Any follow-up to "The Magnificent Seven" wouldn't be as good. I mean, how do you even follow-up one of my top 5 favourite films of all-time? I'd heard many bad reviews about "Return of the Seven" - thankfully it wasn't as bad as all that.
While the absence of both Steve McQueen (as Vin), and Horst Buchholz (as Chico) is felt strongly, the rest of the film keeps a very similar format to the original, and I loved that aspect. The plot is literally the same - small village being attacked by bandits seeks the help of some gunmen, each with their own motive for defending said village against overwhelming odds.
Yul Brynner was an incredibly strong lead in the original, and he solely carries the film here. His delivery of powerful (and often humorous) one-liners was prevalent throughout. There were a few tributes to the original film too, and I couldn't help but smile each time. I got goosebumps when Chris (Brynner) rides up to the little village, looks down at it and says "I never thought I'd be back".
The Elmer Bernstein score is fantastic too and really carries the movie, becoming one of the most vital characters itself.
Unfortunately the bad guys this time round weren't exactly of Eli Wallach quality. In particular, the fight scenes weren't as well orchestrated. The film also finds itself treading water at times around the 3/4 mark. Despite all this, I did enjoy "Return of the Seven", when I didn't think I would. If fans of the classic can look past the absence of McQueen and Buchholz, then it's well worth a watch - especially on the strength of Brynner's return as Chris.
While the absence of both Steve McQueen (as Vin), and Horst Buchholz (as Chico) is felt strongly, the rest of the film keeps a very similar format to the original, and I loved that aspect. The plot is literally the same - small village being attacked by bandits seeks the help of some gunmen, each with their own motive for defending said village against overwhelming odds.
Yul Brynner was an incredibly strong lead in the original, and he solely carries the film here. His delivery of powerful (and often humorous) one-liners was prevalent throughout. There were a few tributes to the original film too, and I couldn't help but smile each time. I got goosebumps when Chris (Brynner) rides up to the little village, looks down at it and says "I never thought I'd be back".
The Elmer Bernstein score is fantastic too and really carries the movie, becoming one of the most vital characters itself.
Unfortunately the bad guys this time round weren't exactly of Eli Wallach quality. In particular, the fight scenes weren't as well orchestrated. The film also finds itself treading water at times around the 3/4 mark. Despite all this, I did enjoy "Return of the Seven", when I didn't think I would. If fans of the classic can look past the absence of McQueen and Buchholz, then it's well worth a watch - especially on the strength of Brynner's return as Chris.