hoodcsa
Joined Jan 2000
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Reviews15
hoodcsa's rating
This is an absolutely fascinating documentary, though flawed in many ways. It was made be legendary sci fi-horror filmmaker Larry Buchanan and if you look fast you'll see that fine character actor Bill Thurman in a tiny part. The filmmakers are determined to lionize Texas Ranger Frank Hamer and accept Hamer's recollections of the manhunt and showdown, which is a mistake because Hamer's story is highly questionable in several respects. There are a lot of interesting moments in this picture, not the least of which is the "polygraph test" taken by former hood Floyd Hamilton, brother of Barrow gang member Raymond Hamilton. Bonnie is portrayed as a bloodthirsty dame most of the film, though Floyd Hamilton seems to contradict that totally, as do most historians today. There are a lot of factual problems in this documentary, but it remains a very interesting collection of fact and fancy.
Fans of the old Mexican wrestling/horror films will get a kick out of this homage starring one of the greatest of the masked superheroes, Mil Mascaras. The Aztec Mummy, after being brought back to life by some plump acolytes, immediately launches into a plan to take over the world. But do not fear, Mil Mascaras, and an assortment of other masked Mexican grapplers, are here! There's more cheese in this picture than at the Velveeta factory, but it's all good. Veteran director Jeff Burr knows the material and manages to keep it breezy and fast moving. From the inane dialog to the illogical plotting to the low budget effects, this movie captures the feel of a near-forgotten, but much loved sub-sub genre.
This film absolutely deserves to find an audience. It's not perfect, but it's a lot more challenging and entertaining than 90 percent of the stuff floating around out there. Joe Unger, an extremely under-appreciated actor, has a terrific role and delivers a performance to match. Most of the cast is solid, including indie favorite Duane Jackson. The movie looks great and the Texas setting couldn't have been filmed better. (It reminds me a lot of a crackerjack Joe Lansdale Texas tale.) A very good, knowing movie that includes a lot of detail that adds depth to the story. The filmmakers know the terrain where their story unfolds and they skillfully capture both the people and the place. Good writing. Good (most of the time) acting. Excellent photography. I recommend this one for anyone looking for something different.