50 reviews
Being a great fan of the film's stars, Robert Redford and Jane Fonda, especially back when I first saw it, I found this an entertaining, if not memorable romance, western style.
The story revolves around a former rodeo star named Sonny Steele (Redford) who has been reduced to doing cereal commercials in Las Vegas, all the while lit up in a sort of electrified suit. When he discovers plans are afoot to drug his horse lest it become too adventurous, he rides off into the desert, followed closely by a reporter named Hallie Martin (Fonda). At first, Hallie is simply seeking an exclusive story, but as you can imagine, before too long, the sparks are flying. Meanwhile, other forces are also after the runaway horseman, who just wants to return the horse to nature and himself to a simpler life.
The chemistry here between Redford and Fonda is wonderful, as they share basically an outdoor camping trip. Apart from that, the movie is primarily imparting a message about commercialism in our modern society, especially the evils of using both people and animals for profit. I was interested to read that Robert Redford actually bought for himself the horse, Rising Star, that was used in this film. It isn't any masterpiece, but certainly an entertaining movie that points to the beauties of a simple country life.
The story revolves around a former rodeo star named Sonny Steele (Redford) who has been reduced to doing cereal commercials in Las Vegas, all the while lit up in a sort of electrified suit. When he discovers plans are afoot to drug his horse lest it become too adventurous, he rides off into the desert, followed closely by a reporter named Hallie Martin (Fonda). At first, Hallie is simply seeking an exclusive story, but as you can imagine, before too long, the sparks are flying. Meanwhile, other forces are also after the runaway horseman, who just wants to return the horse to nature and himself to a simpler life.
The chemistry here between Redford and Fonda is wonderful, as they share basically an outdoor camping trip. Apart from that, the movie is primarily imparting a message about commercialism in our modern society, especially the evils of using both people and animals for profit. I was interested to read that Robert Redford actually bought for himself the horse, Rising Star, that was used in this film. It isn't any masterpiece, but certainly an entertaining movie that points to the beauties of a simple country life.
This movie stars Robert Redford as an five time rodeo champion who is now a has-been promoting a breakfast cereal. Jane Fonda is a reporter who wants to interview Redford, but he just blows her off. Redford is basically upset always being told what to do and he steals a 12 million dollar horse that they're mistreating and he's going to take it out and set it free. The company that owns the horse wants to keep it quiet and then wants to send in the police. Fonda tracks him down and joins up with him so she can get a bigger story and of course, they have to fall in love. This movie seems to be a cross between It Happened One Night and Lonely Are The Brave. This was directed by Sydney Pollock who has worked with Redford several times before and also with Fonda.
I like Pollack. I'm not sure there's anything that I wouldn't at least give a chance, as long as he had an important part in the making of it. This is probably the most formulaic thing I've seen of his... which isn't to say that it's necessarily bad. It's just that, well, if you don't see the majority of what happens in this, coming, the likeliest explanation is that you haven't seen one of the many films that follow essentially the same plot. It's not exactly unpredictable. The points of it are also made in a pretty see-through manner, with poignant speeches and the like. But with those in mind, and the fact that this isn't necessarily meant to be taken too seriously, this isn't bad. The direction is effective. Its editing and cinematography are well-done. The acting leaves little to be desired. The writing is good. The characters are at least average. The music is very fitting. That would be the original version, with Willie Nelson performing it, not the other kind. There is a limited amount of language in it, of varying degree, not a lot of which is terribly harsh. The drug/alcohol material is vague, and the sexuality tends to be tastefully done(for being partially set in Las Vegas, this is mighty clean). I recommend this to any lovers of the four-legged animal, Redford, Fonda and/or anyone else who helped create this. 6/10
- TBJCSKCNRRQTreviews
- Feb 28, 2009
- Permalink
To those people who didn't understand this movie, perhaps they were expecting something other than a simple tale. In this effective movie, Robert Redford plays "Sonny" Steele, a former 5 time rodeo champion who now hocks breakfast cereal for the sinister corporation, Ampco. Although a world champion cowboy, Sonny is no good at selling cereal. When Ampco buys a thoroughbred horse to solidify a merger, Sonny is outraged at how the horse has been mistreated. When he steals the horse in an attempt to set it free & get it back to nature, he is in fact attempting to make right what is also wrong in his own life. Jane Fonda who plays Hallie Martin, a reporter, is also caught up in the hype when she tries to get the story on an exclusive. As she follows his story & his struggle to set the horse free in an appropriate place, she comes to understand Sonny the man. This charm of this movie is its underlying message of a simple life, unfettered by hypocrisy and falseness as the right way to live and the redemptive quality of a man returning to that. Understated directing and a good supporting cast make this a movie worth watching.
This film is not about the horse, is not about a romance.
The film portraits the unstoppable greed of a corporation confronted with the moral values of a true cowboy and how he realize he has lost that spirit that took him to became a cowboy.
This film is intended to show how we destroy everything we touch just to increase our profits.
So, you are right about the hairstyle, the wardrobe, everything is so 70's.
But the message is not old in fact is so XXI century as your brand new digital cameras.
This film made me understand my family, my past, present and future.
Now I see what my father tried to taught me, what my brothers understood years ago.
The film portraits the unstoppable greed of a corporation confronted with the moral values of a true cowboy and how he realize he has lost that spirit that took him to became a cowboy.
This film is intended to show how we destroy everything we touch just to increase our profits.
So, you are right about the hairstyle, the wardrobe, everything is so 70's.
But the message is not old in fact is so XXI century as your brand new digital cameras.
This film made me understand my family, my past, present and future.
Now I see what my father tried to taught me, what my brothers understood years ago.
- Ettore_Francesco
- Jan 14, 2007
- Permalink
- classicsoncall
- Jan 17, 2008
- Permalink
- rmax304823
- Aug 17, 2013
- Permalink
Everyone involved in "The Electric Horseman" is taking it easy. The film is just a lark for some very talented people, and while it does have its amusements it doesn't add up to much. Robert Redford plays a rodeo-star who steals his celebrated horse, planning to ride it up to hill country to release it in the wild, but he's dogged by inquisitive female reporter Jane Fonda. There's a message about wildlife to be had in Robert Garland's exceptionally thin script, which must have attracted both Redford and Fonda, but director Sydney Pollack wisely concentrates on the leads' budding romance, and the horse takes the proverbial backseat. Some of the repartee is sharp, but the movie doesn't particularly look good or seem fully thought out. As a result, it's unmemorable and undemanding, though not without minor enjoyment. **1/2 from ****
- moonspinner55
- Jun 2, 2007
- Permalink
OK, first, to the reviewer that suggested "too much Fonda" and would have liked to see Susan St. James or Jennifer Warren in the role of Alice, you are forbidden from ever reviewing again. Fonda was perfect, and more on that later.
Second, this is not about a cowboy freeing a horse who is about to be drugged, as some reviewers have said. The horse was drugged from the beginning. Sonny noticed it, and that was a contributing factor to his subsequent actions.
This movie is about a man who strayed far from who he was, and who sought to find himself again. The horse is metaphoric: it is drugged, exploited, and broken, just like the man. So, the man attempts to find himself, as he helps the horse find itself again, so to speak. And, in the process of trying to report the story, the Fonda character attempts to find herself as well, for she has become neurotic, pill-popping, and uptight in her quest to become a star reporter. And, of course, as they travel the countryside, we find America.
Back to Fonda. Fonda's casting has always been that of the strong but flawed "career" woman, from "Barbarella", to "Klute", to "Electric Horseman". She is independent, doesn't need a man. As the tough and aggressive reporter in personal crisis, she is cast perfectly. St. James has neither the strength nor the necessary equal dose of vulnerability that Fonda can muster. This is about chemistry as well. Redford and Fonda have teamed up before, and the chemistry is proved.
So this brilliant and simple story illustrates and creatively reinforces the the idea of straying from true nature, and the need to find it again.
VERY good film.
Second, this is not about a cowboy freeing a horse who is about to be drugged, as some reviewers have said. The horse was drugged from the beginning. Sonny noticed it, and that was a contributing factor to his subsequent actions.
This movie is about a man who strayed far from who he was, and who sought to find himself again. The horse is metaphoric: it is drugged, exploited, and broken, just like the man. So, the man attempts to find himself, as he helps the horse find itself again, so to speak. And, in the process of trying to report the story, the Fonda character attempts to find herself as well, for she has become neurotic, pill-popping, and uptight in her quest to become a star reporter. And, of course, as they travel the countryside, we find America.
Back to Fonda. Fonda's casting has always been that of the strong but flawed "career" woman, from "Barbarella", to "Klute", to "Electric Horseman". She is independent, doesn't need a man. As the tough and aggressive reporter in personal crisis, she is cast perfectly. St. James has neither the strength nor the necessary equal dose of vulnerability that Fonda can muster. This is about chemistry as well. Redford and Fonda have teamed up before, and the chemistry is proved.
So this brilliant and simple story illustrates and creatively reinforces the the idea of straying from true nature, and the need to find it again.
VERY good film.
Sonny Steele (Robert Redford) was a rodeo star who signed an endorsement deal with a breakfast cereal company. His star has since faded. He drunkenly travels around the country pitching the cereal with Wendell (Willie Nelson), Leroy and his light up electric suit. They replace him with another rider and nobody cares. Hallie Martin (Jane Fonda) is looking to write a story but the company won't let her interview him. He arrives in Las Vegas to ride a race horse on stage but he finds the horse drugged and injured. Charlotta (Valerie Perrine) comes looking for a divorce from Steele. He decides to ride out with the horse and not look back.
I don't really get the Hallie Martin character. Was the rodeo ever that big? She's putting in a lot of effort to do a story about a washed-out cowboy. I don't know why that's a big story anywhere. Even if he's washed-out, why would that be news? It would make more sense for her to start looking for the story after he rides out with the horse. Robert Redford returns to the big screen after a hiatus. That may be the reason for its success. Willie Nelson has a couple of great songs. The actors keep the movie afloat despite the poor basic concept of the movie.
I don't really get the Hallie Martin character. Was the rodeo ever that big? She's putting in a lot of effort to do a story about a washed-out cowboy. I don't know why that's a big story anywhere. Even if he's washed-out, why would that be news? It would make more sense for her to start looking for the story after he rides out with the horse. Robert Redford returns to the big screen after a hiatus. That may be the reason for its success. Willie Nelson has a couple of great songs. The actors keep the movie afloat despite the poor basic concept of the movie.
- SnoopyStyle
- Apr 9, 2015
- Permalink
The best thing about this film is the light-up "electric horseman" outfit that Redford wears in the beginning of the film-- as I recall, it inspired many a Halloween costume when the film was released. Otherwise, this film is utterly ridiculous. We are supposed to believe a corporation spends million of dollars on a winning racehorse not to breed it, but to serve as a corporate mascot, despite the fact that most people can't tell one brown horse from another. We are supposed to believe that a rodeo champion would be a useful spokesman to sell cereal, even though almost no Americans can name a single rodeo champion from any point in history, five-time winner or not. We are supposed to believe that after days adventuring in the desert, neither Redford or Fonda looks like they've been more than three feet away from a blow-dryer and can of Final Net for touch-ups. This film was less inspiring than insulting.
- lutheranchick
- Jan 5, 2008
- Permalink
I was only 11 years old at the time when this movie hit the theatres. A friend of mine and his dad invited me to go see The Electric Horseman. I knew of Robert Redford, but this was the first movie of his that I had seen in a theatre. I really enjoyed it, and I thought how cool Redford was as a modern day cowboy. I have never been a fan of Jane Fonda, but she is a very actress and she did a fine job in this movie. I thought the addition of Willie Nelson and his music really made this a great film. I read once that Redford and Nelson sat next to each other on an airplane flight and Redford asked Willie if he wanted to be in the movie. I also really love the soundtrack and the scenery is incredible. I wish that this movie would come out on Blu ray soon so I can buy it. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend that you rent it.
- jimw-63592
- Feb 10, 2017
- Permalink
- Scarecrow-88
- Feb 14, 2007
- Permalink
Robert Redford and Jane Fonda get paired again for the first time in many years in this easy-paced Sydney Pollack-directed feature. To be honest, it rarely breaks out of a trot as it depicts Redford's commercially compromised, fading rodeo star's rage against the machine of corporate America, as personified by grey-suit man John Saxon and his entourage, which anger he improbably decides is best channelled by riding his drug-addled horse, a former champion itself, out of an Expo in Las Vegas out into the Nevada desert, to set the poor beast free to return to nature. Fonda is the inquisitive reporter who initially gets under Redford's Sonny Steel character's skin, but wouldn't you know it, ends up under his covers before the end.
That's about the plot, only Pollack extends the "drama", for want of a better word, to well over two hours. We're meant to root for Redford's unreliable womanising drunkard of a character, presumably cutting him some slack because he's obviously just not found himself yet, but Fonda's character, Hallie is even more problematic, a throwback to the Barbara Stanwyck / Jean Arthur persona of the hard-bitten reporter who turns out to have a heart of gold. In truth she brings neither warmth or nuance to the role, metaphorically and physically stomping all over the place in her high-heel boots. I didn't get much sense of chemistry between the two either, despite Pollack's best and worst efforts, the latter an undoubtedly blatant attempt to rehabilitate "Hanoi Jane" by having her heartily sing not one, but two American anthems on the road-trip.
In the film's favour, it's nicely shot and Willie Nelson's soundtrack songs fit to a "T", in fact his undemonstrative acting in what was his debut movie steals what little show there is here. Otherwise if you like watching Redford and Fonda coasting in blue jeans, this is the film for you.
That's about the plot, only Pollack extends the "drama", for want of a better word, to well over two hours. We're meant to root for Redford's unreliable womanising drunkard of a character, presumably cutting him some slack because he's obviously just not found himself yet, but Fonda's character, Hallie is even more problematic, a throwback to the Barbara Stanwyck / Jean Arthur persona of the hard-bitten reporter who turns out to have a heart of gold. In truth she brings neither warmth or nuance to the role, metaphorically and physically stomping all over the place in her high-heel boots. I didn't get much sense of chemistry between the two either, despite Pollack's best and worst efforts, the latter an undoubtedly blatant attempt to rehabilitate "Hanoi Jane" by having her heartily sing not one, but two American anthems on the road-trip.
In the film's favour, it's nicely shot and Willie Nelson's soundtrack songs fit to a "T", in fact his undemonstrative acting in what was his debut movie steals what little show there is here. Otherwise if you like watching Redford and Fonda coasting in blue jeans, this is the film for you.
In the days when people treated one another with more civility, sound bites (bights) and high-energy opinion didn't rule the political scene, and sensationalism didn't masquerade as being newsworthy, Hollywood's film industry was cranking out fare that didn't placate to the juvenile demographic.
"The Electric Horseman" is a forward thinking film populated with adult actors that have adult sensibilities. There are no quick put-downs and one-liners comprised of single syllable words. And when I say adult, I don't mean the bawdy toilet film making styles that literally pollute the media air.
"The Electric Horseman" is mainstream cinema from the closing era of the 1970s. When people wearing ties and blouses attended the movie house, and did so politely.
In this regard "The Electric Horseman" is a throwback to another era when people had more comport in their personal presentation, and demonstrated an amount of civility and societal understanding. Even so, corporate greed is exposed in the plot, as well as the foibles of a femme-reporteress whose hunger for success shows her inner soul to both character and audience (appropriately played by Jane Fonda).
The stalwart American society is also appropriately reflected in Robert Redford's character, who gives us a character who must rediscover his "awe shucks" self through an act of humanity for the sake of a stricken and exploited living, breathing creature that cannot speak for itself; Rising Star.
Cinematography is professional, as are all elements of this film. No performance is overstated, save for Fonda, but, if I know Pollack, that was intentional. The feminist climbing the media ladder and forgetting her ideals by breaking the rules for the sake of those ideals, is met with the has-been buckaroo who has similarly rediscovered who and what he is.
The romance is standard Hollywood 101, but, though not entirely necessary, is still appropriate, and in this regard, probably satisfying to the audience--men and women alike.
It's not a deep film on a personal level, but it is profound on the character level. We sympathize with the characters and identify with them in a detached manner. They are extensions of us (or what we might've been) were we in those situations.
No flashy cuts, no CGI, no rumbling sound effects, no splashy cinema effects of any-kind, standard lensing, tight scripting, and solid thesping make this film a sight for sore eyes.
Thank you Mister Pollack, Mister Redford... and I'd never thought I'd say it, but, thank you "Mizz" Fonda.
"The Electric Horseman" is a forward thinking film populated with adult actors that have adult sensibilities. There are no quick put-downs and one-liners comprised of single syllable words. And when I say adult, I don't mean the bawdy toilet film making styles that literally pollute the media air.
"The Electric Horseman" is mainstream cinema from the closing era of the 1970s. When people wearing ties and blouses attended the movie house, and did so politely.
In this regard "The Electric Horseman" is a throwback to another era when people had more comport in their personal presentation, and demonstrated an amount of civility and societal understanding. Even so, corporate greed is exposed in the plot, as well as the foibles of a femme-reporteress whose hunger for success shows her inner soul to both character and audience (appropriately played by Jane Fonda).
The stalwart American society is also appropriately reflected in Robert Redford's character, who gives us a character who must rediscover his "awe shucks" self through an act of humanity for the sake of a stricken and exploited living, breathing creature that cannot speak for itself; Rising Star.
Cinematography is professional, as are all elements of this film. No performance is overstated, save for Fonda, but, if I know Pollack, that was intentional. The feminist climbing the media ladder and forgetting her ideals by breaking the rules for the sake of those ideals, is met with the has-been buckaroo who has similarly rediscovered who and what he is.
The romance is standard Hollywood 101, but, though not entirely necessary, is still appropriate, and in this regard, probably satisfying to the audience--men and women alike.
It's not a deep film on a personal level, but it is profound on the character level. We sympathize with the characters and identify with them in a detached manner. They are extensions of us (or what we might've been) were we in those situations.
No flashy cuts, no CGI, no rumbling sound effects, no splashy cinema effects of any-kind, standard lensing, tight scripting, and solid thesping make this film a sight for sore eyes.
Thank you Mister Pollack, Mister Redford... and I'd never thought I'd say it, but, thank you "Mizz" Fonda.
Stars Robert Redford , he has been a successful rodeo-cowboy , nowadays is a drunk man damned to perform in breakfast food commercials takes off for the wide spaces . Then he carries out a protest when he finds that his horse is being kept drugged . While , Jane Fonda is a toughie reporter investigates the story and tagging along for a scoop . As the boozer cowboy takes his precious horse away from the clutches of corporate greed and he rides off into the desert , being pursued by the obstinate reporter and a lot of law enforcerers .
Decent but overlong story that eventually going all mushy inside , packing agreeable scenes , good feeling and attractiveness enough , though excesively talking . An interesting stoy wallow in sentimentality and containing an enjoyable message with plenty of integrity, ecology and animal love . Robert Redford gives a nice acting in his usual style as the alcoholic cowboy has taken a horse to return to his native environment . Jane Fonda is acceptable as the journalist sets out to discover the reason behind the kidnapping a prized horse , going after him , and of course falling in love for Redford . They are well accompanied by a large number of secondary actor delivering adequate interpretations , such as : Valerie Perrone , Willie Nelson, John Saxon, Nicolas Coster , Wilford Brimley, Will Hare , Patricia Blair, James B Sikking , and several others
It displays a colorful and brilliant cinematography from Owen Roizman , shot on location in Las Vegasand other remote Western settings . As well as a sensitive and moving musical score , including some catching songs by Willie Nelson . The motion picture was well produced by Ray Stark and competently directed by Sidney Pollack . This good professional was an excellent actor and director , making the following important movies : "The Property is condemned" , "The Slender Thread" , "The Scalphunters" , "They Shoot Horses , Don't They ?" , "Jeremiah Johnson" , "The Way we Were" , "Yazuka" , "3 days of Condor" , "Absence of Malice" , "Tootsie" , "Out of Africa" , "Havana" , "The Firm", "Sabrina" , "Random Hearts", among others . Rating : 6.7/10. Notable . The picture will appeal to Robert Redford and Jane Fonda fans .
Decent but overlong story that eventually going all mushy inside , packing agreeable scenes , good feeling and attractiveness enough , though excesively talking . An interesting stoy wallow in sentimentality and containing an enjoyable message with plenty of integrity, ecology and animal love . Robert Redford gives a nice acting in his usual style as the alcoholic cowboy has taken a horse to return to his native environment . Jane Fonda is acceptable as the journalist sets out to discover the reason behind the kidnapping a prized horse , going after him , and of course falling in love for Redford . They are well accompanied by a large number of secondary actor delivering adequate interpretations , such as : Valerie Perrone , Willie Nelson, John Saxon, Nicolas Coster , Wilford Brimley, Will Hare , Patricia Blair, James B Sikking , and several others
It displays a colorful and brilliant cinematography from Owen Roizman , shot on location in Las Vegasand other remote Western settings . As well as a sensitive and moving musical score , including some catching songs by Willie Nelson . The motion picture was well produced by Ray Stark and competently directed by Sidney Pollack . This good professional was an excellent actor and director , making the following important movies : "The Property is condemned" , "The Slender Thread" , "The Scalphunters" , "They Shoot Horses , Don't They ?" , "Jeremiah Johnson" , "The Way we Were" , "Yazuka" , "3 days of Condor" , "Absence of Malice" , "Tootsie" , "Out of Africa" , "Havana" , "The Firm", "Sabrina" , "Random Hearts", among others . Rating : 6.7/10. Notable . The picture will appeal to Robert Redford and Jane Fonda fans .
This film was one that I used to enjoy before I found out about Jane Fonda's unpatriotic trip to North Vietnam. I don't believe the widely held rumor that she betrayed US POW's but nonetheless I refuse to support her work now. It's a pity. This isn't a bad film at all (hey, no one said she couldn't act). The basic story is a bit far fetched, but not overreaching too much. Jane plays a realistic reporter role, always out to get the story, no matter what it costs. Robert Redford stars as a washed up, drunk hero cowboy who now makes his living touting breakfast cereal aboard a magnificent horse. The next gig requires that the horse be tranquilized so that it can work right on a stage (never been there before). Sonny (Redford's character) decides that the horse (and he) would be better off if they just run away. The resulting man and horse hunt attracts the attention of a reporter, played by Fonda. The interaction between the two characters is excellently written and delivered. This film would most likely be classified as a romance but it's not what I'd call a Chick Flick. I think many men (at least those who can still stand Jane Fonda), might enjoy it.
The fifth movie (out of seven) in which Sydney Pollack directed Robert Redford casts the latter as a washed-up rodeo rider who rebels against his role as a spokesman by stealing a thoroughbred horse. Jane Fonda - in a role similar to the one in "The China Syndrome" - plays a reporter who follows Redford's character.
At times, "The Electric Horseman" comes across as pithy, emphasizing the protagonist's obsession with animal welfare. Nonetheless, it's clear that they made the movie with the noblest of intentions. Moreover, we get some great shots of the rural southwest; it's enough to make anyone want to vacation in Utah.
So, while it's not a masterpiece, I recommend it (if only once).
At times, "The Electric Horseman" comes across as pithy, emphasizing the protagonist's obsession with animal welfare. Nonetheless, it's clear that they made the movie with the noblest of intentions. Moreover, we get some great shots of the rural southwest; it's enough to make anyone want to vacation in Utah.
So, while it's not a masterpiece, I recommend it (if only once).
- lee_eisenberg
- Feb 26, 2022
- Permalink
Saddle up! for this Excellent romantic-comedy, Robert Redford stars as Sonny Steele who once was a world class Rodeo star, but is now a washed up drunkard reduced to advertising breakfast cereal on TV for the shady AMPCO corporation,whose latest Publicity campaign features prize winning race horse Rising Star,
AMPCO's next junket takes place at Las Vegas where Redford is to Launch the campaign ,Behind a backdrop of glamor and corporate greed, Redford discovers that the horse has been drugged with an abundance of steroids,Redford saddles up and literally takes off with the horse in protest,
Jane Fonda plays Hallie, a news reporter who might just get an exclusive, follows Redford on his quest to release Rising Star into the wild to roam free.
Sydney Pollack, always with a great eye for casting, even has country and western favorite Willie Nelson, Valerie Perrine has an appearance as An old flame of Redford's, Wilford Brimley has a small role as kindly farmer who helps Redford on his way, Usual Pollack regular Composer, Dave Grusin Contribute's Greatly,
AMPCO's next junket takes place at Las Vegas where Redford is to Launch the campaign ,Behind a backdrop of glamor and corporate greed, Redford discovers that the horse has been drugged with an abundance of steroids,Redford saddles up and literally takes off with the horse in protest,
Jane Fonda plays Hallie, a news reporter who might just get an exclusive, follows Redford on his quest to release Rising Star into the wild to roam free.
Sydney Pollack, always with a great eye for casting, even has country and western favorite Willie Nelson, Valerie Perrine has an appearance as An old flame of Redford's, Wilford Brimley has a small role as kindly farmer who helps Redford on his way, Usual Pollack regular Composer, Dave Grusin Contribute's Greatly,
I won't go into the story much, as that is well reviewed elsewhere. This is a very watchable movie, with an easy to follow storyline and well defined characters. But it is populated with actors like John Saxon, Nicholas Coster, Allan Arbus and James Sikking, who are strictly of the TV variety. And frankly, Redford, Fonda and director Pollack pretty much phone it in as well. Some of the line readings make you cringe. It seems that all involved saw this just as a moneymaker and nothing else. There are no deep meanings here, everything is as easy to understand as a bucket of cold water in your face.
It's still an enjoyable, entertaining movie to watch. Just don't expect any more than that.
Robert Redford plays a former rodeo star who now works as a cereal spokesman and drinks so much he has to be tied to his horse when he's at a promotional event. While in Las Vegas to promote his sponsor's multi-million dollar merger, he notices the hired horse has been drugged and abused so it will behave onstage. Just as you would expect Robert Redford to do, he rescues the horse and heads to Utah to set him free among wild horses.
Jane Fonda plays a nosy reporter who follows Robert Redford, not because she supports his cause but because she wants first dibs on the story. They're total opposites, but as time passes and they get to know each other, they just might fall in love. . .
That was a very kind plot description, so if the film sounds good to you after reading that, I don't blame you. In reality, the movie is pretty slow. Neither lead is likable, which is saying something because both actors are usually easy to root for. Bob is gruff, rude, and much more of a jerk than he usually is, and Jane is stupid, obnoxious, and snotty. There's hardly any love story, and if you're in the mood for beautiful scenery and an injured horse, you might as well rent The Horse Whisperer instead. The only good scene is the part where Robert Redford escapes with the horse. Only in Las Vegas can a neon-lighted cowboy with a matching horse ride calmly through a casino and down the strip without passersby thinking there's anything strange going on.
Jane Fonda plays a nosy reporter who follows Robert Redford, not because she supports his cause but because she wants first dibs on the story. They're total opposites, but as time passes and they get to know each other, they just might fall in love. . .
That was a very kind plot description, so if the film sounds good to you after reading that, I don't blame you. In reality, the movie is pretty slow. Neither lead is likable, which is saying something because both actors are usually easy to root for. Bob is gruff, rude, and much more of a jerk than he usually is, and Jane is stupid, obnoxious, and snotty. There's hardly any love story, and if you're in the mood for beautiful scenery and an injured horse, you might as well rent The Horse Whisperer instead. The only good scene is the part where Robert Redford escapes with the horse. Only in Las Vegas can a neon-lighted cowboy with a matching horse ride calmly through a casino and down the strip without passersby thinking there's anything strange going on.
- HotToastyRag
- Sep 24, 2017
- Permalink
If you want to know why Robert Redford and/or Jane Fonda are considered by some to be great actors, rent this film. The story is not terribly complex, but the characters are. The life breathed into the Sonny and Alice by the stars of this film must be seen to be appreciated. Subtle, deep, perfect.
- estherwalker-34710
- Sep 8, 2022
- Permalink