As seen by a big screen remake of a popular television series!
Generally, by nature, these remakes are frowned upon by movie fans as proving that Hollywood is bankrupt of ideas. However, when done correctly, they can be quite enjoyable. One remake that just missed the list, The Brady Bunch movie, took everything that was great about the show, and simply transported them into the modern world. The world was meaner, but the Brady's were very much, the Brady's. It was hilarious and fun.
So too, was Maverick. The essence of the television character was brought forth to the silver screen, with a different actor taking the role. Thankfully, this wasn't a Legend of the Lone Ranger fiasco.
Richard Donner, arguably my favorite director of all time, hits the countdown once again. He brings with him an old favorite, Mel Gibson, in the title role of Bret Maverick.
Maverick of course was made famous by James Garner on television back in the "Good Ol' Days" of glorious black and white television.
In an unprecedented move with remakes, where the original star(s) gets a brief cameo or maybe a speaking line, Donner goes out and brings in James Garner to play Marshall Zane Cooper in a fun, meaty role.
Rounding out the the main cast is Jodie Foster as the potential love interest/thieving gambler and Jame Coburn as the Commodore, who schedules the riverboat gambling cruise that is the central point of the whole movie.
The movie, is just plain fun. It never takes itself too seriously, but never makes fun of the Maverick franchise.
Now, as for the elephant in the room that I've danced around the entire time...
Mel Gibson.
What he said or did one drunken night will not taint the performances he has provided to me as an audience over the years.
Am I disappointed? Sure.
I'll hope it was more of an accident/one-time thing than try to believe something darker and more sinister about him.
Besides, if I disliked actors/directors/musicians based on politics/religion/bad habits...
The world would quickly become VERY boring.
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