually showing schedule. I can't begin to think how many times I've seen it. But I must admit it has its merits of sorts.Probably this mixed reaction that I (and many other reviewers) have for the movie is due to feeling that it **does** have merits but they just never amount to all that much. I suspect the strengths are due to two main things: The basic story by Elmore Leonard where some of his tough-guy language and character interactions managed to filter through into the final product and the cast, especially Eastwood and Duvall who act like the Pros they are in consistently professional performances. The supporting cast is also very good.But the whole flow of the movie leaves much to be desired. It is more a series of vignettes designed to showcase the cast than really to advance a credible or intriguing plot. There are a number of snappy interactions among the principles and various supporting cast members that are quite good. Trouble is, they leave you feeling you just were set-up to see a whole scene unfold just to spring the "zinger" and then what? Move on to the next scenario I suppose.Some other reviewer likened the flick to a TV movie and I'd agree. And no doubt, I'll be watching it again soon be it in this hotel room or that hospital bed or airline seat. It's that kind of a movie.

LeonLouisRicci Much Talent Came Together for this Early Seventies Western Riding the Revival that Started in the Mid-Sixties with The Sergio Leone Trilogy and "The Wild Bunch" (1969). Clint Eastwood, Director John Sturges, and Writer Elmore Leonard are Not At There Best.The Result is a Tepid, Turgid, Tale of Land Rights and Oppressed Mexicans. A Good Supporting Cast Including John Saxon, Robert Duvall, and Don Stroud who Always Plays a "Good" Sleazebag. The Cinematography is by Bruce Surtees and the Score from Lalo Schifrin. So Why is the Thing So Dull? It's Anybody's Guess, but it is. It is Dumb from the Start and Never Gets Any Smarter, Culminating in One of the Silliest Train Rides Ever. The Dialog is Not Snappy, the Violence is Ho-Hum, and Eastwood, Never a Great Actor, is Awful. Once Again Relying on Squints and Macho Speak.The Movie Looks Good but the Movie isn't Good. It's Standard Stuff and Everyone Involved, from Top to Bottom has Done Much Better Elsewhere. A Dud.

Scott LeBrun Perhaps it's expectations regarding the talent assembled here that make one feel somewhat underwhelmed: the screenplay is by Elmore Leonard, the direction by John Sturges, and genre veteran Clint Eastwood is the star. Ultimately, the story never really catches fire, and there's not much in the film that's memorable - save for one amusing bit of business with a train. Overall, "Joe Kidd" lacks distinction, which is too bad. Eastwood is a typically low key and efficient hero, and he's backed up by a strong supporting cast. The film has the look of quality, with lovely scenery, sets & photography. Fans of the genre will find that this kills an hour and a half fairly easily.Clint plays the title role, a former bounty hunter who's sprung from jail by a ruthless land baron, Frank Harlan (Robert Duvall). Harlan wants a man eliminated: Mexican revolutionary Luis Chama (John Saxon), who wants to dispute land ownership. Joe reluctantly saddles up with Harlans' associates, only to have a change of heart when he sees how cold blooded they are. He and Chama reach an understanding and begin to do battle with Harlan and company.Duvall is a worthy antagonist, and he does a nice job of underplaying his role. Saxon has a commanding presence, and Stella Garcia is delightful as the feisty Helen Sanchez. Don Stroud, James Wainwright, and Paul Koslo are all great fun as Harlans' goons, especially Stroud as he gets increasingly flustered. It's also nice to see other familiar faces such as Gregory Walcott as the sheriff, Dick Van Patten as the hotel manager, Joaquin Martinez as Manolo, and Ron Soble as Ramon.Bruce Surtees's cinematography is noteworthy, and Lalo Schifrin contributes an excellent score.While this doesn't measure up to classic Clint Westerns, it's still reasonably engaging.Seven out of 10.