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Charley Varrick [1973] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
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Our Price: £2.86 (subject to change)
Not for laughs
Review date: 2008-08-05 Rating: 8 out of 10
Walter Matthau plays it very straight in this 70's crime film, It's about a group of small time bank robbers who after a robbery get much more than they bargained for, three quarter of a million dollars more, and unfortunately for the title character Charlie all Mob money. From then on Charley Varrick shares similarities with Matthau's classic film Hopscotch, the tale of one man pitting his wits against his pursuers as the Mob try to seek him out to make an example of him, Nobody apparently steals Mob money and lives. Unlike Hopscotch though Charley Varrick is certainly no comedy, sometimes gritty even, we never see any emotion from Charley and get no real insights into what's going on in his soul, a little jarring for any of you that have seen Matthau's more expressive performances. Small gripes aside Charley Varrick is compelling, taut, and very well written , certainly one of Matthau's better films.
It's a shame but this DVD is not in widescreen and has absolutely no extra's or options, you put it in and it'll just automatically play the film till you stop it.
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Reviews
Classic Crime Caper
Review date: 2008-05-11 Rating: 10 out of 10
Charley is a crop duster, a business which he has a hard time making a decent living out of if the trailer-park home he shares with his wife is anything to go by. So, Charley and his gang rob the occasional small-town bank to make a bit of extra cash. One day it all goes wrong, a cop gets killed, and the gang make off with far more money than they ought for such a small bank, and far more money than the bank is reporting stolen. Varrick correctly guesses that the bank has been laundering money for the Mafia, who naturally want the money back. Enter Molly (Joe Don Baker), a cheerfully vicious and amoral gang enforcer and generally unstoppable force-of-nature who is hell-bent on tracking down Varrick an his crew.
This is an example of how crime films should be made, films driven by superb scriptwriting and direction (Don Siegel), and dialogue and action delivered by competent actors. If this movies ever comes out on R2, I'll be first in the queue
Outstanding little known movie
Review date: 2007-12-09 Rating: 10 out of 10
What really makes this film a joy to watch is Don Siegels ability as a story teller. He has an uncanny ability to avoid the pitfalls of less professional directors. He is not trying to change the world, or blow your mind with amazement, instead he completely understands the scope of his project and presents the material in a simple streamlined mannor, completely uncluttered of any pretentious notion of trying to make the ultimate sprawling epic. Nothing is overtly dramatized here, there are no soppy Spielbergian moments, no grandiose speaches, no orchestra swells. He knew this was pure entertainment and let it play for exactly what it is. It is this approach that has not only held this film in relative obscurity through the years, but also makes it a great hidden gem worthy of a prime spot in your DVD collection
Underated film with a very clever plot, ....Brilliant....
Review date: 2007-11-02 Rating: 10 out of 10
Without giving away to much,Walter Matthau an inteligent thief who steels from the Mafia, lots of twists and turns that will for sure keep you riveted throughout the film. Matthau more well known for his outstanding wit and humour carries this off with shere style. No fancy gadgets & plenty of action in the right places, so very believable. Some may feel its a little dated, but it work then and it works now for me Its a real pity this is not brought out on DVD REGION 2. Highly recommended.
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Charlie Briggs
Joe Don Baker
Colby Chester
Rudy Diaz
Marjorie Bennett
Creators:
Joe Don Baker (Primary Contributor)
Marjorie Bennett (Primary Contributor)
Michael C. Butler (Cinematographer)
Lalo Schifrin (Composer)
Recording label: Universal Studios
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
EAN: 9781417026869
Binding: DVD
ISBN: 1417026863
Number of items: 1
Format: Colour, Dolby, DVD-Video, Full Screen, NTSC,
Release date: 2004-12-28
Universal product code (UPC): 025192620324
Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
Region code: 1
Running time: 111 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1973
Language: English (Original Language)