In preparation for Physician Unusual 2, I made a decision to observe a Sam Raimi film I’ve by no means seen earlier than. That is the place we come to 1995’s The Fast and the Useless starring Sharon Stone. Regardless of a 58% Rotten Tomatoes rating, that is nonetheless a enjoyable film. Is it groundbreaking? No. Is it pretty much as good as different 90s Westerns resembling Unforgiven or Tombstone? No, but it surely’s nonetheless value a watch.
This film has such an important forged. Sharon Stone, Gene Hackman, Russell Crowe, Leonardo DiCaprio, Keith David, Lance Henriksen, and Gary Sinise. That is surely considered one of Sharon Stone’s strongest performances alongside On line casino (which got here out the identical yr) and talking of Unforgiven, Gene Hackman performs the central antagonist and is simply having a blast. It is also enjoyable to see a pre-LA Confidential Russell Crowe and he is nice because the gunslinger turned preacher.
I additionally actually just like the Lance Henriksen character Ace, who you suppose is that this badass gunslinger with a poker theme, however in actuality his claims of fame are exaggerated and Hackman kills him fairly simply. The townspeople then steal all the garments off his corpse like he did not imply something.
And sure, the setting and story will not be as groundbreaking, however’s Sam Raimi’s model of filmmaking and the ambiance actually promote the film. I particularly love any scene that includes rain and the way in which Raimi shoots the duel scenes makes all the things thrilling and tense.
Paired with an “explosive” finale, The Fast and the Useless is a enjoyable journey that may be a positive addition to the Raimi filmography.
