Category Archives: ET

Three movies and three lessons.

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Three movies and three lessons.

The Magnificent Seven (2016):

  1. Diverse Teams: The seven gunslingers come from different backgrounds and bring unique skills to the table, demonstrating the value of having a diverse team when tackling complex problems.
  2. Leadership: Denzel Washington’s character takes charge and leads the group with integrity, showing the importance of having strong leadership in times of crisis.
  3. Effective Communication: The seven gunslingers learn to work together effectively and communicate with one another, demonstrating the importance of clear communication in teamwork.

The Magnificent Seven (1960):

  1. Adaptability: The seven gunslingers are faced with unexpected challenges and must be able to adapt to changing circumstances, demonstrating the importance of being adaptable in the face of adversity.
  2. Strategic Planning: The seven gunslingers come up with a plan to defend the town, demonstrating the importance of careful and strategic planning.
  3. Collaboration: The seven gunslingers work together and rely on one another to achieve their goal, demonstrating the importance of collaboration in achieving success.

Seven Samurai:

  1. Skill Development: The samurai learn and hone their skills over time, demonstrating the importance of continuous skill development in achieving success.
  2. Mentorship: The veteran samurai pass on their knowledge and experience to the younger members, demonstrating the value of mentorship in professional growth.
  3. Risk Management: The samurai face many risks and make calculated decisions to minimize them, demonstrating the importance of risk management in decision making.

The Magnificent Seven (2016)

The Magnificent Seven (2016) is an action-packed western movie that takes place in the late 1800s. The movie is directed by Antoine Fuqua and stars Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, and Ethan Hawke. The storyline follows a group of seven gunslingers who are hired to protect a small town from a group of bandits led by a notorious villain.

When comparing this version of The Magnificent Seven with the original 1960 film and Seven Samurai, it becomes apparent that the 2016 film takes more liberties with the original concept. While the basic plot remains the same, the 2016 version has a more modern feel with more advanced weapons, larger action scenes, and a more diverse cast. The 1960 film, on the other hand, is more true to its roots with classic western cinematography, a more focused storyline, and a more traditional cast.

Overall, The Magnificent Seven (2016) is an enjoyable movie for those who love westerns and action films. It may not be as memorable as the original, but it is a solid addition to the western genre and offers an enjoyable escape from reality for a few hour.

On the music of the films.

The music in The Magnificent Seven (2016) holds a special place in the hearts of movie lovers as it was one of James Horner’s final works before his passing. Horner’s talent shines through in the score, adding an emotional touch to the film’s action scenes. The music is upbeat, adventurous and energetic, fitting the mood of the movie perfectly, and serves as a lasting tribute to the composer’s legacy.

The music in the 1960 film was composed by Elmer Bernstein and is considered a classic of western movie scores. The music in the 1960 film is more orchestral, with a strong emphasis on strings and horns, and sets the tone for the movie with its powerful and dramatic themes. While both scores are memorable, the 2016 score is more contemporary and fitting for a modern western, while the 1960 score is more iconic and timeless.

“Don Siegel’s “Coogan’s Bluff”: A Mix of Action and Suspense, but Lacks Originality”

“Coogan’s Bluff” is a crime thriller that offers a mix of solid performances and moments of tension, but also suffers from a lack of originality. Directed by Don Siegel and starring Clint Eastwood, the film attempts to blend action and suspense, but falls short in some aspects.

Eastwood plays the hard-nosed Deputy Sheriff Walt Coogan, who is sent to New York City to extradite a prisoner. But when the prisoner escapes and Coogan finds himself in a dangerous pursuit, he must use his skills and resources to track down the fugitive and bring him to justice. Eastwood delivers a strong and convincing performance as Coogan, conveying both his toughness and vulnerability. The supporting cast, including Lee J. Cobb and Susan Clark, also give solid performances.

Siegel’s direction is efficient, and he manages to create moments of tension throughout the film. However, the plot and pacing of the film can be predictable and the story lacks some originality. Cinematography by Bruce Surtees captures the gritty streets of New York City effectively.

“Coogan’s Bluff” was a significant film in Clint Eastwood’s career, and helped establish him as a leading man in Hollywood. The movie was a commercial success and it was also a stepping stone for him to make films with a variety. It also marked the start of a long and successful partnership between Eastwood and Siegel, who went on to collaborate on several more films together.

For a first-time viewer, “Coogan’s Bluff” offers an engaging crime thriller with a strong lead performance by Eastwood and some suspenseful moments. But the film’s lack of originality may be a drawback. Repeat audience may appreciate the performances and the nostalgia of the film, but the lack of originality may be felt again.

Overall, “Coogan’s Bluff” is a decent crime thriller that has its moments, but also suffers from a lack of originality. With strong performances from the lead actors and some suspenseful moments, it is a film that will keep audiences engaged, but may not leave a lasting impression.

(Written with the help of ChatGPT, 60%)