JUNIOR BONNER (Released to Theaters USA 1972)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Stars ìììì

Junior Bonner—a classic rodeo movie—excels in realism, presentation, and outstanding acting. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Junior Bonner (Steve McQueen), whose specialty is riding broncs and bulls, is in the last days of his rodeo career. He has just failed riding a tough bull named Sunshine. He moves on to Prescott, Arizona, his familial home, to get ready for the Prescott rodeo. His arrogant brother, Curly Bonner (Joe Don Baker), is in mobile home real estate. Junior Bonner’s father, Ace Bonner (Robert Preston), is in the hospital for drunk driving. His mother, Elvira Bonner (Ida Lupino), is separated from her husband. Junior Bonner finds that his father wants to go to Australia. Junior Bonner bribes his manager, Buck Roan (Ben Johnson), to allow him to ride the bull, Sunshine, one more time.

Additional Thanks

Best work for Director Sam Peckinpah. Thank you to Producer Joe Wizan and Associate Producer Mickey Borofsky for making the film possible. Cast include: Steve McQueen, Robert Preston, Ida Lupino, Joe Don Baker, Barbara Leigh, Ben Johnson,

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Be aware that this film works on a rather depressing storyline, but completely works as an exceptionally realistic portrayal of rodeo life without the support of a family and children. Excellent drama.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BITE THE BULLET (Released to Theaters USA 1975)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì Bite the Bullet—nice relief from alien movies—focuses on the theme of endurance horse racing and the humans who participate in this sport. While this film does not compare with the endurance horse racing movie, Hidalgo, it still holds interest with its solid writing, presentation, and portrayal. The film works on an adult audience level with its genre-defined western treatment of women. Expect a welcome exposure to western-style stage settings and scenery. There is a welcome treatment of the value of taking care of one's horse and humanely looking to the needs of one's competitors. The movie is gentle on the mind and is a good watch. Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline Several men and one woman participate in a United States cross-country endurance horse race in the early 1900s.   Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Richard Brooks for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Richard Brooks for making the film possible. Cast includes Gene Hackman, Candice Bergen, James Coburn, Ben Johnson, Ian Bannen, Jan-Michael Vincent, Robert Donner, Jean Willes, Mario Arteaga, and Dabney Coleman.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. It suits the western fan well with a good  story. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

SHANE (Theatrical Release USA 1953)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì 

Shane—good, down-to-earth, refreshing, and simple film—is a wonderful relief from fantasy, science fiction, supernatural, and war movies that currently dominate the market. Great, natural acting by Alan Ladd, Van Heflin, Jean Arthur, Brandon De Wilde, Ben Johnson, and Jack Palance weave through the opening to ending scenes. Good story telling and great writing, that is deeply immersed in thoughtful thinking, bring this film to the forefront for adding to the family home video library. Worth its watch. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

A man drifts into a new homesteading area and helps a farming family and the community who have settled there. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director George Stevens for directing effort. Producer George Stevens for making the film possible.  Cast includes: Alan Ladd, Jean Arthur, Van Heflin, Brandon deWilde, and Jack Palance. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This is good story telling and earns its watch. Even after 70 years (as of 2023), this film has lost none of its entertainment value. It’s an above average western and more than earns its watch.     

                                                                       

Ben Meyers