slightlymad22
Maverick (1994)Plot In A Paragraph: Maverick (Gibson) is a gambler who needs $3000 in order to enter a Winner Take All poker game that begins in a few days. He tries to win some, tries to collect a few debts, and recover a little loot for the reward. He joins forces with a woman gambler Annabelle (Jodie Foster) as the two head to enter the game.I often felt Gibson was under rated as a comedic actor and he is on top form and is clearly enjoying himself here. Jodie Foster looks as attractive as she ever had on screen, whilst always talented, "attractive" was never a term used to describe her. The problem I have with the movie is, they seemed to be having more fun making the movie, then I actually had watching it. The original Maverick James Garner has a supporting role and James Coburn is on fine form. Alfred Molina does OK as Angel, Whilst Corey Feldman (what happened to him from the days of Goonies, Lost Boys and Stand By Me) pops up as a bank robber, as does Mel Gibson's Lethal Weapon co star Danny Glover. In my favourite scene in the movie Glover's and Gibson's characters appear to almost recognise each other. The Lethal Weapon movies were all directed by Richard Donner who directed this movie. During their appearance on screen, the Lethal Weapon theme song can be heard, and as Glover departs he says "I'm too old for this s**t!!"Maverick was another Gibson movie that crossed the 100 million line at the domestic box office. Grossing $101 million, to end the year the 12th highest grossing movie of 1994.
g-bodyl
Maverick is a film that is based off the old 50's TV Show also starring James Garner, but in the titular role. I thought this film, while not very substantive, was quite fun to watch. This is an ideal escapist movie and it is clear that everyone had a good time making the film. The film is funny, has plenty of action, creates poker games that are fun to watch, and have brilliant movie/television references (ahem Lethal Weapon ahem). Richard Donner's film is about a man named Bret Maverick who is a gambler bent on conning people. He is on a mission to raise nearly three thousand dollars to enter a famous poker game. But many things get in his way such as a beautiful thief woman, some rattlesnakes, and some misfit Indians along with other scenarios. I thought the film was well-acted. Mel Gibson clearly had fun in his role and is less serious than many of his roles, even the Lethal Weapon series. Jodie Foster did a great job as Gibson's sidekick, and they had great interplay with each other. James Garner does a great job as the main lawmen and Alfred Molina as Gibson's main rival. Overall, Maverick is a stylish, entertaining movie that celebrates how over-the-top and giddy the film is. It is one of those films that has a goal to entertain and it succeeds by far. It is also a Western movie, and a fine one at that. This movie almost plays as a spoof of Lethal Weapon and James Bond, which is always good in my book.My Grade: A-
namashi_1
'Maverick', directed by the legendary Richard Donner, is a genuinely entertaining film, that also manages some good laughs in the goings-on. The film is stylishly directed, wonderfully photographed & features a Fabulous performance by cult actor, Mel Gibson. Set in the American Old West, Gibson stars as Bret Maverick, a wisecracking gambler, on the way to a major five-card draw poker tournament. But on his way to reach his destination, he is faced by a women thief, a villain who wants to track him down & a legendary lawman. Based on the 1950s television series of the same name, created by Roy Huggins, 'Maverick' turns out to be Good Fun. The Screenplay is well-written and packs in several interesting moments. The Witty One-Liners, are hilarious and keep your interest alive. Donner's direction, like always, is effective. He has directed the Grand Climax, with style. Cinematography by Vilmos Zsigmond, is wonderful. Editing is sharp. Costume Design is pitch-perfect. Performance-Wise: Gibson, as mentioned, delivers a Fabulous performance as Maverick. He gets his comic timing spot-on and plays his part with rare ease. Jodie Foster is efficient, as expected. James Garner is top-notch. Alfred Molina & Graham Greene are decent. James Coburn is terrific in a brief, yet substantial role. On the whole, 'Maverick' is an entertaining film, that is definitely worth a watch. Thumbs Up!
Spikeopath
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