Movie Review: The Magnificent Seven

Release Date:  September 23, 2016
Cast: Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, Ethan Hawke, Vincent D’Onofrio, Lee Byung-Hun, Peter Sarsgaard, Martin Sensmeier, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Haley Bennett
Director: Antoine Fuqua
Genre: Action
Duration: 2 hours 12 minutes

The Magnificent Seven is the story of the good guys taking on the bad guys and delivering justice where it’s needed the most. The movie derives inspiration from a 1960 movie with the same name, which in turn was based on the 1954 film Seven Samurai, a Japanese-language film by writer & director Akira Kurosawa. The Magnificent Seven is hugely entertaining and offers a profound action-western experience, even though it may still not be able to eclipse its predecessors. The movie has its grand moments that will be remembered such as the classic charm of watching Denzel Washington ride a horse and shoot a Colt.

The story gets underway in the town of Rose Creek, where corrupt industrialist Bartholomew Bogue (Peter Sarsgaard) has taken full control. Some locals have been slaughtered and lives of others are at risk. In an effort to save the town and its folks, the local people decide to hire some gunslingers, which include Sam Chisolm (Washington), Josh Farraday (Pratt), Goodnight Robicheaux (Hawke), Jack Horne ( D’Onofrio), Billy Rocks (Lee), Vasquez (Rulfo) and Red Harvest (Sensmeier). Every member of this pack has some special skill, which is put to test when they come face to face with Bogue and his militia of rogues and bandits.

The Magnificent Seven scores high on the representation of the Wild West, carrying some of its signature characteristics such as the expansive Prairies and the dusty, rugged environs. Denzel Washington shines in his role of the leader of the group and there’s an equally compelling performance by Chris Pratt. The other members of the group are also not far behind in their respective roles.

The Magnificent Seven is where the knives, bullets, and fists fly in quick succession, which makes for a thrilling experience. If you are a fan of action-western, you may want to book your tickets now.