Cathardincu Surprisingly incoherent and boring

Moustroll Good movie but grossly overrated

StyleSk8r At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

Philippa All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

seymourblack-1 With a "tip of its hat" to classic film noir, this revenge thriller is gritty, violent and hard-boiled. It's also fast-moving and action-packed. Everything it portrays is straight-forward, from its plot which doesn't have any twists to its dialogue which is extremely economical but also perfect for the type of characters it features. The characters are, in some cases, entertaining to watch but are nevertheless predominantly criminals who adhere to their own codes of conduct which will inevitably determine their destinies. It's this aspect of their behaviour that creates the on-going sense that they're all on a downward spiral and heading in the direction of a fate over which they have no control.When Earl Macklin (Robert Duvall) is released from a 27 month prison term, he's met by his girlfriend Bett (Karen Black) and learns that his brother Eddie (Edward Ness) has recently been killed by a couple of hit-men. The killing was in reprisal for his involvement in the robbery of a bank which was owned by a criminal organisation called "The Outfit" and as Earl and his old friend Cody (Joe Don Baker) had also been involved, they too would inevitably be on the hit list.At a motel where they share a room, Bett makes it clear that she'd unwillingly disclosed where Earl would be staying to a senior member of the outfit who'd tortured her and threatened to cut up her face. Suitably prepared, Earl surprises and beats up his potential murderer before eliciting some useful information and setting him free.Earl, who's determined to avenge the murder of his brother, then teams up again with Cody and together they raid a series of the outfit's gambling operations before he contacts mob boss Mailer (Robert Ryan) and demands the sum of $250,000 to stop disrupting his business. Mailer, who dismissively says that the outfit make more than that before noon on a good day, readily agrees to Earl's demands but, later double-crosses him before their dispute eventually reaches its violent and very tense conclusion.The action sequences in this movie are exciting, tense and well-directed and there are some standout sequences, for example, when Earl, Cody and Bett get ambushed by a group of outfit gunmen and an occasion when Earl holds up a poker game and robs all the players of their money before taking revenge on Jake Menner (Timothy Carey) for what he'd done to Bett.As if to reinforce its noir credentials, the impressive cast of this movie includes a whole collection of stars who featured in a number of the most famous films noir, with Robert Ryan, Jane Greer, Timothy Carey, Marie Windsor and Elisha Cook Jr. all prominent examples. Timothy Carey's sneering facial expressions are terrific as his character threatens Earl, even when he's in a position of weakness and Robert Ryan is totally convincing as the angry crime boss whose life seems to be utterly joyless. Robert Duvall and Joe Don Baker are also both perfectly cast in their roles with Baker adding some nice moments of humour that add enormously to the enjoyment of watching this fine movie that remains gripping from start to finish.

jadavix "The Outfit" is a lesser example of the old "hitman goes rogue and tries to take down crime organization" set-up that has been made in countless better movies, such as "Point Blank", "Le Samourai", "Il Dio", "Get Carter". It has some really good actors: Robert Duvall is the good guy, Joe Don Baker is his pal, Karen Black is his squeeze and Robert Ryan is his enemy. But it's not as involving as the above, either because the screenplay isn't up to it, or the direction isn't. It doesn't grab you the way it should with actors like that and a screenplay by Donald E. Westlake, which is a shame.It's not a classic, but it is worth checking out.

Wizard-8 "The Outfit" was forgotten for years after its theatrical release, though in recent years it seems to have been revived and starting to find an audience. For the most part, it does deserve its rediscovery. It's directed in an engaging '70s style that sets it apart from many other man against the mob movies. The style is not polished, and gives the movie a rough and dirty feeling that makes what happens on screen seem more realistic. The violence doesn't come constantly, but when it does happen it gives the movie a serious kick, despite the movie in the end earning just a PG rating. Duvall does well, not making his character a superman, but someone who is (believably) well skilled and crafty. Baker makes a good sidekick. If I have any complaints about the movie, they are that there isn't a terrible amount of plot, and that Robert Ryan's character doesn't get quite enough footage. But despite those problems, the movie works well, and is a must for those who are fans of cynical '70s movies.

MartinHafer The movie starts with a contract killing. Why this occurred is as of yet unknown. Then the movie switches to a guy getting out of prison (Robert Duvall). You soon learn that the murdered man was his brother and the two unknowingly got on the wrong side of organized crime when they pulled a bank robbery years earlier--and the bank turned out to be owned by mob! Now that he's out on the streets, the plan is to kill him next. However, Duvall has a crazy idea--instead of running, he and his friend (Joe Don Baker) will go on the offensive! It's them against the whole freaking mob! Naturally, they ruffle a few feathers along the way!! Can these two maniacs get away with it? It's a bit surreal watching this film, as Robert Duvall doesn't exactly look like the action hero (or anti-hero) type. But I think that makes the film more exciting--seeing a bald middle-aged man behaving this way. While not a great film, it is better than it could have been thanks to decent direction and performances. So is it a must-see? No. But it's better than just a simple time-passer--and well worth a look if you like crime films or just want to see Duvall and Baker kick come butt! By the way, fans of Robert Ryan (like myself) take note--he is in this film and plays a real unlikeable old jerk. I liked this--nothing particularly redeeming about this elderly man--old and mean through and through. No one could play nasty quite like Ryan!