The Magnificent Seven (PG) ****

By Alan Samuel

       Good scripts can bring out the best in actors. Sony Pictures revives the western with The Magnificent Seven. Triumphant on all levels these seven desperadoes are scoring a ten at Cineplex Odeon Theatres around B.C.

      Once in a while a director knows the genre and gives audiences what they want. Think Quentin Tarantino, George Lucas or Steven Spielberg. Give it up to Antone Fuqua who continues to get better and better with each passing film. Now Antone has assembled a perfect cast in this breathtakingly beautiful shot tail of of despair and determination.

       Set in The mid nineteenth century way out west in the American frontier it is clear from the outset that one local community is under the thumb of a robber baron tyrant named Barholomew Bogue. Doing evil real good in a decidedly creepy performance is Peter Sarsgard.

Bad guys need to face off against heroes to keep things interesting. Tired of superheroes with extraordinary imaginative powers. Forget the magic and turn up the heat as a motley group of down and out once hardened villains turn their bad talents to good use in an effort to save the town. Every army needs a leader and this hand grouped gang of misfits and malcontents are fortunate to  follow the lead of chief rabble Sam Chisolm. Decked out in black with meant set of pistols is Denzel Washington. Watch out as those steely eyes and lean physique are in for a rough ride as Chisolm's  band of seven merry men must tangle with a better equipped army.

          Moments of comic relief Here are presented by a cocky Chris Pratt and a bible spewing Vincent D'Nofrio. Superbly choreographed fights wild horse back riding and plenty of dust ups make for a really invigorating time here.