Review #40 | "The Magnificent Seven" (2016)

"The Magnificent Seven" dazzles with star power and special effects, but lacks in justice. With such names as Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, and Ethan Hawke, draw to the box office has surely never been a worry for MGM and Columbia. If the film were strictly driven by the devices of the Seven, all choices would be justified. However, what the Seven share in combat skill is not made up in plot structure development.

The protagonist of the story is Emma Cullen, her husband (played by Matt Bomer for less then 10 minutes), is killed by the big baddie and the town is left in despair as their livelihoods are being taken away from them. The stakes are very high, past life and death, so she enlists a justice of the peace to help her take back the town. Unknown to Emma, Chisolm, played by Denzel Washington, has an agenda of his own against big baddie Bogue. It is Emma's actions and determination which drive the plot until the very end. All the way, she is shut down by the male Seven even when she shows skill, determination, and willingness. Most of her screen time is spent tending to children and waiting on the Seven. Emma is the vastly underappreciated driving force of this film. Dear filmmakers, just because the woman gets the winning shot doesn't mean you have justified her treatment.

The acting if phenomenal though. The director managed to get great performances out of all the actors in the midst of intense gunfire, explosions, and combat. Although, that task probably isn't as hard as it sounds when you have acquired an expert cast. Still, that feat should be recognized. That kind of filming schedule and environment would be tough on anyone.

The cinematography is stunning. Each frame is set up for a particular moment and development. No screen time is wasted on an unnecessary shot, there is always more behind the surface. There is a lovely shot towards the end of the film when Emma is blurred behind Chisolm: in perfect proportion, she is framed by the rim of his hat and shoulder. Weather on purpose or on accident, it's a beautiful, reflective shot. The feeling of reflexivity is consistent, which may enhance the motives of each character who have their own reasons for joining the team to make up the Magnificent Seven.

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Rated PG-13. Runs 2h 13m.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua. Starring Haley Bennett, Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, Ethan Hawke, Vincent D'Onofrio, Byung-hun Lee, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Martin Sensmeier, and Peter Sarsgaard.