Rent Maverick (1994)

Entertaining Comedy/Western - Maverick review by GI

Director Richard Donner's charming comedy western based on the popular TV series from the 50s & 60s is still an entertaining film with some strong laughs, although some jokes fall a little flat, mostly down to the screen charisma of Mel Gibson and his two costars Jodie Foster and James Garner (the original Maverick). All three are rather good together here. Gibson as Brett Maverick is a wisecracking, handsome gambler (who is also very good with gun and fists) who is making his way to a big poker game run by James Coburn in a cameo. On the way he intends to collect various debts owed to him so he has enough money to get into the game. But there are baddies out to stop him and he gets into various scrapes on the journey as well as beginning a romance with the clumsy, but devious Annabelle (Foster) also a gambler with her own agenda. Garner's lawman is ever on scene and there's a twist that is obvious from the start regarding his character. Various stalwarts of the western pop up such as Dub Taylor and there's some funny and neat set pieces including stunts that homage ones from Raiders Of The Lost Ark (1981) and Stagecoach (1939) which cinephiles will relish. This is a film worth a rewatch as it entertains throughout, it's a little overly long, but good, clean fun.