Starblack (Giovanni Grimaldi, 1966)

[Mickey13]

Copied from the Spagvemberfest 2024 thread:

@Mickey13

In spite of some emblematically Italian violence and Grimaldi’s stylish execution, the tout ensemble does not exactly pan out in virtue of its underwhelming script. The story essentially combines elements of a Zorro yarn and a revenge arc, ultimately proving interesting in neither regard. The issue consists in that the Zorro whodunit component, for want of a better phrase, is quite tenuous and it is easy to see how the mystery is going to unfold in the long term. The vengeance subplot, on the other hand, does not figure prominently in the proceedings until right before the climax, so what constitutes narrative’s main pillar for all intents and purposes enters the equation belatedly for the most part. As a consequence, the storyline boils down to a ceaseless back and forth between Starblack and the local bad guy, the former assisting the poor townsfolk in repelling the assailants sent by the primary antagonist and then the latter throwing a tantrum, after which all goes back to square one. Needless to say, this makes for a rather repetitive watch, however, Grimaldi’s vigorous execution, film’s bounteous dispensation of violence and a number of memorable scenes, e.g. Starblack’s poker game, ensure that the project stays fresh despite its various failings. Hence, its defects notwithstanding, this one is pure spaghetti and for that, well worth a view.