George Clooney in the American

[9mmfan]

So, the general consensus seems to be that this film is a waste of time. Who is ready to accept this, and go see Machete? Looks like a wheels-off, unrealistic good time.

[paadams]

So, the general consensus seems to be that this film is a waste of time. Who is ready to accept this, and go see Machete? Looks like a wheels-off, unrealistic good time.

I've heard that one is anti-Texan, pro-illegal immigrant. Not sure I really want to pay good money to see that kind of crap.

[shootthesheet]

Not going to pay more than $1 to see "Machete". The only reason I plan to watch it is to see what the news is going to be reporting about "the new trend among Latino gangs" in the near future.

[smyrna]

I was in north Austin earlier this week on business and went to see it one night out of shear boredom. It was the only movie on the marque that even looked remotely interesting. Old farmer pretty much nailed it. I can see where a lot of folks will not like it, but I found it to be entertaining though not spectacular...a solid 6 or 7 on a scale of 1 to 10.

My wife picked this movie. It was an Italian Western. The women in the movie were outstanding.

There are quite a few similarities between the old "spaghetti westerns" and The American. Here are a few...
1. Limited cast of obscure characters.
2. Remote setting.
3. Very little character development leading into the plot. Little is known or explained about many of the characters.
4. A protagonist that has a dark side.
5. A protagonist that has selfish motivations.
6. "Gritty" surroundings and characters.
7. Spiritual leaders (a priest in this case) who play supporting roles.

There's even one scene in the movie where Clooney is in a local bar or cafe and there appears to be a spaghetti western playing on the TV in the background and the bartender looks at Clooney and says (I think), "Sergio Leone". So, I think it's no accident that there are so many similarities between the film and the Italian Westerns.

That said, yeah I cringed when he referred to the Mini 14 as an M 14, but what I found refreshing was the lack of gratuitous gunfire, car chases, and massive explosions that plague so many films that they aren't even remotely realistic. If you like the old spaghetti westerns and can get past it being Clooney, you'll like it. If you don't like the genre or have never seen a spaghetti western, then you will be disappointed.

[steve817]

I won't watch any of his movies any more due to his anti-gun stance. I think that if he feels that strongly about it, he shouldn't be making movies where the gun plays such a central role. Trouble is I seem to be running out of celebrities I can and will watch.