DAY 28:
Arizona si scatenò… e li fece fuori tutti (1970) - Director: Sergio Martino - 4/10
Basically a transitional work between the two periods with both comedic and serious ingredients. The issue is that the final result is a bit of a bland pulp which is carried out with just enough verve to justify the viewing, but not enough to stay in memory for too long, especially in view of its dubious originality and its uninspired second half. That is not to say the material does not serve as good entertainment because it does and balances its serious as well as humorous elements quite well for the most part, however, it conspicuously pales in comparison with its preeminent predecessor.
It is essentially a bit of a remake and a bit of a sequel featuring a familiar reformulation of ideas incorporated from other outings. The execution is solid enough to make it a diverting enough watch, notwithstanding, I scarcely cared for any of its story, especially in the latter part of the narration once Martino’s infirm grip on the narrative begins to manifest itself more prominently, producing a slight lack of focus. The flick is somewhat entertaining, moves along well and constitutes a decent mix of comedy and western, furnishing just enough action and occasional laughs to make amends for its salient derivativeness. It is too bad that the vigor of the first forty minutes does not abide past the film’s midpoint.
E poi lo chiamarono il magnifico (1972) - Director: Enzo Barboni - 4/10