B-MOVIE OF THE MONTH - KLONDIKE FEVER (1979)

Canadian director Peter Carter was best known for the B-movie masterpiece Rituals, which, many movie lovers think beat Deliverance at its own game. He died sadly at 49 of a sudden heart attack but not before leaving us with a few other gems like Highpoint with Richard Harris and this sorely overlooked Western drama. Klondike Fever tells the story of Jack London (Jeff East) and his partner (Robin Gammel) as they journey to stake their claim and hopefully take home their weight in gold. It's adventurous, epic in scope with a huge cast and suitable for the whole darn family. Of particular note is Robin Gammel, excellent and funny, Gordon Pinsent who kills it as the crafty "Swiftwater" and an '80's actress who I never tire of mentioning, the lovely Lisa Langlois. It's super cornball along the way and sometimes feels like an afternoon children's special but this is a great film and surprisingly it won a bunch of Genie awards to back that up. Klondike Fever, playing above and on Tubi which recently uploaded a much nicer version than the VHS transfer that they used to have. 2.75 stars/2.75

Friday, August 16, 2024

TOMMY'S TOP FIVE FAVORITE CLINT EASTWOOD FLICKS - #5 - CLINT IS A 90-YEAR OLD MOVING DRUGS BACK AND FORTH IN "THE MULE" (2018)

 

Welcome to my top five favorite Clint flicks (with 3 honorable mentions) and here's a couple of ground rules, One, I think we can all agree that Unforgiven is one of the greatest westerns ever made so it is not on this list because it's too obvious a choice. Two, these are my top five "favorite," I'm not saying they are the best or worst in quality, just my personal favorites. As usual, the main dig is that maybe you'll see one that sparks your interest or that you want to pull off the shelf. Finally, my picks will represent both sides of the camera that Clint works on, enjoy! 

Yes, that's right, my pick for #5 is one of his more recent and probably last best or decent film that will exist in his catalog. (By the way, I happen to really like Cry Macho but it's not going to make this or any other list, let's be real, I look at that film as a beautifully and perfectly suited coda to his overall work.) While The Mule is a more than serviceable action thriller, I think what makes it a favorite is his irresponsible old man character reminds me a lot of myself and it's very comedic to me especially his scenes driving and singing to himself in the car, joyfully aloof at his newfound occupation. 

Besides ole Clint, I can't think of anybody or any department that particularly stands out, it's just a good fun Clint movie. Andy Garcia has certainly been better as well as Bradley Cooper but again, it's just a good overall flick, check 'er out if you haven't, it's currently available on Amazon or Apple, VOD. 

3.5 stars/5


Andy! Love those hunting glasses. 

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B-MOVIE GAZETTE RATING SYSTEM

5 Stars - Only awarded to the precious few.
4 Stars - Excellent, see by all means.
3 Stars - Very Good, you should like.
2 Stars - Fair, like a frozen dinner.
1 Star - Poor, like a spoiled dinner.

ALL B-MOVIES, DRIVE-IN MOVIES AND TV MOVIES HAVE A MAX AWARD OF 2.75 STARS.