imbluzclooby

My review is based simply on my knowledge of the Eastwood/Locke doomed relationship, the idiotic trailer, the C list actors in this turd and all the harsh criticism. From watching the trailer alone, it looks more like a parody of a B Movie rather than an authentic B Movie trailer. The theme alone is uninspiring, because the lead character is basically a victim of his physical appearance. Instead of gaining popularity and esteem as did the protagonist in Teen Wolf, he only reveals his contempt and anger to the world for his shortcomings. Someone in another review asked, "Why didn't Ms. Locke learn anything from Clint?" in reaction to her lack of directorial skills. It's more like, what she DID learn from Clint, is the underlying problem. No, I didn't bother to watch this entire crapfest which is nothing short of tasteless, exploitative and degrading. Eastwood is guilty of doing just that in many of his films, especially in the 70's and 80's. And since Ms. Locke was clearly traumatized and asserts herself as this eternal victim of his manipulation and power, it is no wonder she developed such a desire to break free and be her own person. Sadly, the result is this wretched and embarrassing waste of film and time. The actors in this thing are some of the biggest losers and hopefully forgotten rejects from Hollywood. I didn't know the name Robert Townsend, but he plays the obnoxious and self-appointed Black mentor to Ratboy. Their scenes together are nauseating and annoying. I couldn't figure out what face I hated more to look at with his scenes with the Ratboy. And Ms. Locke? How can she have done this whole thing with a straight face?

There's nothing here that any normal or decent person should like. Ratboy is merely a footnote in the forgotten basement trash of Hollywood anomalies.

According to Wiki, Wild West Shows were scripted dramatizations of the American frontier that blended myth and reality. Sort of like traveling vaudeville shows which were both on stage and open air. They were romanticized and stereotypical depictions of bronco riders, ropers, wild animals, shootists and outlaws that existed in the American West. While some storylines and characters were based on real events, others were fictional and sensationalized.

Thus is this quirky story of an Ex-con (Bronco Billy McCoy) from New Jersey who has always dreamed of becoming a cowboy and allowing other hapless losers of becoming whatever they want to be and living it vicariously through his trademark Wild West show. This is intended to be an uplifting story about lost souls having a second chance at life, if not their dreams. Billy is a dreamer, who in his illusory world, obtains broken people and gives them parts to play in his show. They are like family. The Carnes of the Wild west.

Bronco Billy's character doesn't seem to be thwarted by the lack of interest and success of this corny and outdated pastime. By 1980, Wild West Shows were an anachronism. So much, that they were merely a footnote in American culture that had been largely forgotten. This business is out of synch with the modern world. And all of the people are fragile participants, including Billy himself. Billy and the gang get a reality check when they fail to rob a train, not realizing that modern trains are too powerful and fast to overcome on horseback. One would think that, even a fool like Bronco Billy would exercise better judgment and caution at the sheer stupidity of this attempt, regardless of how romantic and delusional he is about being a cowboy.

As much as I wanted to emotionally embrace this movie, it just didn't capture my heart. Sondra Locke doesn't fulfill the leading lady prerequisites, and her acting is annoying. There are cliche' scenes like the barfight scene that starts from some redneck overreacting to being bumped into. Suddenly the whole barroom patrons are throwing punches, breaking chairs and acting in that typical Eastwood barroom comical fashion. The rape scene is also unbelievable, Even the crudest rednecks don't assault women with such zeal. Get real? Sondra Locke that desirable? In front of a business? It's just not believable. And why is it that she is raped in several of his other movies: The Gauntlet. Sudden Impact, Outlaw Josey Wales. Having your GF raped regularly in your movies may be indicative of some weird and unresolved obsession. Scatman Crothers' 'Doc Lynch' is a pleasant presence, but the rest of the cast is not endearing enough to really care about. At least not for me.

Having optimism regardless of doubtful circumstances is a positive message. Clint's character is an attempt for him to play against his type. But the overall result is pretty weak.