One would think so, Phil.
But, honestly…it has just as much to do with Nero’s light-weight performance and Corbucci’s uneven direction as it does with the “Milian Factor”.
To me, COMPANEROS just can’t make up its mind if it is going to be over-the-top funny…or serious…or what. Frequently, Spaghetti Westerns are successful at mixing humorous and non-humorous elements; but, I find the humorous bits in VAMOS A MATAR COMPANEROS to be jarring (for the most part).
Having said all that, though, I really do like the film (COMPANEROS).
However, I love THE MERCENARY.
[quote=“Chris_Casey, post:141, topic:177”]One would think so, Phil.
But, honestly…it has just as much to do with Nero’s light-weight performance and Corbucci’s uneven direction as it does with the “Milian Factor”.
To me, COMPANEROS just can’t make up its mind if it is going to be over-the-top funny…or serious…or what. Frequently, Spaghetti Westerns are successful at mixing humorous and non-humorous elements; but, I find the humorous bits in VAMOS A MATAR COMPANEROS to be jarring (for the most part).
Having said all that, though, I really do like the film (COMPANEROS).
However, I love THE MERCENARY.[/quote]
Well, I think Milian is great, but I’m with Chris on easily preferring The Mercenary over Companeros. However, I still think Comapneros is great and especially like the introduction to Companeros which I still can’t believe was cut in the original English language release.
[quote=“autephex, post:139, topic:177”]bought a bootleg copy of the japanese disc off ebay a long time ago, one of the first spaghettis I bought… have loved it ever since.
its long overdue for a rewatch, but waiting for the Koch release[/quote]
I have an original copy of the Japanese disc which has always been one of the gems in my DVD collection. This new Koch disc had better be something special for me to consider casting this one aside…
I love Companeros too, because it has so many brilliant scenes. But it’s no match for The Mercenary.
Companeros has also a lot of weaker scenes, and some lousy ones too. And it’s less well structured. Less intelligent. It’s simply a lesser film. And it would be a lesser film even if Corbucci had directed the whole film flawlessly.
But I prefer Companeros for its great parts to several better films. In the Zapata business Quien sabe! and DYS are maybe the better films, but if I had to choose between these 3, I would choose Companeros.
[quote=“Stanton, post:144, topic:177”]I love Companeros too, because it has so many brilliant scenes. But it’s no match for The Mercenary.
Companeros has also a lot of weaker scenes, and some lousy ones too. And it’s less well structured. Less intelligent. It’s simply a lesser film. And it would be a lesser film even if Corbucci had directed the whole film flawlessly.
But I prefer Companeros for its great parts to several better films. In the Zapata business Quien sabe! and DYS are maybe the better films, but if I had to choose between these 3, I would choose Companeros.[/quote]
I pretty much agree with all of your points here, Stanton. Well stated, amigo!
The only thing is I don’t know that I, personally, would be able to choose COMPANEROS over QUIEN SABE or DUCK YOU SUCKER; but, I do understand how one could.
Just a matter of personal preference, once again.
You are right, COMPANEROS does have a great opening scene (as well as a great final scene, in my opinion).
But, like Stanton has said these great scenes that are sprinkled throughout the film can’t raise it to the same plane as THE MERCENARY…in my humble estimation.
But some of these scenes in Companeros are on par with the best scenes of TM.
The opening tele lens shots of the running Berben in her bride clothes is absolutely wonderful. And Nero arriving at the railway station, the final mass shoot-out, in fact all of the shoot-outs are very well done. Not to forget the score.
Indeed ;D , and for all the reasons Stanton pointed out:
[quote=“Stanton, post:146, topic:177”]But some of these scenes in Companeros are on par with the best scenes of TM.
The opening tele lens shots of the running Berben in her bride clothes is absolutely wonderful. And Nero arriving at the railway station, the final mass shoot-out, in fact all of the shoot-outs are very well done. Not to forget the score.[/quote]
Does anyone know how many DVDs of this are going to be given away in the prize draw (the more, the better, because I’ll have more chance of winning one )? Also, does anyone know when it’s going to take place?
There are other SWs on YouTube too, Keoma and Pistol For Ringo. Django used to be there too but it’s deleted. There’s a guy who uploaded some SWs at google video:
)? Also, does anyone know when it’s going to take place?