Craig S. (InnerMacro) from WAUSAU, WI Reviewed on 1/24/2023...
A bit too clever for it's own good, this big screen version of Maverick had potential given the stars cast, etc. Unfortunately, it sells Mel Gibson (not the character of Maverick) pretty hard. While scenes where he thinks he recognizes Danny Glover (his partner from another movie Lethal Weapon) might have been funny at the time, they don't age well and seem kind of cheesy - as if the Maverick TV show couldn't stand on its own as a film without gimmicks. I got tired of the Jodie Foster-stealing-my-stuff gag after about the 5th time. I also found it impossible to believe that common people in that age could exchange money in the thousands - the cost of living must be like 1994 instead of 1884. I know this was meant to be a comedy, but seemed too contrived for my taste.
1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Sharon F. (Shar) from AVON PARK, FL Reviewed on 11/28/2022...
All three lead roles were spot on! I remember watching the TV series as a kid and this was even better. Excellent entertainment.
0 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Ken K. from SHELLEY, ID Reviewed on 12/12/2013...
Good Family friendly western show.
1 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Karen Dallas H. (kikkilu) from CHICAGO, IL Reviewed on 9/3/2009...
this is a great movie. it's funny, too. you have this young man (mel gibson) on a crusade to get enough money to play poker on a river boat. a game is coming up with a fantastic reward to the winner. and you've got jodie foster, who is a prostitute with quite a clever mind, figuring out ways to take gibson's and garner's money, or any money, for that matter. there is a part that you will kick off your socks laughing at that has graham green (the "quiet one," the indian in "dances with wolves") appearing in it, as a native american hired by this rich russian to show him how to hunt like a native american and other things that are indian, but who he is milking dry. the russian ends up being on the river boat for the big game too. i'm not going to tell you what happens at that game, but granted, it's fun and funny. this really is a gem.
1 of 3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Movie Reviews
Maverick - This is a hilarious film!
K. Wyatt | St. Louis, MO United States | 04/23/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Maverick is a hilarious, enjoyable and fun film to watch and bears well over several viewings. Of course, how could this film have missed given its cast; Mel Gibson, James Garner, Jodie Foster, James Coburn and a whole slew of other stars to include an outrageously funny cameo by Danny Glover. The more interesting thing here is that James Garner played Brett Maverick when it was a television series many moons ago and he had turned down many film scripts for this one where he didn't even play the lead. Maverick is a big hit and all involved in making this fine western/comedy deserve all of the accolades they received for it!The premise:Bert, oops I mean Brett Maverick (Mel Gibson) is a card playing and fast drawing hustler who is on his way to good old St. Louis for a huge poker tournament. His main problem is that he's three thousand dollars short of the entry fee so he decides to stop in another town and play another round of poker in the hopes of picking up some of the three thousand he needs. This is where he meets Annabelle Branford played by the ever beautiful Jodie Foster. Mrs. Branford's beauty is matched only by her desire to pick up the money to enter the big poker game as well. Not too long afterwards we meet Zane Cooper (James Garner) who is a lawman of some fame and he just happens to be going the same way as Maverick and Mrs. Branford. What follows is most definitely one of the most hilarious westerns ever made. I would highly recommend this film to any and all fans of the stars and this genre.Special Features:Production notes: This particular DVD is "all" about the film itself as there is very little in the way of special features. The production notes are of course in text and somewhat interesting. {ssintrepid}"
ALL ROUND ENTERTAINMENT
Shashank Tripathi | Gadabout | 04/25/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Mel Gibson's Maverick is somewhat goofy but charming, sly, and fairly humorous. A number of excellent cameos provide some comic relief, especially Danny Glover near the beginning of the movie. The biggest surprise for me was Jodie Foster, who, in an impressively rare comedic role, thankfully discards her repetoire of facial tics for a much more natural performance here. The plot is kept pretty simple until near the end -- and the end has a great twist, which I won't divulge. Suffice it to say that your time will be well spent. Recommended rental for sure, but also consider buying this excellent DVD because this comedy does well with repeat viewing."
Where's Bart?
Gunner | Bethlehem,Georgia | 04/14/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Maverick DVD
Mel Gibson stars as a bumbling gambler who is trying to join a poker game. The movie is based on a TV series. Jodie Foster co-stars as does James Gardner who was in the original TV series, as Bret, I believe. Bart was his Brother. Highly recommended for fans of Mel Gibson and Jodie Foster and fans of the original TV series.
Gunner April, 2008
"
How The West Was Fun!!!
Emily Todd | USA | 09/23/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"'Maverick' is by far the best western movie ever! Fast paced, action packed, suspenseful, and funny (very funny), Maverick keeps you on your toes and leaves you screaming for more!Mel Gibson kicks butt (literally) as Bret Maverick, a handsome, slick and roguish card player trying to win enough money to enter the biggest card game of the year. While trying to win some dough, he meets the scheming thief, Annabelle Bransworth (played by Jodie Foster). I love Jodie Foster in this movie, I never knew she was such a comedian!'Maverick' is a witty, charming, and hilarous western comedy. A must-see."
Chemistry, Chemistry, Chemistry ...
jaylinii | Jacksonville, FL United States | 10/27/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This movie works! Mel Gibson, James Garner and Jodie Foster WORK! I haven't enjoyed a movie this much in years.I've never been a huge Mel Gibson fan, but I love him in his role of Burt, er Bret Maverick. Jodie Foster proves how versatile she is and James Garner is absolutely charming. The three of them together is a laugh a minute. Even if you hate westerns, you'll love this movie. Don't miss this one."