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Maverick
1994
An updating of the classic Western TV series "Maverick," this comic oater finds our fast-talking, hard-gambling hero surviving many adventures while trying to come up with enough money to play in a high-stakes poker game. Penned by William Goldman with music by Randy Newman. Academy Award Nominations: Best Costume Design. Read more
| Starring | Jodie Foster, Mel Gibson, James Garner, Alfred Molina |
|---|---|
| Director | Richard Donner |
| Genres | Comedy |
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Maverick
An updating of the classic Western TV series "Maverick," this comic oater finds our fast-talking, hard-gambling hero surviving many adventures while trying to come up with enough money to play in a high-stakes poker game. Penned by William Goldman with music by Randy Newman. Academy Award Nominations: Best Costume Design.
| Starring | Jodie Foster, Mel Gibson, James Garner, Alfred Molina, Graham Greene, James Coburn, Corey Feldman, Dan Hedaya, Geoffrey Lewis, William Marshall, Doug McClure, Denver Pyle, Bert Remsen, Dub Taylor, Paul Brinegar, Max Perlich, Clint Black |
|---|---|
| Director | Richard Donner |
| Studio | WARNER HOME VIDEO |
| Run time | DVD: 2 hrs 1 min |
| Certificate | |
| Collections | 100 Big Adventures |
| Genres | Comedy |
| Language | DVD: English |
| Hearing-impaired | English |
| Subtitles | DVD: Arabic, Croatian, Czech, English, Greek, Hungarian, Icelandic, Polish, Turkish |
| Released | DVD: 14 Mar 2005 Production year: 1994 |
| Format | DVD |
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Critics' reviews (6)
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It's ironic that this comedy western should have been written by script doctor supreme William Goldman, as it's clearly in need of a little attention itself. Goldman has produced a gentle tribute to the hit TV series, but misses what was surely a golden opportunity for a razor-sharp spoof. There's no doubt the stars had a ball, though, with Mel Gibson and Jodie Foster sparking nicely as the eponymous gambler and the con artist who is more than his match. But it's left to James Garner (who played the original Bret Maverick), saddled with a role that is little more than a clumsy in-joke, to demonstrate what comic acting is really all about.
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Based on the TV series that starred James Garner, this is a relaxed and rambling romp, a jokey tale of double-cross in a Western setting which would have been far better with its last half-hour excised.
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Most helpful member's review
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4 out of 5 people found this review helpful
excellent
this is a very funny film, with twists and turns throughout.
there are outstanding performances from jodie foster, mel gibson and james garner.
even at the end there is a twist.
well worth watching.
my family loved every minute, and watched it at least half a dozen times before we sent it back. -
Most recent members' review
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2 out of 3 people found this review helpful
Great Movie !!!
A 1990's Western comedy featuring Mel Gibson, Maverick was a breath of fresh air when first appeared in theaters. The film doesn't take itself so seriously as many films with a Western setting tend to do. Based on the 1950's television series by the same name in which James Garner had a starring role, Maverick is a uniquely clever and entertaining adventure comedy...
When Bret Maverick (Mel Gibson) needs $25,000 to enter a winner-take-all poker tournament, he travels through towns en route to the tournament in the hopes of winning every dollar he needs. But he quickly encounters Angel (Alfred Molina), a roughneck poker player in his own right who tries to kill Maverick (his attempt inevitably fails).
Along the way, Maverick meets up with Ms. Annabelle Bransford (Jodie Foster) - a slick, conniving poker player who picks Maverick's pocket following a brief romantic encounter. When Maverick catches her, he forces her to wash his shirt as punishment. Shrinking his designer shirt, Annabelle runs off to catch a riverboat with Maverick running after her. After boarding the boat, the two are joined by Marshal Zane Cooper (James Garner) - a kind, retired sheriff famous throughout the West. Cooper's chivalry and hospitality greatly contrast with Maverick's brisk demeanor when it comes to dealing with Ms. Bransford.
As the three travel cross country, they face a series of pitfalls such as a dead coach driver who almost runs their coach off the top of a cliff, a showdown with hundreds of Indians, and Maverick's financial dealings with an Archduke from Russia. Separated in the confusion, the three eventually meet again on the Riverboat Lauren Belle, home of the championship poker game hosted by the riverboat's owner Commodore Duvall. Making use of his quick wit, Maverick raises the extra cash he needs to join the poker game (as well as a few thousand extra for Annabelle Bransford). Commodore Duvall puts Marshal Zane Cooper in charge of guarding the $500,000 in entry fees for the tournament in which Angel also happens to be a participant. But in addition to beating Angel, Maverick faces other obstacles of even greater challenge...
Overall, Maverick is great entertainment. The acting is superb on all fronts with standout performances by Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, and James Garner. Each of the main characters creates a likeable persona. And what makes this movie a must-see (because the plot leaves much to be desired) is the ability of the on-screen characters to create a personal connection with the audience. Several of the scenes in this film are absolutely hilarious, such as the ones with Joseph (Graham Greene). Maverick isn't the type of movie that will win Academy Awards or leave one pondering the fundamental principles of the universe, but it is a whole lot of fun. And if you want to do is laugh, give this movie a try... -
News and features
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Gibson & Foster to reunite
- 11 Jul 2009
Mel Gibson is reportedly set to make his acting comeback - in a film directed by his Maverick co-star Jodie Foster. The Hollywood actor has shunned movie roles in the last few years, preferring instead to focus on his work as a director. But Gibson is reportedly eyeing a return to a leading role with his pal Foster, who has signed up to helm The Beaver, about a depressed man who finds solace in a hand-puppet, according to Variety.com. Funnyman Jim Carrey was previously rumoured to be in the... Read more
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