Grimerlana Plenty to Like, Plenty to Dislike

Steineded How sad is this?

ChicRawIdol A brilliant film that helped define a genre

Mandeep Tyson The acting in this movie is really good.

Scott LeBrun The legendary Oliver Reed plays Vito Cipriani, vice-governor of an Italian penitentiary. Some very bad men kidnap his gorgeous young wife Anna (Agostina Belli) in order to force him to release one of his prisoners. That prisoner is lifelong crook Milo Ruiz (Fabio Testi), who claims to have no idea who these men are, or why they should want him free. Vito and Milo will end up forming an unlikely duo as they work to stay one step ahead of the villains and secure Annas' freedom."Revolver" is not really an action movie, but more of a Eurocrime drama, somewhat slowly paced but not uninteresting. It gets most of its juice out of the give and take between the two "buddies". It does introduce political / social themes towards the end, trying to make the point that there are bigger issues in the world than the welfare of individuals, whether they're an innocent like Anna or a common thief like Milo. The plot is ultimately a little convoluted, but entertaining characters like Milo, Vito, mobster Michel Granier (Frederic de Pasquale), and the helpful Carlotta (Paola Pitagora) help to maintain ones' attention. There's also the benefit of fine location work and a typically wonderful Ennio Morricone soundtrack.Study Italian actor Testi shows some charisma as the amiable Milo, who takes his fair share of physical punishment. (To the point where you can't help but be amused when he finally gets to dish some out.) The supporting cast is fine, but many eyes will likely remain on Reed, who is compelling. You can't help but root for him, although he is the kind of hero who resorts to violence to get what he wants.Perhaps most interesting is the unexpected ending, which is downbeat and cynical. It does help to make "Revolver" at least somewhat memorable.Seven out of 10.

movieman_kev Vito Cipriani (the late great, Oliver Reed) arrives home to make love to his wife afterwards he gets called to quell a prison disturbance. He does, but upon returning home he finds his wife missing. He receives a call ordering him to release a small time crook if he wants his wife back alive. He does, only to kidnap the crook to assure that he gets his wife back.The only other film I saw of Director Sergio Sollima was "Run, Man, Run" which I enjoyed immensely, and I'm glad to say that I enjoyed this one as well. Oliver Reed is good in it, lots of action, and it's a pretty tight thriller. It didn't hurt that I didn't see the ending coming, that's very rare, so it's always a welcome surprise.My Grade: B Blue Underground DVD Extras: a 14 minute spoiler heavy featurette; Poster and stills gallery; Talent Bios; 2 radio spots; and both the international and USA Theatrical trailers

ericdetrick2002 If you are a fan of Sergio Sollima then I don't have to tell you that you will enjoy this film. I am so glad that I have discovered Italian action films from the 1960s and 1970s. I only wish that I could see some of these films on the big screen. There is something special about these films. Revolver takes the viewer on a sort of chase. There is elements of mystery and action, but during the course of the film the relationship between the twocharacters, played by Oliver Reed and Fabio Testi, evolves in a way that brings in drama into the story. Like Sollima's other films, there is fast paced action, violence, and a little bit of sex. There is a gray area between who is good and bad, and that is somethingSollima has stated in interviews. In fact he has said that he has always been a fan of bad guys because sometimes the good guys mess things up more in theend then the bad guys. He shows that in Revolver.

Rob_Lineberger I may be cynical, but sometimes I look at my collection and see 50 copies of the same movie. Explosions, love interest, conservative "twist" ending, cut! Revolver may be just as derivative of 1970's flicks as the explosion fests of the 21st century are today, but for some reason it was refreshing to watch. I can't see anyone lavishing "rabid fanboy" praise on it, but Revolver was enjoyable, moving at times, and had two great performances. If you thirst for a change of pace, but want to retain the comfortable action standbys of guns and violence, Revolver may be right up your alley. The fantastic extras don't hurt either.I've never seen a movie quite like this. The best descriptor I can muster is "spaghetti thriller". It's a seventies crime drama with a bit of Dirty Harry, a helping of Reservoir Dogs, a few drops of eau de western, a scoop of melodrama, and a dash of political commentary. Though it oscillates between boredom and epic, Revolver delivers the kind of entertainment that today's movies can only parody. If you buy into the characters, you'll be treated to a satisfying drama. If modern sensibilities prevent that, you can at least enjoy the campier aspects (bad lip synch, fur coats) and delight in the commanding score. The score alone is worth it.