It’s that time for another Classics Review. Today’s review is another western starring American icon John Wayne as a businessman who gets dragged into problems including a visit from his feisty ex-wife and attempting to keep his small town stable from Indians & businessmen who want to take his land. The basic premise I’m referring to is the western comedy known as “McLintock!”
McLintock was released in 1963. (same year the X-Men and Magneto made their comic book debut) It earned good reviews from critics and movie goers alike. Plus, it made enough money at the box office.
Smart & Dumb Parts
Smart: John Wayne did an amazing job for his performance as the title character playing against type as a grumpy businessman who’s trying to keep his personal life & professional life equally balanced.
A few Cast Members such as Maureen O’Hara, Patrick Wayne (John’s real-life son) & Yvonne De Carlo (Lily Munster from The Munsters) all did a good job for their respective performances.
Funny Moments made me laugh out loud such as the mud fight, a staircase scene & hearing John Wayne yelling in pain. I’m giving the latter an Extra Point for making my stomach hurt with laughter along with John saying “YEOWIE!”
Cinematography felt normal lacking technical problems.
The film recreates the time period of The Wild West.
Set Pieces were constructed by set decorators to bring a western atmosphere to life.
Costume Designs reflected the essence of The Old West.
John said his signature line, “Pilgrim.” He also said in “The Who Shot Liberty Valance.”
Spanking scenes were used to for a character’s comeuppance. Don’t worry folks, it doesn’t promote Chris Brown’s domestic abuse, it was played for laughs in a childish way. I would love to see Pete Davidson or a future husband spanking Ariana Grande for being such a nuisance as Cat from “Victorious” and “Sam & Kat.”
According to John Wayne, a character named Cuthbert H. Humphrey, is based on a real-life liberal senator John despised over political differences. The Duke was a lifelong conservative supporting The Republican Party.
Dumb: At the 0:48:00 mark, you can clearly see McLintock delivering a fake punch at a random bystander.
The film was kinda boring.
An early romance between two people unexpectedly occurred, they’ve only interacted for about two days. In real life, a boy and a girl have to know each other for about a week or two before they establish a relationship. An early romance is one of the worst movie cliches in my book.
Even though this film is labeled as a western comedy, there wasn’t enough humor to make me laugh other than a few I’ve listed as a smart moment.
The Final Verdict: C, FOR CLUTTERED!
McLintock is just a disappointing western. It does have some good parts. John Wayne’s performance playing against type as a grumpy businessman and his chemistry with Maureen O’Hara. It’s not a masterpiece or the worst western ever made. Just a disappointment.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 