Student Film Reviews

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1. Bliss Beasley 05.17.10 / 9am

   I agree completely with this film review. Each character steals the show at one point or another. The soundtrack also did wonders for this film, not saying it wouldn’t have been a good film, but the soundtrack definitely made things hillarious and suspenseful in an aristic type of way. The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly is a film that has inspired so many directors (Quentin Tarantino) obviously. This film had unique camera angles, as well as close-up shots showing the most interesting ways of capturing certain pictures. Everything in this film was specifically placed in a way that made it perfect.
2. Scott Reid 06.21.10 / 8am

   A good review. I like the term “buddy picture”, and the “using marked cards” being Tuco’s worst crime comment. This use of smart humor mirrors the films subtle jabs. All three characters not only steal the show they all star in sideshows of their own. This, along with the aforementioned cinematography and soundtrack is what makes the film what it is. A very long, yet very entertaining influential classic. I find it interesting that a group of Italians on location in Spain could produce such a film that tested and bested the traditional American made Westerns. It just goes to show the quality of writing and directing offered here. Proof that quality films retain good connection with the human experience regardless of language and fictionality. Thanks to Leone and crew do we have the Western if not the cinema of today.
3. Ryan Martin 06.21.10 / 10am

   I saw a clip of this film duringmy film review class and have heard so many pop culture references made to it; I think I should really go out and see it someday soon. Sounds like a great film with a fun plot. A lot of these themes have been redone later. Didn’t Zorro, with Antonio Banderas have two characters doing the capture, return thing? I am sure I have seen the double-crossing over assassination jobs done too. If this was the original or not, I still think it would be great to go see the movie.
4. Ryan Martin 06.21.10 / 11am

   Just to add: I am not usually a big western movie fan. They seemed scary to me as a kid and to have few standout aspects as an adult; I remember being 11 and thinking any movie named Tombstone was probably not a movie I wanted to see. However, certain classics demand seeing because they stand out among a particular genre, and this movie is probably one of them. Besides, though similar, Western movies can vary a lot, from Wild Wild West to No Country for Old Men to (which I loved) to The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. So, perhaps I should start rethinking my feelings towards Westerns starting with this movie…
5. Nick Armentrout 06.21.10 / 8pm

   This is an accurate review of the film. I agree mostly about the part of Eli Wallach. He steals every scene that he is in with his piercing eyes and cool demeanor. Clint Eastwood is by far my favorite western icon (yes, even more that John Wayne). Clint is the ultimate cowboy/outlaw figure with his signature attitude and dark grin. Director Sergio Leone is a legend due to his usage of extreme close-ups and long shots. I love how the film depicted the realization of the historical civil war while incorporating the famous conflicts/scenes. This definitely started the trend with limited dialogue and long lasting action. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly will always be a cult classic and western favorite. Sergio Leone left the film world with a plethora of masterpieces for other film makers to study.
6. Taylor Linkenhelt 06.24.10 / 2pm

   This Review got to the point of the movie. Focusing in on the three characters that make up the movie, but also personify what the movie is trying to say. Each character could have their own review, however this review covered each character just enough to see what they are about and represent. It was great that the review mentioned Ennio Morricone, because that sound track to that movie is amazing, it also put that perfect feeling to the film of being in the old dirt west. This movie is one of my favorites and will always be a classic, this review does a great job of introducing anyone who hasnt, but wants to see the movie.
7. Lauren Shelby 06.26.10 / 11am

   i just recently watched this film for my film class and was very pleased with it. I enjoyed the story, although my father always playing westerns on the tv might have a little to do with it, and thought that the characters all brought a different perspective to the movie. Although i thought Wallace did a great job, my favorite character was Clint Eastwood’s Blondie. I have seen much of Eastwood’s more current work, Gran Torino being one of my favorites, i had not seen anything he did when he was a lot younger. Until I found out that this was a spaghetti western I thought for sure it was filmed in the United States. I thought Leone did an amazing job portraying America in this film. I am very glad I chose this movie.
8. Grant Harvey 06.27.10 / 10pm

   If Quentin Tarinto says this is the best film ever made, I’m willing to bet it’s at least close. When I watched it, the pace took me a little by surprise. No, this film is not a high speed break-neck pace romp – it’s slow, and that was what was surprising, especially compared to today’s cinema. But when I got used to it, I really liked it, and while the acting was internalized and the tension was built up a great deal by the score and the cinematography, I actually feel the pace of the film added a ton of drama. Consider the first scenes where the characters are introduced; Tuco’s introduction has a long build-up with a quick finish, which really worked in contrast to said long build-up and added to his character. And Angel Eyes’ introduction was so tense that I almost cringed. You knew something horrible was going to happen when he walks into his victim’s house and sits down and begins eating, his eyes piercing his victim’s soul. Such a good scene (I also believe it inspired the opening scene of Inglorious Basterds)
   Great film, and while I found it slow moving I also like that element.
9. Brendon Garner 07.06.10 / 5pm

   Such a solid film, the opening sequence is one of my favorite of all time. The review is quite spot on, Wallach never lessens his grip on the camera and provides an amazing performance, out doing even his legendary role in The Magnificent Seven. Fist Full of Dollars is still my favorite in the Dollars series but there is not doubt to the excellence of The Good, The Bad & The Ugly. Leaving Tuco there at the end is such a perfect ending, he won’t kill him but that doesn’t mean he has to save him
10. Jacquelyn Lowe 10.01.10 / 12am

    They say that, “the third times the charm.” Sergio Leone certainly nailed the hammer on the head with the now classic film, “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.” This is a great film review. The author captures the essence of the film very well. The music and cinematography were amazing. Every time I watch it I see something new like Citizen Kane. I think that the great films do this. Eli Wallach as Tuco “the Ugly” was brilliant. He was a despicable character but somehow you ended up liking him. It really was the role of a lifetime. Clint Eastwood “aka” Blondie was cool, calm and collected a portrayal that would become his trademark. Watching this film I recognized techniques that have become commonplace but at the time they were made must have been quite exciting to see. I never thought of this film a buddy picture. Blondie and Tuco are friends but they are also enemies. Their relationship is complicated and the chemistry between these two characters just somehow comes together and makes The Good, the Bad and the Ugly the fantastic work of cinema that is it.
11. Christopher Ray 10.15.10 / 9pm

    This film is hands down one of the greatest films in the history of film making at least in my opinion. Sergio Leone is the king of spaghetti westerns and Clint Eastwood is simply put one of the greatest actors of all time. Clint Eastwood fits this role as if he lived it himself. He embodies the spirit of the old style western films. The story is amazing and kept me highly interested for the entire 3 hour length. Sergio Leone’s genius shines through in this film and I haven’t talked to one person that saw this movie and didn’t wish that they themselves were Blondie. The connection that Clint Eastwood had with Eli Wallach is not one to be forgotten. They work together seamlessly. This film just had the perfect combination of acting, directing, and an amazing story.
12. Jonathan Schott 10.21.10 / 5am

    I find the notion of this motion picture being described as a “buddy picture,” but I like it in so far as it is an odd way to describe the dysfunction that exists between the two leads. Upon watching the “Man With No Name” movies, I felt badly how little Van Cleef was used in this movie, as he’s a great talent, but Wallach did quite a bit to help me really enjoy this movie anyway…

    The movie does have a nice pace to it, and it is silly not to recognize the influence “The Man With No Name” movies have had for good, bad, or ugly. Yet again, it is interesting that the two leads never seem to actively do away with the other despite doing everything else but. Freud would have a field day with this, wondering if it’s drama or Brokeback that never pulled the trigger…
13. Deok Kim 07.19.11 / 11pm

    The Good, the Bad and the Ugly has by far the best story-telling in almost every movie I have ever seen. Sergio Leone is a genius and this movie captures the audience from the first scene. It is also interesting as the first scene almost appears to be the middle of the movie. The acting is superb and the dialogue or sometimes the lack thereof pushes this movie to the top of my must see list. Everything about this movie is special such as the music, the actors, the story-telling and the hysterical moments in the film. The only thing I wished to change about the movie was the less than stellar welcome it got from Hollywood as I consider this movie to be a masterpiece. Awesome movie.
14. B.J. Sepulvado 01.30.13 / 10pm

    head em up, move em out…
    Mr. Eastwood’s performance is inspiring, in many ways. His male delineation leaves no one confused. He pursues his agenda, with closeups that today’s actors would love to have in their cinema portfolio. Different times,yes. Attention spans were greater, (yes I actually remember.) From Rawhide to Italy, Mr. Eastwood’s horse made the swim well. He gave us the acceptable slows. Neil Young said ” When I was faster, I was always behind. ” Imagine a Neil Young score of an Eastwood movie today. Old man, look at…..
    Ciao, BJ
15. Jacob Houchen 02.10.13 / 11am

    This review hits on a lot of great points. The actors in the film were absolutely perfect for the role they were playing. Eli Wallach was so attune to his character and that definitely brought the whole movie up throughout. I think that Clint Eastwood did a phenomenal job in providing the iconic American cowboy look in what was essentially one of the, if not the most classic Spaghetti Western to date. He was sparse on dialogue, but when he spoke it was witty and played effortlessly. This was extremely evident in the scenes where he could use his sarcasm to overcome bad situation that he had put himself in to.
    Overall, this movie is a standout for me. It took the semantics of the western genre and completely threw out the syntactics to form its own perfectly blended sub-genre film. The acting was phenomenal and so to was the iconic soundtrack that carried the story along. I would hands down recommend this film to anyone looking for a fun and wild ride of a movie.
16. Michael Monteleone 03.22.13 / 7am

    “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly” I watched the other day for the first time and loved it. I would have to agree with this review and thought this film did an exceptional job he making the personality’s of the three main actors, the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. One thing I liked this film did was adding the “Ugly” character in the film. Everyone has seen a film with a good and a bad person but never has their been an “Ugly.” I don’t mean I like this film because there was an ugly person in it but because they used the “Ugly” as another viewpoint the viewer could learn from. We understand want kind of person the “Ugly” is throughout the film and what he had to go through. We all now what good and bad people act like but for the first time a film gave viewer the perspective of what the film calls, the Ugly. Overall I loved everything about this film and would recommend this film to anyone to watch.
17. xueting bai 10.17.13 / 1am

    I watch The good, the Bad and the Ugly, I think it is a wonderful film. Even if after decades, this film still shine in the film world. The film have a good plot, it let the film become unpredictable. And actors in the film have brilliant performance. Not only that, for all I know, this film have huge influence for the world. This film review excellent, it show me more details. Through this film review, I begin to remember some details. And I don’t know some things before, until I see them in this film review. And those make me more enlightened.
18. Bin Xu 10.18.13 / 2pm

    The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly is very excellent. I think this is the best good film about west films. The plot twists make the film more splendid. Three characters fight for each others. Civil War is the setting in the film, the film show us some viewpoint about war. My favourite character is the Ugly. I think the Ugly is vivid, and he look like a real person. Ha have many defect, he is not perfect but not very bad. However, this film is very good, he make me shines. It’s men’s film, I will introduce it to my friends.
19. Erika Navarro 02.25.14 / 1pm

    This review got the point of the story over very well, pretty straightforward and to the point. The film techniques that were mentioned, with the wide angles, to close ups, also struck me as something more important to mention, because it adds to the dynamics of the classic western and shoot-out style. Wollach, I also agree did a superb job in stealing the spot-light in each scene he was in, and Clint Eastwood complimented the screen very well with him. It is hard to even mention the film without Clint Eastwood’s name involved because he is the quintessential icon of westerns, and an overall character you find yourself rooting for. Definitely a classic film that everyone should watch!
20. dfitzgerald 03.19.14 / 10pm

    This is a great review of the film The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. I definitely agree that it is a “grand masterpiece in storytelling.” I am typically not a huge country-western film fan but this movie completely changed my mind. Just when I thought the movie was ending or getting boring, there was a plot twist that turned the story around. My favorite character in the film was definitely Tuco. I thought Eli Wallace did a great job with creating an authentic and hilarious character and approve the statement that he steals every scene he is in. This film is a classic and I recommend it to everyone.
21. Jennifer Zirbes 07.03.14 / 10pm

    I agree with this film review, it is one of my favorite movies! I liked all the characters, including the bad. They were all essential to the plot. I liked the music a lot as well, it complemented all the scenes. Especially when they are fighting in the graveyard over the treasure, the music was perfect! I liked it when Tuco “The Ugly” and Blondie “The Good” were working together to find the gold. They were a good team and very funny. This movie I think is the best one in the series, and I would recommend it to anyone who has not seen it.
22. Burke R. Miller 08.25.14 / 6pm

    The Good , The Bad and The Ugly is about 3 outlaws that are very dangerous and that basically steal from everyone. “The Good” is played by Clint Eastwood who is the Bounty Hunter but sells one of the bandits to different towns and then rescues him before he is hanged in each of the towns. No body can trust these guys and ironically they cannot trust each other either. Their ultimate goal is to work together to find gold and I will leave it up to the reader to watch the movie to see if they ever find the gold.
23. Sarbjot Singh 07.18.15 / 7pm

    Overall the film was very good, having action made it more appealing. The review is completely accurate, explaining the roles of each characters. The director did do a good job showing each characters, using angle and close up shots. Having one character steal their own parts of the film, made it even more unique. The sound effect had helped to give an intense moment some character. I personally enjoyed the movie, because of the Good and the Ugly characters. They reminded the cartoon show of Tom and Jerry, a never ending chase that includes laughter and some pain. Overall the review is perfect for the film but it was brief; would have liked more details.
24. Nicholas Ruiz 03.16.18 / 10pm

    This is a great review of this movie. I personally loved this movie a ton. The way that the main characters all came together in a few of the scenes was comical. I like how you made sure to mention that Tuco steals in almost every scene that he is. I found that part to be hilarious, he couldn’t help himself. The camera work that you noted was a big reason why I found this film so interesting. It was nice to see a film with such abnormal filming techniques for the time. I really like how Sergio Leone used the different frames to clearly express the emotions that the characters were feeling at the time. Great review!
25. vigneshm 03.17.18 / 12pm

    I saw the “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly” as a part of my film class this quarter. What a mind-blowing movie it was. It lived up to all my expectations build upon years of pop culture references. It doesn’t feel dated at all. There are lot of haunting facets of the film that stay in your mind for long – the wide angle shots of the desert, the fantastic score, the harsh look of the film, the sunburnt, dusty and dirty looking faces. Truly iconic film in the careers of Clint Eastwood and Sergio Leone. It made me watch all other Leone films.
26. Spenser Chalkley 10.17.19 / 10pm

    I watched “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly” during my Introduction to Film class during the summer. It truly is a masterpiece of film, although incredibly long at over 3 hours long. One of the staples apart from the acting in my opinion was Ennio Morricone’s score. Beautiful, ethereal and haunting all at the same time, and it adds a major depth to the film; especially during the scene where Tuco is running around the graveyard searching for the grave to Morricone’s “The Ecstasy Of Gold.”

    In addition, the at-times, long, drawn out pacing of the shots from distance to extreme close up makes the tension and structure of the film really remarkable, and it doesn’t feel like any other Western. It takes repeated viewings to appreciate, I think, but when you do pay attention to tall the parts that Sergio Leone pulls together, it is a movie like no other.
27. Gavin Gerbershagen 11.19.20 / 5pm

    I liked the pacing of your review. Beginning with the climax of the film where the three mens’ fates are intertwined, then going back and giving stories specific to the character. Most of your review is a summary of the three character, but I like the transition into the filmmaker and the outstanding Eli Wallach. Your description of his character along with praise of Wallach is something I completely agree with. However, I do not understand why your focus was only on him and your review still followed the name of the film. Either there should have been additional information on the other actors, the title should have been better fit to the review. Overall, I enjoyed it.
28. Jason Beckman 02.14.22 / 11am

    One of the things I found most engaging about this film, as you stated in your review, is the differentiation in camera angles that Leone utilizes to create the desired atmosphere. Close-ups to provide tension, wide-angles to paint a picture of the environment, and long shots to establish new facets to the main story (like the bridge / battle scene). I also wholeheartedly agree that Tuco (Eli Wallach) was the most memorable character in the movie. His rants directed at Blondie and his jittery enthusiasm when nearing the gold (among other things) really sell the character, and make him more fleshed-out than any other character in the movie. You can see when Tuco attempts to manipulate others for his own gain, or when others get under his skin. The elatedness he shows throughout the film alongside his untrustworthy betrayals makes him a perfect antihero, with aspects of both protagonist and antagonist.
29. Kaden Anderson 03.04.23 / 11pm

    The Good the Bad and the Ugly is one of my favorite westerns ever. It has so many twists and turns that it is hard to keep up but impossible to loose interest. There so many points in the film where I was thinking it was over and I couldn’t be surprised, but then of course there would be another unexpected encounter that would carry the story into another adventurous stage. The thing I noticed that both the film and Kathleen highlighted was “the ugly” or Tuco. A lot of times stories are simply told and good and bad, but to add a little something in between I feel made it a lot more interesting and believable. I think That Tuco is quite possibly the most important character of the whole film and I’m glad that was recognized in this review.

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