THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN

This reboot of the classic 1960’s western by the same name has added vitality to a genre of films which has over the years, like ‘sword-and-sandal epics’, seen a fall in popularity among movie-goers.

Denzel Washington leads a stellar cast (which includes Ethan Hawke, Chris Pratt and Vincent D’Onofrio) as Sam Chisolm, a bounty hunter who recruits a group of gunfighters to help farmers fight for the ownership of their town against an evil tycoon.

Many of the fundamental elements of the story have changed, the most notable being the diversity in ethnicity of the magnificent seven with the inclusion of a Comanche warrior, an Asian and a Black. What remains however, is the fast paced gun-fighting action and high body count which should enthral enthusiasts of this style of films.

Themes of courage and honour and the bravery of seven men who fought and faced death for a township who couldn’t fight for themselves are still prevalent.

The panoramic beauty of locations, the skilful editing of the gun fighting sequences and an effective musical score all collate to make this one of the better and more respected reboots in recent years. (MMo)

★★★1/2