Mr. Ricco

"Mr. Ricco" is the final starring role for Dean Martin in films, though he'd make a few more appearances in smaller parts.

In many ways, "Mr. Ricco" seems a lot like the other tough-as-nails and gritty cop movies of the 1970s, though he is NOT a cop...just a defense attorney. Soon after getting a black militant off on a murder charge, it appears as if this defendant is on a killing spree...killing cops and now trying to kill Ricco. Can Ricco manage to stay alive long enough to discover the truth about this maniac?

"Mr. Ricco" is one of the most difficult films I've seen recently. This is because it's quite good in some ways...and quite sloppy in others. The main plot, though hard to believe, is exciting and interesting. Also, Martin isn't bad in the lead and there's a lot of action. But on the other hand, MUCH of Ricco's actions are hard to understand. Why does he punch so many people?! Isn't he supposed to be an attorney and not some slap-happy goon? Also, the use of stuntmen for Martin was SLOPPY.

Again and again, it's pretty obvious the 58 year-old actor isn't in many of the action scenes.

Additionally, some of the plot (such as WHY would the killer shoot cops??) also didn't make a ton of sense. Overall, a film where the good and bad are about equal. Worth seeing if you love Dean Martin but clearly one of his lesser films.

I always enjoy watching '70's movies, even when it are bad ones. '70's movies always have a certain atmosphere and are made with a great style of movie-making, that is realistic, gritty and straightforward and also always makes uses of some experimental, non-formulaic techniques when it comes down to its storytelling and cinematography, among other things. "Mr. Ricco" might not the the best '70's movies around, it still is a good example of good old film-making from the golden '70's.

The movie its story is quite messy and weak but still made look interesting at times, due to its style of film-making. It provided the movie with a couple of nice moments, including a typical '70's-like car chase trough the streets of San Fransico.

San Fransico serves as a pretty good backdrop for the entire movie, as it always does in any movie.

The storytelling makes sure that is hard to keep track on the movie, with as a result that all the movie its weaker points become less notable as well. The movie its story is actually quite unlikely and ridicules at points but due to the muddled way the entire story is told, it becomes less obvious and notable all. Lots of things don't really make sense in the movie once you start really thinking about them and to make it all the more confusing, the movie features many, unneeded, characters, that don't add enough to the movie and only provide the story with some needless and distracting subplots.

Dean Martin of course already had his best years behind him but he still puts down a pretty good main character for the movie. The character is well developed and deepened out more thanks to Dean Martin's performance, who makes the character likable, by playing him mostly in a non-likable way.

The movie on all accounts is a pretty average one. Nothing too exceptional, just another good enough movie from the golden '70's but you're just as good off watching a "Law & Order" episode, or something along those lines.

6/10

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Take this movie for what it is -- an older Dean in a 1970's sleuth style San Francisco Drive In cop feature (with shades of Bullitt and Dirty Harry, altho Dean plays a lawyer) and you'll have 90+ minutes of fun. Lots of recognizable actors from 60s and 70s films, a script that at least follows the plot and has a good outcome (unlike many films of its day), and some good nostalgic shots of older cars, SF landmarks how grand life used to be before cell phones and hand held electronics invaded our lives. In short -- I loved it for what it was: A time capsule. Dean does look a little frazzled and aged, but he's still Dino -- and the relationship he has with his loyal dog is pretty sweet. Look for the scene where Martin, who in real life was a sensational, nearly champion golfer, pokes fun at himself not being able to sink a series of simple putts.

A real departure for Dean Martin.. usually he's singing his way through a detective story. In this one, Martin is lawyer (Joe Ricco) defending a black man in a murder charge. Things get more wack when the latest two victims are cops. Is it a frame-up, or not? Cindy Williams (Shirley!!) is in here as "Jamison", Ricco's assistant. and you'll recognize Gene Roche (was the archbishop in "Foul Play.... fun film!) Here, Roche is Cronyn, head of homicide, investigating the moidah. It's pretty good. Certainly entertaining. It was the 1970s, so lots of issues to confront.. black rights, militant groups. Proper police procedures. All the things still relevant today! This was towards the end of Martin's acting career... he only made five more appearances after this, and two of those were in TV series. Cute gag where Joe (Martin) trains his dog to go fetch his ball when he slices into the woods. A fair amount of cussing and racist language and issues, so probably not for the young ones. Some clever banter between Ricco and Roch. Only rated 5.8 as of today, but that's only 400 votes. must not show this one very often. Directed by Paul Bogart, who did some REALLY well known stuff... All in the Family, Golden Girls, and the film version of the Torch Song Trilogy. It's pretty good. Surprised at the really low rating.

Low key Dean Martin has to overcome toilet bowl humor, overacting character actors, and a dismal script. A lot of stereotyping makes this film stupid and unrealistic. However, if you like Dino and you are stuck inside due to the Covid 19 Pandemic, then this mess is entertaining enough to take up two hours.