Mr. Billion

One billion dollars. A race against time. A conspiracy to prevent the heir from reaching his destination. It sounds like the perfect recipe for an electrifying film, but Mr. Billion (1977) loses its way in its own rush and stumbles where it should shine: in its narrative and characters.

Our protagonist, Guido Falcone (Terence Hill), an Italian mechanic with a heavy accent and a seductive gaze, sees his life change when he is named heir to an unbelievable fortune. But there's a catch (there always is): he needs to be in the right place at the right time. Unfortunately, John Cutler (Jackie Gleason), a ruthless businessman, has other plans and is willing to do anything to make sure Guido never gets there - and if he can convince him to sign a contract handing everything over, even better. To achieve this, he enlists Rosie Jones (Valerie Perrine), a potential con artist, but her romantic subplot with Guido develops so quickly that we barely have time to care.

If the story fails to create memorable characters and an engaging plot, the action tries to make up for it. And indeed, Mr. Billion shines when it's in the air - literally. Helicopters on a collision course, skydiving stunts, car chases with moves worthy of Steve McQueen, and a spectacular sequence in the Grand Canyon prove that there's competence in executing these scenes. Unfortunately, the comedy doesn't match the same level. Cutler's henchmen are as efficient at tracking Guido as they are ineffective at stopping him, and their sabotage attempts lack both impact and humor.

The bigger issue, however, lies in the dynamic between Guido and Rosie. She's supposed to be a cunning scam artist, but she lacks the charisma needed to make this aspect interesting. And Guido, although charming when impersonating movie stars, falls into the trap of falling in love too quickly - quicker, in fact, than any vehicle involved in the chase scenes. If only the script had explored a previous connection between them, there might have been more emotional weight in their relationship.

In the end, Mr. Billion delivers a visual spectacle of action and stunts, but forgets to fill it with a good story. Guido might be good at fighting and know how to drive anything with an engine, but against a flimsy script, even he doesn't stand a chance.

There were a few worthwhile moments and interesting tidbits here. I can't claim it's a well done movie and it certain had some fowl ka guage and other garbage-y elements that did nothing but detract from it. But I got a kick out of some of the aspects of it.

Terence Hill left for a while his successful partnership with Bud Spencer to make this solo act as Mr. Billion an American endeavor exploiting the charismatic Italian star in a new kind of role, instead those typecast bean eater on spaghetti westerns, he plays Guido Falcone a poor Italian garage's mechanic in Italy who becomes overnight a billionaire due his wealthy uncle had died in an unusual (comic) accident and left to him as inheritance a huge corporation Falcone Finance Company locate in San Francisco, due he has afraid to fly, he rather travel by boat and train, however to get the rights of state he must be there according his uncle's will in exactly twelve noons days or will lose everything.

In Hollywood formulaic plot, the chairman of Falconi Company Jackie Gleason will tries by any means stop Guido reaching in time, he hires a woman Valerie Perrine to lure him and sign a paper giving full powers to greedy man to take over all business, hijacking and even murder if necessary to accomplish his goal, then Guido enters in everlasting dire straits cross-country with several uncanny characters as the iconic Slim Pickens as Texan, many cars chases, helicopters, trains, and a breathtaking final sequence at edge of Grand Canyon is the highlight of this weird comic on Terence Hill's trademark, making a little homage to American Westerns as weel.

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First watch: 1985 / How many: 4 / Source: TV-Youtube / Rating: 7.

Jackie Gleason plays it straight as the bad guy, and has trouble pulling it off. Too bad, because everyone else here is having a marvelous time, especially spaghetti western veteran Terrence Hill in the lead. An enjoyable supporting cast is led by Slim Pickens and William Redfield. This is just diverting fluff and would be a more-than-adequate time passer for the small screen if not for Gleason.

In true Terence Hill fashion this movie will not let you down. You have a classic cast of Hill, Gleason, & an extra treat of Slim Pickens (Who, no matter what role, is always a fun character to have). This film is basically about an Italian mechanic who has been left a billion dollar fortune but must reach San Fran, USA in order to claim it.. throw in a bunch of goofy mobsters who want to kidnap Hill and lure him off his path towards the fortune & a bunch of others who don't want to see him as heir to the throne of big business. The leading lady was below par in the acting department but it is still a fun romp from Italy, across America, and all the crazy chases and situations that come up in-between. Fans of Terence Hill will know what to expect and will be pleased. & as with most Hill movies, you will see lots of familiar faces from past movies of his. The best part of this & other films of his is the obvious amount of fun they were having making it & not unlike all his other films, they are child friendly. Free of harsh words, sex, & gore. If you happen to see it in a video store give it a shot, perfect for those rainy saturday afternoons.