The Magnificent Seven: Movie Review
RATING:
PG-13 for extended and intense sequences of Western violence, and for historical smoking, some language and suggestive material
GENRES:
Action, Western
RELEASE:
September 23, 2016
STARRING:
Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, Ethan Hawke, Vincent D'Onofrio, Byung-hun Lee, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Martin Sensmeier, Haley Bennett, Matt Bomer, Peter Sarsgaard, Luke Grimes, Cam Gigandet
DIRECTOR:
Antoine Fugua
DISTRIBUTOR:
Columbia Pictures
"I seek righteousness, as should we all. But, I'll take revenge." – Emma Cullen, The Magnificent Seven
That line embodies what you'll find in The Magnificent Seven, the 2016 edition. The Antoine Fuqua-directed remake of the Yul Brynner/Steve McQueen classic (also a remake of the Japanese-language film, Seven Samurai) follows the "original" plot very loosely, featuring a new bad guy and a different motley crew of "good" guys, starring the incomparable Denzel Washington and current action movie king, Chris Pratt.
Set soon after the Civil War, out in America's Wild West, The Magnificent Seven tells the story of a small mining town besieged by a ruthless industrialist by the name of Bartholomew Bogue (Peter Sarsgaard) and the seven gunslingers hired to fight him off: bounty hunter Sam Chisolm (Washington), gambler Josh Faraday (Pratt), sharpshooter Goodnight Robicheaux (Ethan Hawke), wilderness tracker Jack Horne (Vincent D'Onofrio), assassin Billy Rocks (Byung-hun Lee), a Mexican outlaw named Vasquez (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo), and Comanche warrior Red Harvest (Martin Sensmeier).
Interestingly, faith themes play a major role in The Magnificent Seven remake, themes of redemption and forgiveness. Notable Bible verses are quoted, including a reciting of the Lord's Prayer. Some of the big scenes are even set in the town church. Moviegoers will see a dark side to "faith", as the villainous Bogue feigns reverence, attempting to connect God with his version of capitalism – greed. The Magnificent Seven also kicks up some dust on old wounds, showing that even people of faith can find it hard to forgive vile wrongs.
The cast fills the roles rather well. However, D'Onofrio's character is quite off-putting at first. His first bits of dialogue reveal a high-pitched accent. It softens as the movie progresses (or you get used to it – not really sure which).
The Magnificent Seven, rated PG-13 for "extended and intense sequences of Western violence, and for historical smoking, some language and suggestive material", lives up to its action label. There's lotsa killin' – gunshots, stabbings, hatchet throwings, etc. Foul language, from a few of the characters, is assuredly present. Saloon girls and drinkin' also make their due appearance. Caution is advised.
Fuqua's updated Western, with big stunts and gigantic explosions, offers a rip-roaring good time for action movie fans. It's not, on the whole, magnificent, but it's a pretty good popcorn movie – with some interesting faith moments – if you're OK with the PG-13 violence and language.
