Doc West

I am a hard core fan of Clint Eastwood's Man With No Name trilogy and the two thoughtful follow-ups he controlled: High Plains Drifter and Pale Rider. I disliked Terrence Hill's corruption of the genre with his grinning, overdubbed, hip "whatever" character and was glad when he went away. But then, fast forward to 2009 and he returns, pleasantly grizzled, speaking careful second language English and playing a serious character with just enough humor to comfort his old fans.

"Doc West" and the unfortunately named second episode "Triggerman" are a genuinely excellent and authentic Spaghetti Western with good production values and music that does not attempt to mimic Morricone. And of all things, it was filmed on location in New Mexico by an Italian crew.

Hill has one Eastwood moment in the movie when a poker competitor realizes Doc West has drawn him. When Doc is confronted, he glints back with no hint of a smile and says: "I'm not the one who thought he had a sucker on his hands." with his hand on his gun. I expected to hear the Eastwood tympani/chime strike followed by the wind blowing.

I rated the movie 8 only because he was more merciful with the Bad Guys than Clint would have been, but then, he IS a doctor. Anyone who remembers and likes the Clint trilogy should view this with an open mind. It's a little like going home. I wish Hill would do another before the years catch up.

The acting is not very good but it adds charm to this little PG gem. Its a cute little generic western movie, very clean. Docs character is a one of a kind.

Easygoing stranger Terence Hill rides into town chasing some stolen cash and ends up in jail, dispensing medical advise, and finally getting involved in a local land dispute, while simultaneously charming nearly all the town's residents!

Despite a sometimes slow pace, this lightweight, family-oriented western has some decent production values and benefits greatly from likable performances by Hill (the first time I ever heard his real voice in a film) and Paul Sorvino, whom I suspect is a stand-in for Hill's partner Bud Spencer, as the town's upright sheriff. In fact, the film is so good-natured that it's nearly impossible to dislike.

I'm also a bit in awe of Terence Hill's nearly unchanged appearance since the old spaghetti western days. He looks really great!

I am not a movie critic and don't have the guts to comment on acting or cinematography. Instead I am an average movie goer who'd watch movies either for the sake of entertainment or some easy to understand lessons and Doc West has both. Hill has been my favorite since I first saw him when I was a kid in They Call me Trinity. Now myself in the forties, I did not expect him to be jumping high and low and doing all those acrobatics that he did in the days of Watch Out We Are Mad! or I am for the Hippopotamus. I rather wanted to see him as a mature but the same 'magical' person who could make all wrongs right—-and that too in a smiling way. And believe me ye people, he just did that.

This movie has really made me respect Terrence Hill. Instead of some chocolate cream hero, who'd never accept the aging factor, Hill has totally embraced it and kept his head high by playing a respectable character who despite realizing the darker sides of life, still has that mesmerizing look in his eyes. Those eyes still shine, even though filled with tears.

I look at the movie as a true family drama. Not a serious one but touching some of the very serious things in a very light manner. I even liked the character of Millie's father for sticking to his commitments, something you don't very often see in the average portrayals of rich and selfish people.

The above so-so comments come mainly from the people who are either very 'practical' about things or expect Terence Hill to never grow old :). The beauty of the actor/director is 'not to pretend' and rather choose a role suiting his current looks. The kid in me still believes that he is the fastest gun in the west and the best cardsharp :) I recommend this movie to an average person who still believes in old values and is nostalgic. You can watch this movie with your kids and even grand kids without hesitation and will enjoy every bit of it, guaranteed! And yes, the acting (except of Hill's) might seem flimsy to some 'had critics't believe me nobody want an Academy nomination for their acting, and to me they fit perfectly in the film. I hope most of you'd like them too, especially Paul Sorvino. I loved him as the Sheriff.

I saw this TV movie on a UK TV channel, where it was called DOC WEST'S CHALLENGE and split into two parts over two consecutive nights. The film is of interest to spaghetti westerns for marking the return of popular spaghetti western actor Terence Hill to the genre, some decades since he was last famed around the world for his comedy westerns.

I never really warmed to Hill as an actor, much preferring his sparring partner Bud Spencer, although the sad news is that Spencer doesn't return for whatever reason here. Instead, he's replaced with lookalike Paul Sorvino, who I admit does an excellent job of playing the likable town sheriff. The story is a straightforward and dare I say it rather clichéd one. Hill plays a card sharp who once happened to be a surgeon, until alcoholism caused the death of one of his patients. You can work out the storyline from there, except to say that there are the usual criminal bad guys to be taken care of and a little romance along the way.

The worst thing about DOC WEST'S CHALLENGE is the family-friendly rating and feel, which has much in common with the usual horrid American TV movies. Still, the Italian influence makes this one to watch, and the filming locations - in New Mexico - are spot on. Plus, Hill is a delight to watch. He's aged very well (much like fellow western actor Franco Nero), and his character is warm and charismatic throughout. A fitting swansong for the star, then.