Post by Dramatic Look Gopher on Mar 28, 2018 16:34:03 GMT
So after the huge success of Walking Tall it seemed that Paramount Pictures wanted to be in the Joe Don Baker/Phil Karlson business, so they gave the greenlight to Framed. Even though it wasn't as good as Walking Tall and didn't make the same kind of impact, Framed is still an enjoyable southern-fried tale of revenge. There are some really brutal scenes such as the fight between Baker and the sheriff, and a mobster's ear being shot to mush. And yes, the train sequence was quite the spectacular stunt and looked like it was very dangerous to do; if that was done today it would have ended up being a lame CGI effect. The supporting cast is good and I agree the exchange between with Haggerty was very amusing, as was the scene when he tries to pick a fight with Baker and really regrets it.
I loved these sort of crime-action films. Nothing lazy about it and the fight choreography is true blue. You feel every punch, from just watching it. Can’t be, but, a little disappointed we don’t see Baker and Haggerty come to blows, pyshically speaking (like the brutal sheriff scene). However the two exchanges between the pair are indeed memorable.
Charley Varrick was an enjoyable crime caper, you'll like it. Joe was a villain, and a creepy one might I add.
Another Baker flick I have a soft spot for is Speedtrap (1977). Strictly drive-in fare and there's lots of cool car chases and smash-ups.