Maverick DVD
Warner Studios
Rated: PG
Genre: Comedy
Length: 127 minutes
Director: Richard Donner
Year: (1994)
Britt Gillette's Maverick DVD Review
A 1990's Western comedy featuring Mel Gibson, Maverick was a breath of fresh air when first appeared in theaters. The film doesn't take itself so seriously as many films with a Western setting tend to do. Based on the 1950's television series by the same name in which James Garner had a starring role, Maverick is a uniquely clever and entertaining adventure comedy…
When Bret Maverick (Mel Gibson) needs $25,000 to enter a winner-take-all poker tournament, he travels through towns en route to the tournament in the hopes of winning every dollar he needs. But he quickly encounters Angel (Alfred Molina), a roughneck poker player in his own right who tries to kill Maverick (his attempt inevitably fails).
Along the way, Maverick meets up with Ms. Annabelle Bransford (Jodie Foster) - a slick, conniving poker player who picks Maverick's pocket following a brief romantic encounter. When Maverick catches her, he forces her to wash his shirt as punishment. Shrinking his designer shirt, Annabelle runs off to catch a riverboat with Maverick running after her. After boarding the boat, the two are joined by Marshal Zane Cooper (James Garner) - a kind, retired sheriff famous throughout the West. Cooper's chivalry and hospitality greatly contrast with Maverick's brisk demeanor when it comes to dealing with Ms. Bransford.
As the three travel cross country, they face a series of pitfalls such as a dead coach driver who almost runs their coach off the top of a cliff, a showdown with hundreds of Indians, and Maverick's financial dealings with an Archduke from Russia. Separated in the confusion, the three eventually meet again on the Riverboat Lauren Belle, home of the championship poker game hosted by the riverboat's owner Commodore Duvall. Making use of his quick wit, Maverick raises the extra cash he needs to join the poker game (as well as a few thousand extra for Annabelle Bransford). Commodore Duvall puts Marshal Zane Cooper in charge of guarding the $500,000 in entry fees for the tournament in which Angel also happens to be a participant.
The tournament championship eventually comes down to a single hand of poker between Angel and Maverick. Angel, with aid from the dealer, has been cheating. Maverick calls his bluff and asks for a single card. When the card is the one Maverick hoped for, Angel pulls out a gun (possession of which is a violation of tournament rules). Cooper shoots Angel, and the riverboat gamblers gather together to celebrate the tournament champion.
However, when it comes time to divide the winnings, Cooper points his gun at the crowd and tells them he is taking the cash for himself. He hops aboard a row boat and sets off in the opposite direction of the riverboat.
Later that night, Commodore Duvall rendezvous' with Cooper at a secluded campsite where the two discuss their plan to take off with the money. The Commodore tells Cooper that he's changed his mind, and that he's decided to take the money for himself. Raising his gun to shoot Cooper, he hears the click of Maverick's gun from behind. Maverick followed the Commodore, and he wants his money back. Leaving the Commodore and Cooper to fight it out, Cooper wins and he quickly sets out to find Maverick.
In the closing scenes, Maverick is taking a warm bath when Cooper sneaks up behind him. The audience soon finds out that Cooper is really Maverick's father. As the two relax and smoke some cigars, they're surprised by Annabelle Bransford who pulls a gun on them and steals the money. Cooper asks Maverick why he's not upset to which he replies, "it's going to be a hell of a lot of fun getting it back"…
Overall, Maverick is great entertainment. The acting is superb on all fronts with standout performances by Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, and James Garner. Each of the main characters creates a likeable persona. And what makes this movie a must-see (because the plot leaves much to be desired) is the ability of the on-screen characters to create a personal connection with the audience. Several of the scenes in this film are absolutely hilarious, such as the ones with Joseph (Graham Greene). Maverick isn't the type of movie that will win Academy Awards or leave one pondering the fundamental principles of the universe, but it is a whole lot of fun. And if you want to do is laugh, give this movie a try…
Britt Gillette
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Posted on 16 December 2004