While the western genre is not my personal favourite of all the different film genres, there has always been a high appreciation for it and like all genres there are a number of classic ones out there. Mystery is more up my street, am a big fan of that genre and have been for pretty much half my life thanks to primarily Agatha Christie. Was very intrigued as to how 'Money, Women and Guns' would balance these two together, as it is always interesting seeing a film that mix both.
'Money, Women and Guns' had potential, as the concept was interesting, but to me the execution didn't quite click which was unfortunate. It is watchable and in a way interesting, but 'Money, Women and Guns' doesn't ever rise above competent (in some areas it is not even that) and is more a one-time watch for curiosity's sake than repeat viewings-worthy. The Western and mystery mix doesn't quite gel and a lot more could have been done with both individually.
There are certainly things done well, anybody that has read any of my other reviews will gather that it takes a lot for me these days to call something irredeemable. 'Money, Women and Guns' is a beautifully photographed film with a good deal of eye catching colour and atmosphere. The setting is also handsomely designed, not sweeping but it didn't strike me as amateurishly done at all. The music rouses enough and doesn't jar at least.
A couple of performances are above average, dependable Gene Evans coming off best and Jock Mahoney just about brings the right amount of edge to the lead role. The conclusion is interesting and when the film finally generates some excitement.
However, 'Money, Women and Guns' has quite a number of flaws. It all feels on the competent but routine side. Being too heavy on the talk and too light on the action, and the problem is neither the talk or action are executed particularly well. The script doesn't always flow and could have done with a tightening up. What there is of the action fails to generate a lot of excitement or suspense.
Both the Western and mystery elements of the story are flawed. The mystery aspect comes off a little better, as it does intrigue and is not too obvious or complicated. More tension and surprises would have been more welcome, not much new here. The Western aspect is barely there other than the setting and the sporadic action. The direction is not particularly distinguished and most of the acting is nothing special. Actually found Kim Hunter especially quite bland and her character not particularly necessary, she and Mahoney don't have an awful lot of chemistry going on either.
Summing up, watchable but nothing to set guns blazing. 5/10
'Money, Women and Guns' had potential, as the concept was interesting, but to me the execution didn't quite click which was unfortunate. It is watchable and in a way interesting, but 'Money, Women and Guns' doesn't ever rise above competent (in some areas it is not even that) and is more a one-time watch for curiosity's sake than repeat viewings-worthy. The Western and mystery mix doesn't quite gel and a lot more could have been done with both individually.
There are certainly things done well, anybody that has read any of my other reviews will gather that it takes a lot for me these days to call something irredeemable. 'Money, Women and Guns' is a beautifully photographed film with a good deal of eye catching colour and atmosphere. The setting is also handsomely designed, not sweeping but it didn't strike me as amateurishly done at all. The music rouses enough and doesn't jar at least.
A couple of performances are above average, dependable Gene Evans coming off best and Jock Mahoney just about brings the right amount of edge to the lead role. The conclusion is interesting and when the film finally generates some excitement.
However, 'Money, Women and Guns' has quite a number of flaws. It all feels on the competent but routine side. Being too heavy on the talk and too light on the action, and the problem is neither the talk or action are executed particularly well. The script doesn't always flow and could have done with a tightening up. What there is of the action fails to generate a lot of excitement or suspense.
Both the Western and mystery elements of the story are flawed. The mystery aspect comes off a little better, as it does intrigue and is not too obvious or complicated. More tension and surprises would have been more welcome, not much new here. The Western aspect is barely there other than the setting and the sporadic action. The direction is not particularly distinguished and most of the acting is nothing special. Actually found Kim Hunter especially quite bland and her character not particularly necessary, she and Mahoney don't have an awful lot of chemistry going on either.
Summing up, watchable but nothing to set guns blazing. 5/10