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Post by john on Mar 18, 2013 14:52:10 GMT
I plan on ranking one film daily. Please, feel free to leave comments on the particular movies. Or post your own list along with me. I hope this stirs up some discussion!
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Post by john on Mar 18, 2013 14:52:26 GMT
20. Run Man Run
Sergio Sollima's second entry into his Cuchillo trilogy.
I'm usually not too keen on political oaters, and especially not comedy a'la the TRINITY films, but the mixture works in this movie. There's a lot of good action mixed with the laughs, and I quite enjoy it.
Easily recommended.
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Post by john on Mar 19, 2013 13:49:36 GMT
19. The Grand Duel
The first (and definitely not last) appearance of Lee Van Cleef on my top 20.
There's a lot of good things happening with this oater. And one of those which I like is that a touch of giallo seems to have been ingrained into the story. I really like that.
Be wary of this one on DVD, though. I've seen a few different versions and they're all cut unmercifully. I can live with the usual pan and scan and grainy picture. Supposedly, this one is getting an uncut release very soon, so if you're interested, hold out for that.
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Post by john on Mar 20, 2013 13:56:00 GMT
18. Django Kill... If You Live, Shoot!
One of the many oaters cashing in on the DJANGO name, this is one of the better from the lot. There's a bit of a horror vibe running through this one, and I can really dig it. The gunfights are furious and the characters are well-rounded for a spaghetti oater outing.
If you want to hunt this one down, try to get the Anchor Bay DVD. It's uncut, and comes with the complete "gold extraction" scene. That's one of the film's finer moments and must be seen.
Easily recommended.
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Post by john on Mar 21, 2013 14:07:25 GMT
17. The Hellbenders
Though this is a rather pedestrian oater, it raises itself by being directed by the great Sergio Corbucci. His talent brings this one towards the top.
The story concerns a group of rebels who have stolen a money shipment and are preparing to resurrect the Confederacy.
Added to Corbucci's direction is a very decent Morricone score. Plus, Norma Bengell is very easy on the eyes. Love the scene where she's bathing in the creek! *hubbahubba*
Recommended.
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Post by john on Mar 22, 2013 14:20:16 GMT
16. Mannaja
Whenever discussed, this film is usually compared to KEOMA. I can see the similarities, save for the fact that I like MANNAJA and not KEOMA. I know that's blasphemy, but tis the truth.
One of the last spaghetti oaters made, MANNAJA starts in a foggy swampland. A man is running from a horserider carrying a hatchet. That's right, our title "gunslinger" favors that sharp instrument. It's right here that I fell in love with this film. It's very gothic, with a horror vibe running through it, and I immediately liked the film.
Unfortunately, there's a few slow moments and a couple of songs that get on my nerves. However, saying that, I really enjoy MANNAJA. As a final gasp from the Italian filmmakers, it's pretty darned effective.
If you want to hunt this one down, pick up the Anchor Bay DVD. It supports a nice print and is worth the price.
Recommended.
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Post by john on Mar 23, 2013 13:46:34 GMT
15. Navajo Joe
Sergio Corbucci rears his head for the second (and definitely not last) time on the countdown.
I've always really enjoyed this film. Plus, it supports a nifty soundtrack. Unfortunately, Burt Reynolds calls this his "worst" film ever made. I suppose he hasn't seen some of the dreck he made later in his career. Either way, I think this is a good spaghetti oater.
Be careful if you're hunting this one down. Though the DVD is OOP and commanding top dollar, I've seen a few different versions of it. Some are completely missing the church scenes. Though it doesn't distract from the film if you've never seen it, simply beware.
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Post by john on Mar 24, 2013 13:41:27 GMT
14. Sabata
A lot of goofy fun is to be had with this spaghetti oater!
Lee Van Cleef stars in the title role as a gunslinger that will definitely bring to mind 007. Along for the ride is William Berger, who hefts a mean banjo (in more ways than one), and a spastic acrobat! It must be seen to be believed.
This is a pretty darned good film. It can easily be had on DVD either as a standalone or part of the SABATA set. Even though RETURN OF... is downright dreadful, it's cheaper to just buy the set.
Easily recommended.
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Post by john on Mar 24, 2013 17:15:58 GMT
13. Blindman
"I want my fifty women!"
Tony Anthony plays a blind gunslinger employed with the job of getting fifty mail-order brides to Texan miners. And what a fun ride it is!
You also get Ringo Starr as a bandit (who says he's the least favorite Beatle), plus a nifty Morricone-esque score.
This one is easily available on DVD. You can get it alone, or in one of those packaged deals. Unfortunately, some of the prints I've seen have been cut. So buyer beware! Your best bet is the individual title.
Recommended.
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Post by john on Mar 25, 2013 14:07:01 GMT
12. Cemetery Without Crosses
Though this one offers nothing new plotwise (it's a basic revenge story), it elevates itself beyond that by the time the end credtis roll. The dialogue is very sparse, instead opting for surreal camera angles to tell its story. It's very effective.
It should also be noted that this film is co-written by the great Dario Argento.
Unfortunately, this one has never received a proper DVD release. I have a warhorse VHS bootleg of it that's pan-and-scan, grainy, and dubbed. But boy do I cherish it! I'll keep that sucker untilt this one rears its head on DVD.
If you get the chance, definitely check this one out.
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Post by john on Mar 25, 2013 16:03:06 GMT
11. The Mercenary
Though Sergio Corbucci is my favorite spaghetti oater director (and one of my all-time faves period), I never really could get into his political outings. For some reason, COMPANEROS really put me off. I know it's considered a classic by most, but it's just not for me.
Saying that, I really enjoy THE MERCENARY. True, it's a political oater. But I can overlook that as this one is a lot of fun. Franco Nero is our resident bad ass, and he's going up against the steely-eyed gaze of Jack Palance.
I'd easily recommend this one. It's available cheaply on a DVD paired with the awful GOD'S GUN.
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Post by john on Mar 26, 2013 13:33:54 GMT
10. The Stranger's Gundown
aka DJANGO THE BASTARD
This film is often called the inspiration for Eastwood's HIGH PLAINS DRIFTER. I suppose there's enough there to do that, but the two readily stand apart.
THE STRANGER'S GUNDOWN concerns a ghostly gunfighter who returns to kill the men responsible for the death of a squad of soldiers during the Civil War. Is the stranger straight from Hell, or is he a flesh-and-blood man? You'll have to watch to find out.
Also make sure to check out the weird game that's being played during the film. Two men throw dynamite back-and-forth. I've always got a kick out of that.
This one is readily available on DVD.
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Post by john on Mar 26, 2013 15:42:17 GMT
9. If You Meet Sartana Pray For Your Death
Gianni Garko plays our title character in this excellent oater. Also along for the ride is Klaus Kinski (though he basically mails in his performance and is only in the film for a few minutes).
Sartana is your basic anti-hero gunslinger, but is so much more cooler than most of the ilk. Just watch the way he mutters: "I am your pallbearer" after gunning down a bunch of outlaws. He's too cool.
This film can be a bit confusing with all the backstabbing going down, but is still a fun ride. It's the first in a series of films about Sartana and is available in a boxset with others from the franchise.
I highly recommend it.
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Post by john on Mar 27, 2013 13:58:30 GMT
8. Cutthroats Nine
Easily the most bleak and sadistic Spaghetti Western ever made. Saying that, I love it! And I'm especially a fan of the ending.
I won't say much about it to save you any spoilers, but I do highly recommend this film.
Unfortunately, the DVD is OOP and commanding high prices. However, if you can find it cheap, definitely pick it up.
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Post by john on Mar 27, 2013 13:59:18 GMT
7. Death Rides A Horse
How can you not love an oater with a title like DEATH RIDES A HORSE?
John Phillip Law (looking as stiff as a 2x4) and Lee Van Cleef power this spaghetti western. You also get Luigi Pistilli (my favorite Italian actor) and Mario Brega back in action. You know whenever you get the two of them together in a film you're in for a good ride.
The plot is a simple revenge tale, but is anchored by a twist ending you'll see coming from a mile away. Still, it doesn't harm the film. This is one my all-time favorite oaters. I absolutely love it. And the score is magnificent.
Easily recommended.
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