This is one that had to sound smashing on paper. Paul Newman and Lee Marvin
two superstars
on screen together, at last! With a pairing like that, it seems to be a foregone conclusion that the resulting film couldn't miss. And while the film is certainly entertaining in stretches, it ultimately falls short of the mark.
Although the premise of Newman and Marvin bonding while participating in a Mexican cattle drive (among other things) had plenty of potential, Terrence Malick's (the soon-to-be director of such esteemed films as 1973's BADLANDS and1978's DAYS OF HEAVEN) screenplay ends up feeling aimless and Stuart Rosenberg's merely competent (though pedestrian) direction fails to maintain any consistent tone nor even much coherency. The innate charisma of Newman and Martin will keep one entertained, however, and they are well assisted by the likable secondary performances of Wayne Rogers and Christine Belford, in amusing bit. The film is quite likable at times due to its cast and unassuming nature, but it undeniably bland and characterless not to mention a disappointing waste of its superstar pairing.
Although the premise of Newman and Marvin bonding while participating in a Mexican cattle drive (among other things) had plenty of potential, Terrence Malick's (the soon-to-be director of such esteemed films as 1973's BADLANDS and1978's DAYS OF HEAVEN) screenplay ends up feeling aimless and Stuart Rosenberg's merely competent (though pedestrian) direction fails to maintain any consistent tone nor even much coherency. The innate charisma of Newman and Martin will keep one entertained, however, and they are well assisted by the likable secondary performances of Wayne Rogers and Christine Belford, in amusing bit. The film is quite likable at times due to its cast and unassuming nature, but it undeniably bland and characterless not to mention a disappointing waste of its superstar pairing.