Viva Max

OK, So I'm not old enough to have seen this movie in the theaters. Either way, It's really late, and I'm flipping through old reruns of Lassie, and Star Trek. I come upon this movie that has John Astin in it. Now I'm a bit of an Addams Family Fan, so I figure "Why Not?" To Put it simply, It was hilarious!! And it really showed that Astin can do more than one type of comedy. Pretty much every comedy character I have ever seen him play is the zany, sometimes idiotic, REALLY out of touch guy.(Gomez Addams, Buddy from Night Court) In 'Viva Max' as Sgt. Valdez His comedy is far more serious, and quite deadpan. After seeing this movie my appreciation of Astin as an actor and comedian raised considerably.

This movie was also my introduction to Peter Ustinov as an actor. He plays the General, the central character of this movie, and he really carries the role well. In fact, without his serious portrayal of this character, the movie wouldn't be nearly as funny. His acting ability clearly shows through in this movie, even making an authoritative character into a sympathetic character at some points. After watching this movie, I sought out other Ustinov movies (there were quite a few) and I can honestly say that now Ustinov is one of my Favorite actors of all time.

Harry Morgan is back again in his Support your local sheriff / Colonel Potter role. But it is still quite entertaining.

All I can say is that if you get the chance to watch this movie, do so...You will not regret it.

Viva Max is a mildly diverting but inconsequential piece of fluff whose main idea – the retaking of the Alamo by the Mexicans 130 years after they famously failed to oust Davy Crockett and his mates – just doesn't have strong enough legs to carry it much beyond a 20-minute skit. Peter Ustinov – an undoubted talent, but not one that was probably not best-suited to film – just about avoids slipping into broad caricature. His character is inspired by wounded personal pride rather than national fervour, which effectively shuts off a possibly richer vein of humour, but Ustinov does at least manage to make him kind of believable within the context of the film. There is even an element of pathos toward the climax in the relationship between him and his loyal sergeant (John Astin – probably the best thing about this). Jonathan Winters, Harry Morgan and Keenan Wynn clearly don't have Ustinov's keen eye for emphasising the few interesting aspects in their broadly drawn characters and therefore resort to broad farce which weakens things considerably. This one's unlikely to appeal to any casual viewer born after 1970.

This movie was a total wreck it should never have been produced it is so demeaning and really really an ill disrespect to all Raza.

I can enjoy comedy and I can enjoy a good book but when it comes to something that is a total disregard for quite frankly what really happened at the Alamo it's upsetting I would've understood a more definitive way to take back the Alamo would've been a replay with the real narratives.

This one-joke chestnut seemed hilarious to me at age 14, but hasn't aged that well. Still, Ustinov is wonderful in lead role, and much of the shtick still provokes guffaws despite the lack of subtlety. It's certainly a family film with a sense of American history and some delicious ironies. I gave it 6 out of 10.

What a hoot! Wa-a-a-ay too subtle a depiction of Texas characters for a Scotsman to understand.

Then there's the action: Border crossing? - If only it were this stringent... San Antonio - yep. Mexican Army - Yeah: been there, seen them. State Department characters - figures (in fact, it's rather flattering to our "diplomats".)

Other images: El General riding his horse, while the soldados walk; the "army" riding the bus into San Antonio - PERFECT. John Astin as El Sargente - que bueno!

Then there are the main characters: Peter Ustinov - perfect for the role. Pamela Tiffin - The Baylor coed - exactly as shown.

Thumbs up for Viva Max from a life-long Texan.