Doc West

Doc West (2 parts) is a bit predictable and corny, but enjoyable story about a doctor who finds redemption. A story about an unusual (and a somewhat hard to believe) hero who was a doctor in Boston but is now a professional gambler and expert gunslinger and who has a good heart. It is an interesting take on the old west. Too bad there are not additional parts to the story that would bring a satisfying end to the open story lines at the end of the second part.

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.

A thoroughly predictable and trite story line, which was an enjoyable two hours. The supporting acting is top notch, and the attention to setting detail deserves attention. Well directed and the on site cinematography is startling. Redemptive story of a broken doctor who has gone west to earn a living as a card sharp while caring for a young girl in Boston whose mother he killed in a botched operation. Predictably, he becomes a local star in a small western town because of his moral compass and his developed skill with a fire arm. The old hackneyed showdown between two families over a land dispute. A satisfying comedic western. Well worth the time on a weekend night.

I love the movies Terence Hill put out in the '70s and '80s, and I was curious to see an example of what Hill has been putting out in the present day, which explains why I rented "Doc West". Sadly, I didn't think too much of this effort. Hill still has his piercing blue eyes, but now in his senior citizen years, he looks extremely worn out and tired in this movie. The movie's sense of humor also seems worn out and tired, with the attempted humor not even generating a mild chuckle. In fact, much of the movie is (oddly) played pretty straight. I will admit that for a made-for-TV (Italian TV) movie, the production values are fairly good, from the western sets to the New Mexico countryside. But good production values can only carry a movie so far, and this movie ends up being a big disappointment.

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.