Maverick (1994) User Reviews

Richard Donner sure knows how to make an entertaining movie!

[Boba_Fett1138 · 8/10 · 15 October 2004]

After making entertaining movies such as the "Lethal Weapon" movies, "The Goonies" and "Scrooged", Richard Donner the man behind all those movies, brings us "Maverick", an excellent and fun 'modern' western with a fun story and entertaining characters played by veteran-actors who seemed to have lots of fun working on this movie.

The best thing about "Maverick" is the 'fun' feeling that this movie has. You can tell that the actors worked on this movie with lots of pleasure and fun. Mel Gibson is a wonderful and fun leading man as Bert uhmm I mean Bret Maverick. The cast is filled with many other big names such as: Jodie Foster, James Garner, Graham Greene, Alfred Molina, James Coburn, Dan Hedaya, Margot Kidder and Danny Glover in a fun cameo.

The story is really strong and full with fun twists and plenty of comical situations. Yes, "Maverick" is a real fun 'no worries' movie. Truly one of the most underrated movies.

8/10

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Vastly underrated, charming movie

[Captain Ed · 9/10 · 31 December 2001]

As a kid, I used to watch reruns of the original "Maverick" -- and so I looked forward to seeing this one when it came out in the theaters. I was NOT disappointed! Mel Gibson's Maverick is a bit more goofy than James Garner's, but is every bit as charming, sly, and entertaining. A number of excellent cameos provide some comic relief, especially Danny Glover near the beginning of the movie. But by far the best casting is reserved for the original Maverick, James Garner, who is cast in a featured role, and who has surprises in store for darn near everyone. Most movies remade from old TV series ignore the stars that made them popular enough to BE remade -- kudos to the producers of this film, who apparently know better.

Other roles are filled capably; the biggest surprise for me was Jodie Foster, whom I normally dislike on screen. She is very impressive in a rare comedic role, and thankfully discards her repetoire of facial tics for a much more natural performance here. The plot is kept pretty simple until near the end -- and the end has a great twist, which I won't divulge. Suffice it to say that your time will be well spent, and you'll want to revisit Maverick country more than once.

Fun and Charming

[evanston_dad · 7/10 · 17 March 2009]

A fun movie that doesn't try to be anything more than what it is -- an amiable comedy.

Mel Gibson can actually manage to be tolerable when he's playing charming, which he does here. James Garner is perfectly cast for quite obvious reasons. And it's nice to see Jodie Foster lighten up and play a feminine character for once -- up to that point, her resume had been quite serious.

For some strange reason, I distinctly remember Siskel and Ebert being infuriated that this film won an Academy Award nomination for Best Costume Design. Ah, to live such a charmed life that something like that constitutes a major gripe.....

Grade: B

A Western That's Really A Pleasing Comedy

[ccthemovieman-1 · 8/10 · 24 April 2006]

A good mix of comedy, drama, suspense and nice scenery all make this a pleasing viewing experience. (Most people watching this leave with a smile on their face.)

This "western" is really a lot more of a comedy, but so was the TV show on which it was based. In the movie, we get some really neat twists at the end, too. Kudos also for including TV's original "Maverick" - James Garner - in this film.

Mel Gibson (the "new" Maverick) and Jodie Foster play off each other well in the leads and Graham Greene has some very funny lines as a supporting player. Alfred Molina, James Coburn, Geoffrey Lewis also shine in supporting performances and it is really fun to see all the cameo appearances in here. Included in there were a couple of old-time western movie stars along with country-western singers, all at a big card game at the end.

Another plus are the two songs during the ending credits. There is rousing C&W rendition of "Amazing Grace" followed by a good Randy Newman song called "Ride Gambler Ride." They are worth sticking around and hearing.

One negative about this film: the message seems to be that cheating, lying and just being a dishonorable person if okay if you can get away with it!! (Only in Hollywood!)

A Very Good Comedy That Never Ages

[tfrizzell · 19 September 2000]

"Maverick" is based on the popular television series of the same name. The film is pretty faithful to the series as Mel Gibson stars as the big-time gambler. James Garner (the original Maverick) has a great part as a lawman who is tracking Gibson. Jodie Foster is superb as usual. The supporting cast includes Graham Greene, James Coburn, and a short cameo by Danny Glover. The direction and screenplay are both inspired and very impressive.

Not perfect, but very close. 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Nice easy charm and great chemistry

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 5 May 2014]

Maverick (Mel Gibson) is a charming gambler who needs $25k to enter a poker tournament with at least half million at stake. It's happening in a few days on a steamboat run by Commodore Duvall (James Coburn). Maverick is a quick draw and one of the best card player. He encounters other characters like the macho Angel (Alfred Molina), the sexy con Annabelle Bransford (Jodie Foster), and Marshal Zane Cooper (James Garner). The tournament is not just about the money but a challenge to his abilities. It's one misadventure after another as he tries to gather the money together.

It's a good fun western that has a nice comfortable charm. To emphasize that, director Richard Donner got 'Lethal Weapon' cohort Danny Glover to play a cameo as a bank robber. By no means is this a gut busting comedy. The best thing is the great chemistry between the film's trio.

Simply brilliant

[hitchs · 9/10 · 7 September 2001]

This is one of those rare movies you can watch over and over again without getting tired of it. Forget what some people have said about Jodie Foster, she is absolutely perfect as the apparently-dumb-but-smarter-than-she-looks blonde, and the chemistry between her and Mel Gibson is superb. Also perfect are James Garner as the marshal, Graham Greene as the harassed native chief, and Alfred Molina (the Englishman who is so good as an Iranian in Not Without My Daughter and a Cuban in The Perez family) as the "Spaniard". The writing is simply brilliant, one of William Goldman's best - how anyone could describe it as "virtually plotless" just staggers the imagination. The direction and cinematography are superb. A special treat is the Lethal Weapon reprise with Danny Glover.

The most memorable absurd and rebel Western/Comedy anti-hero film of its era

[CihanVercan · 7/10 · 31 January 2010]

Maverick is one most favourite Mel Gibson idol, and is truly an American icon. In the western/comedy genre movies of all time cinema history, Maverick comes anyhow in the top-5 list. After the several failures of Red Kit(Lucky Luke)'s cinema adaptation between 1991-1993; Roy Huggins's "Maverick TV-series" of 1950s' had been enriched with the Hanna&Barbera vision of Lucky Luke(1984 TV-cartoon series) to integrate the whole concept of writing a new modern day Maverick by the writer William Goldman. There are a bunch of similarities between these two Western legends, but still Maverick's story was unique and impressive. Here in my review I would much rather talk about this movie itself, instead of its production values. Anyway, if you would like to share your opinions with me and everybody else, visit my message board topic with the title "40 factors that Lucky Luke and Maverick have in common".

Director Donner has preferred a left-in-the-middle Adventure type opening right away in the first scene, as if it's a continuation to Maverick's adventures. His antagonist, performed by British actor Alfred Molina, has left him in a trapped dilemma; that appears to our eyes as Maverick is just about to die. As the widely known old saying says: "A person recalls his life just before he dies" , Maverick starts to tell his story to sum up the reason how he ended up being in that deadly dilemma. Under his narration, we're welcomed to a heart-warmingly told weirdo story. He's been collecting money to enroll in a Poker tournament and travelling the country through several adventures.

What makes Maverick memorable and unique in style is first of all, the mood. There is a political film-noir view that we get every time we meet a new character. Every single character, even the cameos in this movie is so selfish, rebel and against the law. Robbery, racketeering, murder, gambling, bribery, deception is a must-have character profile for all. The sheriff of a town is in debt with fugitives. A credible police chief steals a $500,000 poker tournament prize from his son. A son of a police chief is a bandit. Well, his father known as the most credible police chief in Western America; and he even steals money from his own single child son. Even the most likable Jodie Foster's Annabelle character tries to steal money from everywhere, she fools every man to steal their wallet; even from a dead old poor wagon rider It's very absurd and reasonable at the same time that this is the greatest dreamy Western adventureland ever that the audience is witnessed.

After this great accomplishment, who cares if there are gaps in the plot? Indians might be so friendly(especially after Dances With Wolves, all the American Indians in Western movies somehow has become very friendly). All the bandits might be sappy. Set Designs might be cheap and distracting. Audio and sound effects might be the lowest quality. But still with craggy zigzagged narrated style of editing works perfect, and thus the film always rises unexpected incidents and surprises. The zigzags of the storytelling keeps the viewers' attention on trying to find the reasons why each character chooses to do what they do. Cinematography and directing of photography are also admirable. The sceneries are taken in rivers of Arizona, uplands of Oregon, canyons of Utah, prairies of Washington, Yosemite National Park of California. It feels like a falsely guided visit to Western states; Maverick says that he's going to the poker tournament in New York, while in the actual Earth geography he's in Yosemite. This film was nominated only in Costume Design category at the Academy Awards, but instead Hugo Weaving & Guy Pearce's Australian desert comedy won it.

Maverick can be seen entirely by everyone. Mostly with humour and film-noir comedy of Old West, it's also worth your time for Poker/Road Trip Sceneries/Adventure/Cowboy Gunfights/Living with the Indians segments.

Most underrated movie ever

[kicker760 · 7 December 2001]

This is among Mel's best. It has absolutely everything you could want for a hit. Bert...I mean Bret...is a multi-dimensional character that changes from humorous to serious seamlessly. Jodie Foster is an excellent faux-Southern belle. And James Garner plays the veteran lawman to the T.

This movie has humor, but not gross-out humor. The tongue-in-cheek, James Bond/Lethal Weapon kind of humor. Like Miss Bransford looking in both of their tubs to "compare" the two, without ever saying anything. It has decent action and suspense, and the last 15 minutes has more plot turns that most mysteries.

This is one of my personal favorites, one I can watch over and over again. I believe this gets none of the credit it deserves. It seems to have a stigma because most movies based on TV shows (i.e. Beverly Hillbillies) well, suck.

Lots of fun

[R_O_U_S · 9/10 · 16 February 2004]

Always thought this was great. Makes me laugh no end. When he lets himself go, Mel Gibson is funny, and this pastiche of an almost forgotten TV cowboy show - complete with its original star cast in the main supporting role - is comedy gold. Better yet, this is Jodie Foster's only real brush with the comedy genre and she proves so adept at it that you can't help feeling this route would have been better than Nell and Anna And The King. The ending piles twist upon twist, and it's one of those movies where everyone involved is clearly having such a great time that you do too.

From the moment I slapped eyes on this hombre, I smelled trouble. And re-fried beans.

[hitchcockthelegend · 8/10 · 18 January 2011]

Maverick is directed by Richard Donner and written by William Goldman. It stars Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster and James Garner, with support coming from Alfred Molina, Graham Greene and James Coburn. The music is scored by Randy Newman and Vilmos Zsigmond is on photography. It's based on the 1950s television series of the same name and the plot finds Gibson as Maverick and follows his attempt to take his place in a major five-card draw poker tournament. With Foster and Garner in tow, there's plenty of adventures and misadventures along the way.

After Costner's Dances With Wolves and Eastwood's Unforgiven had reignited interest in the Western genre in the 90s, Richard Donner and his team felt the time was right to unleash a light hearted Western on the mainstream audience. Timing was important, as was the casting, but Maverick is the sort of family friendly fun that could in truth be released at any time in any decade and still be a hit at the box office. It's not particularly clever in narrative or themes, but with its blending of action, romance and comedy seamlessly coming together as a whole, Maverick is practically hard to dislike. Even the cast seem to be having a real good time, with Gibson smooth and roguish, Foster dainty yet spunky and Garner (the original Maverick from the TV show) offering up a sort of stoic maturity over proceedings; with all three playing the comedy with ease (how great it is to see Foster in such a role). Donner and Goldman have also shown respect to both the TV show and the Western in general (check out those lovely landscapes), while it's always fun to play spot the numerous stars in the cameos.

Harmless fluff, then, but always watchable and never once over reaching itself by trying to be something it's not. 7.5/10

Really Entertainment

[arvie88 · 8/10 · 2 August 2005]

I Recently saw this film for the second time and the film is really amusing.

Mel Gibson plays his roll terrific and the film has a great number of unexpected developments.

The film is really enjoyable and i think the nomination for the Oscar is justified.

I think that the majority of people agree with me on this and that this film has become a classic over the years.

The story is surprising and unexpected developments,the action and humor make it that this film has become such a great popularity.

The epitome of pure fun, a golden movie!!

[davispittman · 10/10 · 9 March 2015]

In this fun entertaining film, u laugh a lot, and I didn't expect to before watching it, boy was I pleasantly surprised!! This film just does everything right, whenever I watch it I always feel great while watching. The Wild West is a very fun place in this flick based off an old TV show. Jodie foster was probably my favorite character. But let's not discount Mel and James, they were fantastic together! Laughed and had a heck of a lot of fun with this movie. If your looking for a serious john Wayne style western, then this isn't for you, try True Grit if that's what your a fan of. So round up the family and get ready for a really fun night with this comedic western flick!!

So very entertaining

[rbverhoef · 9/10 · 5 April 2005]

'Maverick' is another Mel Gibson show where the audience is constantly able to see how much fun the man has with his character. As in the 'Lethal Weapon' films, or 'What Women Want', he has the perfect actors around him to make himself even funnier. The leading lady here is the wonderful Jodie Foster. If it was not for Gibson, it would have been her film. Also starring are James Garner, Graham Greene, Alfred Molina and James Coburn. All these actors look simply filled with joy, all having fun with their part. The only negative thing about that is the awareness of the audience that they are watching performers the entire time. But then again, who really cares about that in a film like this anyway.

The story is about Maverick (Gibson) on his way to a big poker tournament. He is accompanied by Annebelle Bransford (Foster), she also plays poker and is a pretty good thief as well, and Marshal Zane Cooper (Garner). On the way he gets into trouble, out of trouble, and back into trouble again. Maverick is quick with his gun but he rather talks and laughs his way out of trouble and a lot of fun comes at moments like that. Other great moments are between Gibson and Foster, a perfect chemistry for comedy, and later between Gibson and Garner, who once played the Maverick character on television back in the fifties. Of course this film is based on that series.

The best moment though, comes with a cameo from Danny Glover. Director Richard Donner, Gibson and Glover collaborated on three 'Lethal Weapon'-films before this film (and one after) and when Glover walks in to rob a bank there is a perfect moment that requires you to know their collaboration on the three other films. 'Maverick' is like that scene, like the 'Lethal Weapon'-films. It has fun with every single scene not really caring about plausibility, but being pretty effective and accurate as a western as well. Art direction, set decoration, costumes and effects are all very well done. Although it does not really matter, it does help the film. This is entertainment as it should be!

A light comedy to watch for entertainment.

[filipemanuelneto · 6/10 · 14 March 2017]

This film is especially suitable for all those who don't like Westerns because think they're never more than train robberies and duels at sunset. Set in the Wild West, this comedy shows the adventurous way that Bret Maverick enters the most lucrative poker tournament in the region. It's a funny story that harmoniously combines action and adventure and where Mel Gibson plays the leading role. Despite his consecration, this actor is no stranger to light comedies (think of "What Women Want"), even though these aren't the kind of jobs he likes to bet. He has Jodie Foster and James Garner as supporting actors and Alfred Molina as a villain, but he manages to stand out from them and carry the film on his back in a very enjoyable way. The fact is they never seemed committed, giving Gibson a lot of space to shine even when everyone was on scene. The result, however, is frankly pleasant.

This film is not a work of art nor was it thought to be. It's made for entertain the public and does so easily, with jokes, funny dialogues and action scenes where comedy comes from situations in which protagonist is involved, usually against his will. As usual in comedies, the characters are light and even somewhat stereotyped. The Indians also appear in the film, which makes fun of preconceived ideas about them. Sets and costumes are also good, and wear what we normally associate with Far West. Not worth looking for an exceptional script, great characters or a dramatic show. This movie is to watch without thinking. So sit back and enjoy.

Great fun

[bsinc · 8/10 · 11 February 2002]

This movie will always remind me of a special moment, because this is the last movie I ever went to see with my grandmother, not that after that there was anything wrong with her or anything like that, but she just became to tired of going to the cinema with anybody. And because this movie was surprisingly funny I remember that moment with great fondness. The cast was great and everybody gave their best, but gave the feeling like they were emencely enjoying it as well. I don't remember much of the movie, except that there was a very funny scene with an indian (excuse me, native american) friend of Maverick's. And the ending had a nice twist. 8/10

card shark outwits and is outwitted

[helpless_dancer · 8/10 · 6 April 1999]

Extremely well scripted with equally fine acting. Lots of double dealing by card sharks, con men, and charlatans. Funny spoof of the old west.

Rip-roarin' fun!

[rope24 · 10/10 · 16 July 2003]

I laughed throughout this movie. Mel Gibson still managed to stay suave and handsome as usual even though his character is supposed to be "bumbling." He and Jodie Foster had amazing chemistry. I enjoyed Danny Glover's cameo and reference to the "Lethal Weapon" movies. And James Garner, the original Maverick, was a delight. The movie had a bunch of twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end. (Mel's bathtub scene helped, too.)

A fun-time movie

[magictrain · 10/10 · 25 March 2003]

Maverick is just a good time movie with Mel Gibson doing a great job in the title role. James Garner as the elder,who used the name Zane cooper,was flawless, and Jodie Foster played a great part too. It's a great escape movie for 2 hours and filled with just as much comedy as it is with action. A great film to watch-Magictrain

A tale of old west treachery, from the mind of the man who wrote The Princess Bride.

[schmimic · 10/10 · 24 May 2005]

Starring: Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, James Garner Ah, the old west. Personally, I'm not big into western movies, which would probably explain why I like this movie. It isn't a western. It just happens to take place in the old west. Maverick is the story of a poker player (Gibson) who is going against all odds to get into a championship poker tournament to find out once and for all just how good he really is.

The movie starts with Bret Maverick at the end of a noose, sitting on a horse, out in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by the men who put the noose around his neck in the first place. Then the movie goes into a flashback that tells about the week leading up to this point. A very large chunk of the movie takes place in the flashback.

Bret hasn't had the best of luck over the last week. His horse was stolen and he had to replace it with a donkey, his friends double cross him when it comes to issues of money that they owe him, he nearly gets his butt kicked after a game of poker goes sour, his lucky shirt gets shrunk, and all sorts of other misfortunes. While playing poker he meets Mrs. Annabelle Bransford (Foster), a thief who is also trying to get into the poker tournament. They get stuck riding on the same stagecoach together, along with Marshal Zane Cooper (Garner). True to Bret's luck, the driver has a heart attack and the coach goes out of control. He plays the hero and stops it of course, since he is the hero of the movie, and they continue along on their way to the tournament.

They encounter a group of settlers that have been robbed by Indians, or at least who believe they have been robbed by Indians, and Bret agrees to help them get back their stuff for a cut of the money he'd be recovering for them. He finds the group of whites who were masquerading as Indians and gets the goods from them, and then when they return the goods, real Indians show up, ones that are actually friends with Bret. The encounter between the Indians and the settlers is one of the more hilarious parts of the movie.

After Bret goes along with the Indians and has some interesting encounters with them, we finally catch up to the present, where Bret is dangling from that noose again. He gets out of it and makes his way to the poker tournament.

I'm not going to say whether he wins or loses the tournament, but I'm sure you can guess. But if you haven't seen this movie before, there are probably quite a few things you won't be able to guess, as this movie has many different plot twists and turns along the way. It's absolutely hilarious and in my opinion, a classic.

Bottom Line: 4 out of 4 (own this movie)

Uninspiring but inoffensive fun for those in an undemanding mood

[bob the moo · 2 April 2006]

Bret Maverick is not the most honest of men but he is at least charming and talented. Seeking enough money to enter a big poker game, Maverick heads into a small town where he joins a game involving, among others, Mrs Annabelle Bransford and a tough guy called Angel. He wins the game but makes very few friends in the process – quick talking his way out of trouble. He falls in with Annabelle, even after he realises that she is just a thief and con artist like him. With an uneasy dislike and distrust of one another they head out of town on the same stagecoach as lawman Marshal Zane Cooper. Maverick ends up stuck with them as he tries to raise the money to enter the game – how hard could it be?

Anyone coming to the film should know what to expect because this is not a film that Mel Gibson, full of seriousness, would make now. No, Maverick comes from a period when he was very much the action hero with a naughty glint in his eye and his tongue in his cheek. Thus this film is very much in that vein and as such is rather superficial silly fun that can be enjoyed if you come down to its level for two hours. The plot is nothing more than a series of comic adventures involving Maverick on his way to try and get into a poker game, which makes up the conclusion to the film. In this way it won't make for a great character study or narrative but it slides forward with a slick sense of fun that is suitable for a hollow American summer movie – which is just what this was. I quite enjoyed it because, after a long day at work I just wanted to sit and veg out in front of something not too demanding.

The cast are part of it working. Gibson naturally dominates the film with his "three stooges-lite" routine and, although he is very simplistic, he matches the tone of the material at least. Foster is a nice presence but comedy isn't really her thing and although she tries hard she never really convinced me. Garner just rolls though the film letting his presence and charisma carry him – it is a lazy performance but it works. The support cast are mostly good with nice turns from Molina, Greene, Coburn and Hedaya among a few others.

Not a great film by any stretch of the imagination – the plot is hardly good enough to give it that name but it is quite comic and enjoyable regardless. Try the first ten minutes – if you haven't gotten into it by then then you should probably bail out because it doesn't get any better or different for the rest of the film. A fairly bland film but quite enjoyable for what it is.

A Fun Western Even Non-Western Fans Can Love

[gavin6942 · 7/10 · 2 October 2006]

I'm not a huge fan of westerns. I like Clint Eastwood, and I love "Brisco County Jr." (which this is very similar to), but I never cared for "Bonanza" or "Gunsmoke" and I don't know what Gary Cooper looks like. This movie was not a typical western, though, as it sought to make itself fun and added in so many subtle references (especially the "Lethal Weapon" nod) to old westerns, country music and Richard Donner films.

Hidden in the movie are Corey Feldman, Margot Kidder, Waylon Jennings, Clint Black and more. I did not recognize them. (Believe me, if I had recognized Corey Feldman I think this film would have received an 8.) Also, the film co-stars James Garner, who was the original Maverick in the TV series.

The plot: Maverick (Mel Gibson) must collect money owed to him to raise $25,000 in order to enter a high-stakes poker tournament on a steamboat. Along the way, he befriends a sheriff (James Garner) and a swindling yet beautiful woman (Jodie Foster). Also, Graham Greene appears.

Seriosuly, the film comes down to an endless series of fun events as Danny Glover parodies his "Lethal Weapon" role, Graham Greene plays an unusual Indian, a Russian archduke shows up for no apparent reason and many wacky card games and gun fights ensue. No excessive violence and very mild sex (this is PG, you know) make for a great time without getting too "adult".

If you liked the lightheartedness Richard Donner gave to "Superman" or "The Goonies" and you'd like to see more of that in the Old West, this is the film you are looking to find. Or, as I said, rent the first season of "Brisco County Jr" - you'll be pleasantly surprised.

The Charm of Mel

[monsalve · 8/10 · 17 March 2002]

Mel Gibson can some times irritate me. He's just in your face too much. In this movie however, he's laid back and charming. I'm a fan of westerns, usually those heavy handed types like "The Searchers"and "Little Big Man". I was surprised how much I liked this light-hearted romp through the American West. The movie brings to mind "Blazing Saddles" and "Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid". In fact the screen writer wrote the latter film, though this one fells a bit more like "The Sting" with all its cons and scams.

I also enjoyed the cinematography and locations. The movie goes from Lake Powell to Owens Valley to Yosemite and a beautiful river boat in Oregon. I may be a bit biased towards this film because I walked the set in Yosemite Valley, but I'm still giving it an 8 / 10.

a maverick main protagonist in a maverick western

[dbdumonteil · 7/10 · 15 August 2006]

In the nineties, western was somewhat ditched in the landscape of the American cinema in spite of commendable endeavors to renew it like Clint Eastwood's revisionist, dusky "Unforgiven" (1992). "Maverick" hasn't got the pretensions to give the genre a new lease of life but is much fun to watch. It is one of Richard Donner's most palatable efforts in a filmography dominated by action-packed stories like the "Lethal Weapon" saga. It even predates a fashion which was to thrive in the following decade in the Hollywood industry: to adapt a TV series for the silver screen. I must admit that I have never seen an installment of the "Maverick" series.

Action-packed stories are Donner's specialty and he knows his job. There are action and stunts in "Maverick" coupled with twists as one could wish, particularly in the end. They are part of a droll, fantastic story lived by a threesome of delightful actors who are linked through bickering, deceits to collect the necessary amount of money to take part in a poker tournament.

But Donner goes beyond this and rehashes some distinctive elements of the western (Indians, sinister-looking killers, representative scenery like the saloon, the bank or habits like gambling) but gives them a zany inflexion. So, Donner's shooting of Maverick's incredible story never takes itself too seriously and takes often a leap into uproarious laughter. The filmmaker takes pleasure in deceiving the audience about several apparent self-explanatory actions Maverick is about to do. Towards the beginning of the film, he takes his shirt off in front of Annabelle. No, he doesn't want to make love with her but wants her to wash it (the shirt)! Or later when he presses his ear against the ground. No, it's not to hear whether the Indians are very close but "I'm going to have a rest while waiting for the white men dressed as Indians!". Needless to add that Donner has fun with the clichés linked to the western and most notably the Indians and the sinister-looking killers and it helps to produce hilarious sequences (my favorite one is when Maverick is "prisoner" in the tribe of the Indian chief Joseph).

Mel Gibson is one of Donner's favorite actors and here he simply fits in and doesn't go far. He gives a lot of presence to his incorrigible egocentric poker player sometimes unpredictable in his actions. Jodie Foster and James Garner are prime secondary roles who perfectly complete themselves with Gibson.

Certain of the strong points (a cinematographic genre, here the western, for fun, an assumed zany tone, a controlled direction of actors) which make of "Maverick" a prime product will leave the duo Donner/Gibson for their collective effort three years later, "Conspiracy Theory" (1997) which will deal a severe blow to the success of this collaboration.

Amusing Western with Mel Gibson, Jodi Foster and James Garner

[Wuchakk · 7/10 · 30 November 2017]

RELEASED IN 1994 and directed by Richard Donner, "Maverick" stars Mel Gibson as the amicable titular gambler who meets up with a fetching scam-artist (Jodi Foster), an aged marshal (James Garner) and an ill-tempered outlaw (Alfred Molina) on his way to a poker tournament on a riverboat at the Columbia River Gorge. Who will win the tournament? James Coburn plays the dubious host on the riverboat while Graham Greene appears as a comical Native chief.

The tone is along the lines of comedy Westerns like "The Duchess and the Dirtwater Fox" (1976), "Support Your Local Sheriff" (1969) and "Texas Across the River" (1966) so, if you like those Westerns, you'll probably appreciate this one ("Texas" is more campy though). The Western locations are to die for and Foster is striking. The camaraderie of the three main stars is entertaining. The sequence with Graham Greene in the second act stands out and is only surpassed by the riverboat sequence in the last act.

THE FILM RUNS 127 minutes and was shot in Arizona (Glen Canyon, Lake Powell, Mescal, Page, Lee's Ferry and Marble Canyon), Utah (Glen Canyon), California (Yosemite National Park, Lone Pine, El Mirage Dry Lake & Burbank studios) and Washington/Oregon (Columbia River Gorge & Beacon Rock). WRITER: William Goldman.

GRADE: B