Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid Review

Overall 3.00 of 5 (by 1 user)

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GeorgeChabot
Conyers, GA

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A little past its prime but still entertaining - Butch Cassidy

admirer of great storytelling, Lover of quirky, unique films, movie connoisseur, Fan of Superb Productions, DVD Collector

Pros

Newman and Redford look cool

Cons

Dated, Hokey, Lame

APR

2008

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)

George Roy Hill had one last chance after helming several money losers to the box office and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid was it. Luckily for him, he got proven box office draw Paul Newman and handsome newcomer Robert Redford to play the title parts. Katharine Ross played the leading lady who gets a ride on the handbars of a newfangled bicycle as a sign that times are a changin.

Butch and Sundance are outlaws, members of the infamous Hole in the Wall Gang, sometimes known as The Wild Bunch. There are quite a few escapades showing the fun side of being an outlaw, but the movie lacks substance.

A careful watch of this old relic reveals it has very little reason to exist other than the casual back slapping friendship exhibited by Paul Newman and Robert Redford. Katharine Ross is merely window dressing, but good looking window dressing, to be sure. I think that is a lot of what people remember about this film but watching it today just doesn't bear the high reputation of the film out.

The movie is full of dated 1969 camera techniques that look as old today as a Nehru collar or a polyester leisure suit. The action is punctuated every so often with a photo montage and musical interlude. That's where the famous Raindrops Keep Fallin on my Head, is heard. The rest of the music score sounds like snatches from The Dating Game or other 60s game show.

The Fox DVD has a 2.35:1 theatrical format copy of the 1969 color movie. There is a director's commentary from George Roy Hill and three star interviews included as extras.

So keep your fond remembrances if you saw it years ago, but don't watch Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid today unless you want to be disappointed.

Last edited on Aug 24, 2008

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is not recommended by GeorgeChabot

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Comments about GeorgeChabot’s Review

GeorgeChabot wrote on Apr 17, 2008 at 4:03AM

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In response to PattyTherre's comment from Apr 16, 2008 at 10:39PM:

Believe me, that and the dynamite scene are two of the best. The rest is a couple hours of pure schmaltz. Paul Newman was on a fast downhill track, career wise, from his great performances of just a few years before. ;>

PattyTherre wrote on Apr 16, 2008 at 10:39PM

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Awww, but the scene where Robert Redford is afraid to jump into the water is so cute! This is one movie I HAVE seen - a million times. It's on cable all the time.

GeorgeChabot wrote on Apr 14, 2008 at 3:41PM

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In response to mrkstvns's comment from Apr 14, 2008 at 9:29AM:

It's got more dorky stuff than you probably remember.

mrkstvns wrote on Apr 14, 2008 at 9:29AM

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Huh. I'd have kinda thought you'd have liked this flick a whole lot more.

GeorgeChabot wrote on Apr 14, 2008 at 5:00AM

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In response to joyjoy's comment from Apr 13, 2008 at 12:38PM:

A lot of faddish stuff does. Thanks! :>

kid-kansas wrote on Apr 13, 2008 at 10:21PM

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I liked it but it doesn't really scream at you to watch again. I would watch if it came on cable but not if I had to go buy it. ;)

joyjoy wrote on Apr 13, 2008 at 12:38PM

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It probably seemed innovative back then. :)

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Key Information	Directors George Roy Hill Stars Paul Newman Actors Kenneth Mars Genre Westerns Subgenre Western • Recommended • Thieves • On-The-Run • Buddies • Classic Fight Scenes • Road To Ruin • Essential Cinema... MPAA Rating PG (MPAA) Available Formats VHS: Special Edition UPC 024543245933 Release Date 1969 Running Time 1hr 52min
Languages	Original Language English
DVD Editions	DVD Editions DVD: 2-Disc Collector's Edition; Gold O-Ring5hr 30min20th Century Fox Home EntertainmentJune 06, 2006PG (MPAA)024543244578
Credits	Screenwriter William Goldman
Professional Reviews	Professional Reviews (02/10/1995, p.79, Steve Simels): "...The Western comedy that ushered in the Age of the Buddy Movie..." -- Rating: A-
VHS Editions	VHS Editions VHS: Special Edition1hr 51min20th Century Fox Home EntertainmentMay 16, 2000PG (MPAA)024543001270

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid Review

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